[TowerTalk] Evaluating coaxial cable not from a dealer

[Lux, Jim]

On 3/6/21 3:37 PM, Don Moman VE6JY wrote:
> 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?

these days, a $50 VNA to do a synthetic TDR would be good. Fits in a 
shirt pocket and you could use a SMA to cliplead adapter. I wouldn't 
even necessarily try to calibrate it.