[TowerTalk] LMR-900

[Steve Maki]

Roger (K8RI) wrote:

>>> It is extremely unusual to see an amateur installation using a size larger
>>> than LMR600.

>> I would say unusual, but not extremely unusual. In fact there is a lot
>> of 1-5/8" Heliax out there. I know, I'm nit-picking :)

> My entire system is LMR-600 with the exception of some Davis 
> BuryFlex(TM) pigtails, and drops to the 80 meter slopers. I use RG-8X to 
> the 40 meter half wave slopers. I opted for the 8X due to the small 
> size, low wind resistance, relatively short runs (bout 40') and low SWR 
> on 40.  The voltages get too high at the 80 meter band edges for the 
> 8X.  I don't know how long it'll stand up to the legal limit, but it's 
> done fine so far.
> 
> NOW for both ends of the spectrum, if I could find some 7/8, to 1 1/4 
> Heliax cheap with connectors, I'd certainly use it for 160 meters as 
> well as 50, 144, and 440. With HF I'd stick with the LMR 600 as the 
> overall runs are about 228' (EXCEPT)OTOH there's probably not a 
> noticeable difference between the 400 and 400 80 through 10 even with 
> 228 feet of coax.  OTOH we are limited to 50 watts output on the 440 
> band in this area so I want to get every watt to the antenna possible.


I've got long runs to deal with - 500' to the base of one tower, 400' to 
another, etc., and good stock on 1-5/8" Heliax and 1-5/8" Cell Reach, so 
you can guess what became irresistible.

Plus I sold tons of it to others, so I know it's out there.

-Steve K8LX