As we present Part 4 in our series on Choosing the Right Coaxial Cable, you’ve likely come to understand from earlier posts that shopping for the ideal coax is not a one-type-fits-all proposition. Click on these links to find out the unique properties and uses of these types of coaxial cables discussed in earlier posts:
- DX Engineering RG-214 Double-Shielded 50-ohm Coaxial Cable
- RG-400 High-Isolation Double-Shielded 50-ohm Coaxial Cable
- 400MAX Low-Loss 50-ohm Coaxial Cable
Today, we look at RG-8/U Low-Loss 50-ohm Foam Dielectric Coax, a durable and versatile cable that makes a superb choice for a range of HF, UHF, and VHF applications.
Specs:
- Custom-made for DX Engineering
- Super-flexible jacket made with UV-resistant, Type I PVC
- Large 11 AWG stranded copper center conductor
- Modern, gas-injected foam polyethylene dielectric that cannot absorb moisture and has excellent shielding with minimum 95 percent coverage copper braid
- Far surpasses the capabilities of the moisture-collecting foam RG-8/U of 35 years ago
Uses:
- Great for all indoor and above-ground outdoor applications
- Well suited for short interconnections as well as long cable runs in low- or high-power operations
Installing Connectors:
Watch this video on preparing DXE-8U and other 50-ohm coaxial cables for installation of solder-type PL-259 and two-piece solder-type N connectors using DX Engineering DXE-UT-8213 Cable Stripping Tools.
Availability: DXE RG-8U is available as assemblies in 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 foot lengths with DX Engineering’s next-generation, patented silver-plated brass-bodied DX Engineering Crimp/
Solder 8U PL-259 (UHF male) connectors on both ends. 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: “Flexible. Really good quality coax. I had been running 400 single center core coax, which has not been easy to run in and around my base equipment. This RG-8U makes life a WHOLE lot easier.”
Five Stars: “I reviewed all the different kinds of heavy-duty coaxial cable on line. I liked the components of your RG8 the best, and the price was right.”
Five Stars: “This is amazing! The connectors are smooth, well secured to the coax and heat-shrinked. I’m so confident in this product I just ordered more pre-assembled coax and I’ll be buy even more soon. I’ve attached this to a dipole and a role up J-pole and have pulled it into a tree 100 times already and it still looks as good as the day I got it. Keep up the good work DX Engineering, and thank you for a solid product!”
Five Stars: “This cable is very well constructed and meets or beats the quality of some expertly assembled coax that I have been using for years. I expect long and good service from this cable and recommend it to others with confidence.”
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.
