Where does everyone buy coax

[KJ4LTC]

Where is the cheapest place to get rg-58 and rg-8x coax??

[K3DAV]

Hi Mike.

I notice you are a Tech class. I only mention that because if you are looking to use RG-59 and RG-8X, to be used for VHF/UHF installations, they are both known to be leaky coax, and not a good feedline for those bands. Lots of loss on higher frequencies.

But if that is what you want, go to Radio Shack. They sell the cheap stuff for a reasonable price.

Now if you decide to look for the better coax, then check any of the big ham radio dealers like Associated radio, HRO, Giga-Parts, Ham City, R&L.....etc...

Good luck.

[K1DNR]

You can sometimes find deals. EBay, Google.

Be careful what you buy. I once ended up with a great deal on 50 ohm coax, but it had an aluminum/foil shield - which I did not know when I bought it. (assumed it was copper like all the other 50 ohm I had worked with)

Not easy to work with aluminum, hard to solder - I was able to use it, but...

Buyer beware.

[K9STH]

Radio Shack coax has to improve greatly even to make the level of dismal! I used to buy their RG58/U coax in 1000 foot spools to use as "leaky line" antennas in the 47 CFR Part 15 960 MHz band. The shielding was lousy and that is just what is needed for a "leaky line" antenna. The cost was like 10 cents a foot rather than over 4 dollars a foot for Andrew Radiax.

The other use that I have found for Radio Shack coaxial cable is to strip the outer sheath from the cable and then remove the braid. When flattened the braid has numerous uses and is considerably cheaper than buying just braid.

With the exception of those 2 uses, I do not recommend Radio Shack coaxial cable.

Also, their r.f. connectors are generally worse than the cable! They are as expensive as good quality connectors and are very problematic to install and in their performance.

Glen, K9STH

[KL7AJ]

I don't BUY coax; I HAVE coax.

[KC8VWM]

Coax is heavy and shipping costs are my main cost related consideration.

I try to plan my feedline purchase needs in advance. I will attend hamfests and buy feedline from the vendors there as it's the best price around. Besides, there's no shipping $$$ involved.

For example, instead of RG8x, I picked up a 100 foot roll of slightly used Andrews Heliax with connectors attached for the grand total of $20.00 at a hamfest last year. It works perfectly.

Prior to getting feedline at hamfests here in 5 land, I used to travel 2 miles away to Universal Radio to make my feedline purchases.

I don't think Radio Shack even carries RG8x anymore. (Not that it's really that good to use anyways.)

But to answer your question, DX Engineering seems to have the cheapest price on RG8x per foot these days but you will have to pay shipping $$$.

[WA7PRC]

Where is the cheapest place to get rg-58 and rg-8x coax??
I've been buying from Davis RF (http://www.davisrf.com/coax.php). Cost is comparable with others and the quality is good.

Not all RG-cable is created the same. The thing to do is look at the specifications. There can be significant differences in the materials and construction. For example, better coax will have a high percentage of shield coverage. Davis RF handles a wide selection of coaxial cables.

[KB9HGI]

I buy mine from this guy on ebay I have bought several and he sells it in 20 50 and 100ft and I think a few other sizes. Anyway he is great to do business with and ships very fast.

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-Ft-RG-8X-Coax-Antenna-Cable-PL-259-Ham-Radio-RG8X-/300472122591?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f588bcdf

[4L4AGU]

I have XYL in china and buy cables there. Price is 2-3 times lower than same specs times microwave or belden cable. I havent checked it on high frequencies, but for HF it seems to be fine. If you need considerable amount (1000 meters or more), manufacturer will add custom marking on jacket, or even custom color, such as pink or green :)

[WN9HJW]

Any of the ham radio vendors online. Davis RF. Wireman. Universal Radio. Ham Radio Outlet. Just to name a few. Or wait for a hamfest in your area.

[K9PAC]

As noted already, hamfests are good sources, unless it has been soaked or kinked badly. I'd recommend CableExperts, too, if you want new or are unsure of your ability to put on terminations. Helps for me that they are only 20 minutes away if traffic is good.

[NL7W]

That's www.thewireman.com

I have always like them and their products. :)



Any of the ham radio vendors online. Davis RF. Wireman. Universal Radio. Ham Radio Outlet. Just to name a few. Or wait for a hamfest in your area.

[N0LWF]

I get my coax from Jefa Tech.

[KB2FCV]

For my Times Microwave LMR-400 needs I have been going here:
http://shop.ebay.com/sagemaiden/m.html?_dmd=1&_ipg=50&_sop=10&_rdc=1

For heliax I went here:
http://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=342_344_418&products_id=1484

Both are excellent coax. A bit pricey, but I've always believed in buying the best quality coax I can afford.

Remember, the radio is only as good as it's antenna.

[W7SAT]

I've been buying from Davis RF (http://www.davisrf.com/coax.php). Cost is comparable with others and the quality is good.

Not all RG-cable is created the same. The thing to do is look at the specifications. There can be significant differences in the materials and construction. For example, better coax will have a high percentage of shield coverage. Davis RF handles a wide selection of coaxial cables.

Yup, I second Davis RF. They are the only place I buy my coax. They make a great product.

[AE5JU]

Lots of places to by, but it is hard to beat $0.29 / foot (in any quantity, buy one foot or a hundred) at Universal Radio. This is where I've been buying RG-8x. (#2247 in the link below)

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/cable/coax.html

[4L4AGU]

That's www.thewireman.com

I have always like them and their products. :)


I once needed 10000' antenna wire. They never responded to my mails. Very silly designed website, and company also seems to be the same.

[K3STX]

Try The RF Connection in Gaithersburg, MD

http://www.therfc.com/

Prices are great, and Joel and the other boys there are great too! You will be very happy with anything you buy from them, they don't sell junk.

paul

[KM1H]

I get RG-11 reel ends from CATV installers and use crimp connectors. Nothing wrong with 75 Ohms on a rice box or amp. RG-6 works well also for up to SB-200 power levels.

Carl

[KF6A]

Where is the cheapest place to get rg-58 and rg-8x coax??The correct question should be; where is the most cost effective place to purchase coax. Cheap is not what you want in coax. That said I purchase all of my coax from The Wireman. Press is awesome to work with and they have very competitive prices.