Over the next few weeks, OnAllBands will be turning our attention to coaxial cable—a critical part of every station setup that too frequently gets neglected in lieu of adding the latest device. We’ll be looking at the properties and preferred applications of different types of DX Engineering brand coaxial cable, while emphasizing the importance of choosing the right coax for your needs to improve performance for much less of an investment than more expensive and impressive-looking upgrades.
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or prefer your coaxial cable ready to install right out of the package, DX Engineering offers three solutions to accommodate your preference:
- Premade cable assemblies in a variety of types and lengths (3 feet to 200 feet), with DX Engineering’s patented crimp/solder 8U or 8X PL-259 connectors installed on both ends or BNC male ends in some cases
- By the foot and by the roll up to 1,000 feet
- Made to spec (type of cable, connectors on both ends, length) using the online DX Engineering Custom Cable Builder at DXEngineering.com
RG-214 Double-Shielded 50-ohm Coaxial Cable
Specs:
- Specially manufactured for DX Engineering
- Rugged, flexible military-spec construction
- Covered with a black, non-contaminating Type-II-A PVC jacket
- 12-gauge stranded silver-plated copper center conductor
- Solid polyethylene dielectric
- Two layers of silver-plated braided copper shields for exceptional RF isolation and superior power handling performance
Uses:
- Ideal for all outdoor uses and direct-bury applications due to their high level of UV protection and durability
- Perfect for use where many cables are bundled together and higher RF isolation is critical. Use DXE-214 in bundles of multiple monoband and multi-band directional antenna feedlines on towers, especially for rotator loops. This cable excels at maintaining RF isolation in the shack or in the equipment room of stations that have many antenna feedlines.
Installing Connectors:
Due to the double braided shield, the jacket outside diameter of DXE-214 is 0.425″, so it cannot be stripped with the specialized prep tools made for standard 0.405″ OD, RG-8U, 400MAX, and RG-213 size coaxial cables. DX Engineering offers only solder-type PL-259 and N connectors that fit onto DXE-214 cable, but no crimp-type connectors.
Use the DXE-15035 Coax Cable Stripper for DXE-214 and these compatible connectors installed with soldered shield and soldered center pin: PL-259/UHF Male, DXE-PL-259-6, AML-83-1SP-6, Type N, DXE-1001-S-4.
Availability: RG-214 Double-Shielded 50-ohm Coaxial Cable is available as assemblies in 3, 6, 12, 18, or 25 foot lengths with either Amphenol 83-ISP silver-plated PL-259 or DX Engineering silver-plated Type N male connectors. All cable assemblies are hi-pot tested and heat-shrink weather-sealed for the ultimate in service longevity. You can also purchase it by the foot, in 500 or 1,000 foot spools, or fully customized by using DX Engineering’s Custom Cable Builder.
What do hams say?
Five Stars: “Quality construction. We needed to replace some old RG-8 when moving our repeater to a single site. After a little research, we determined RG-214 coax would be needed. This coax is well made with an added strain relief at the connectors. Having silver-plated double shielding with silver-plated connectors is just what we needed.”
Not sure what coaxial cable is right for your station? Looking for tips on maintaining and preparing your cables? Check out these OnAllBands articles:
- Coaxial Cable Guide: Understanding the Differences Among Types of Coaxial Cable
- How to Use DX Engineering’s Custom Cable Builder
- DX Engineering Doubles the Number of Options for Ordering Custom Cable Assemblies Online
- Tips for Tidying Up Cables
- The Right Tools Can Take the Pain Out of Prepping Coaxial Cables
You’ll find coaxial cable; connectors; cable prep tools and kits; cable ties, loops, and wraps; and more at DXEngineering.com.
