[TowerTalk] Evaluating coaxial cable not from a dealer

[Don Moman VE6JY]

Tektronix 1502 TDR or equivalent..... no connectors needed. Measures the
length pretty well too and sees any impedance flaws. Especially bullet
holes.

On Sat, Mar 6, 2021 at 4:32 PM Steve K8JQ <stevejq at suddenlink.net> wrote:

> Occasionally someone will post here or on other amateur radio forums
> coaxial cable for sale. Often unused, left over from a project, on a
> reel, pickup only, as-is where-is, cash. If one were to pursue such a
> purchase, what would one look for and/or do to validate that the cable
> is good?
>
> An eyeball physical inspection of the cable is an obvious thing to do.
> One can see the outer layer of cable on the reel and perhaps both ends
> of the cable. Is that enough?
>
> Should one make some electrical tests before handing over the cash? What
> tests and with what test equipment? A few spot frequencies? Wideband
> sweeps? Antenna analyzer? VNA? Transmitter with power meter? Something
> else? What would you do if both ends are not available or do not have
> connectors?
>
> Is it OK to transport a reel with a few hundred feet (or more) of cable
> on its side or should the reel be "standing up" in the bed of a pickup
> truck?
>
> What else to look for, think about, consider?
>
> Steve, K8JQ
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