Before we get to the nitty gritty in Part 5 of our series on Choosing the Right Coaxial Cable, we feel it’s important to highlight one of the most critical components of making sure you receive the cable that meets your precise needs and budget.
Especially for the new operator who wants to get the details correct from the outset, a call or email to the team at DX Engineering can prove as essential to your success as buying a quality rig and antenna. The active operators at DX Engineering have lifetimes of experience installing and troubleshooting coaxial cable in every configuration imaginable. So if you’re not 100% certain about what connectors you need, what length you should purchase, or what’s the difference between RG-8U and RG-8X, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Elmers for friendly and knowledgeable advice.
For today’s post, we’re showcasing RG-8X Low-Loss 50-ohm Foam Dielectric Coaxial Cable, another hugely popular option that provides a range of applications for operators both in and out of the shack.
Specs:
- UV-resistant
- 16 AWG stranded copper center
- Braided copper shield
- Non-contaminating Type II PVC jacket
- New type of foam that cannot gather moisture and has lower loss than old RG-8X foam cables
Uses:
- For moderate-power HF stations or mobile applications where short runs and flexibility are key factors
- Works well as cable jumpers
- Direct-bury applications
Installing Connectors:
Watch this video on Crimp Connector Cable Prep of RG-8X cable using the DX Engineering Prep Tool Kit for Crimp Connectors (DXE-UT-KIT-CC1). Also check out this video on how to use the DXE-UT-808X Cable Stripping Tool for preparing RG-8X for installation of solder-type PL-259 (UHF-Male) and two-piece solder-type N connectors.
Availability: DX Engineering RG-8X is available as assemblies in 1.5, 2, 3, 6, 12, 15, 18, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 foot lengths with DX Engineering’s next-generation, patented silver-plated brass-bodied DX Engineering Crimp/
Solder 8X PL-259 (UHF male) connectors on both ends. RG-8X with BNC male ends is available in 2, 3, 6, 12, 25, and 50 foot lengths. You can also purchase it by the foot, in 1,000 foot spools, or fully customized by using DX Engineering’s Custom Cable Builder.
What do hams say?
Five Stars: “This is a nice coax, flexible, well made, and easy to work with.”
Five Stars: “This is very high quality RG-8X coax cable at a competitive price. I have two antennas (one VHF/UHF and one multiband HF) and each one needs about 75 feet of cable. I’m fortunate to be able to have a short run from my shack to my antenna mast. Longer runs equal more loss of course. But for my setup it works great, and I’m very pleased with it.”
Five Stars: “Quality coax. I especially like that it’s capable of direct bury and is UV-resistant. Easy to work with and solder.”
Five Stars: “This is very good cable, very flexible. I use it in my portable QRP Go Box. I also use for HF antennas with 75-foot runs on my tower.”
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or prefer your coaxial 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
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.
