[TowerTalk] Coax Rating

[Gary J. Ferdinand W2CS]

Ted,

Be careful.  Yes, I have had a meltdown as you call it, using some
hamfest-grade RG8X on a 100 ft run feeding a 1/2 wave on 40.  The power into
the feed line was likely about 700W.   I don't know whether this happened
while operating on 40 or 15.  And here's the caution...you might squeak thru
with a perfectly flat SWR.  But with 3/2 waves I'd bet you will not have
that.  Any SWR will significantly increase the probability of zapping the
line.

As I recall, the rating is about 300V across that foam dielectric.  Less
sure of that than the above. I believe RG58 is actually more forgiving than
RG8X in terms of power handling.

I'm using RG8 now, with a convenient tree to help support the weight so the
antenna doesn't have to see it all.

73/Gary W2CS


| -----Original Message-----
| From: owner-towertalk@contesting.com
| [mailto:owner-towertalk@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Ted & Joyce Wilhelm
| Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2001 11:39 PM
| To: towertalk@contesting.com
| Subject: [TowerTalk] Coax Rating
|
|
| Am planning on trying to put up 3  1/2 waves on 40mtrs. and wonder if
| anyone knows the maximum power that RG8X will handle on a relatively
| short run less than 100 feet....I know I would probably be better off
| with something like 213 or the like but am concerned with the weight
| factor....Anyone had any major meltdowns using the lighter feed line.
| Thanks,
| Ted    K9HUH
|
| --
| FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
| Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
| Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
| Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com
|
|


--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com