• Choosing coax types
• Making coax patch cables

• Power
• Frequency
• Length, location, & use
• Connectors

• High power vs. low
• QRP

• HF
• VHF
• UHF or higher

• Long (e.g., feedline) vs. short (patch)
• Indoors
  • Short radius turns?
• Outdoors
  • Water resistance
  • UV resistance
  • Weight (EFHW vs. dipole)

• Don’t exceed power handling capacity
• Minimize signal loss (attenuation)
• Minimize cost
• “As short as possible”

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14FFnRm2fk9u0FUJHsBTqYPRzI6EGs8cr6EH4aVEpFCo/edit?usp=sharing

• Low power
  • In shack: RG-58 or RG-8X
  • Outside/feedline:
    • Short-runs or dipole centers RG-58 or RG-8X
    • RG-8U/RG-213 with a solid support

• Higher power
  • In shack: RG-8U/RG-213
  • Outside/feedline: RG-8U/RG-213 or LMR-400

• https://www.onallbands.com/coaxial-cable-guide-understanding-the-differences-among-types-of-coaxial-cable%EF%BB%BF/
• https://www.qsradio.com/coax-and-connector-info.html
• https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/cable/coaxperf.html
• https://messi.it/en/comparison-chart-50-ohm-cables.htm

• https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/chartsguides/d/dxe-400max_ks.pdf
• https://www.hamradioschool.com/post/coaxial-loss-t9b05

• Coax
• Connectors (usually 2x male, but YMMV)
  • Specific to coax type
  • Specific to attachment type: solder vs. crimp/solder
• Crimp tool (if crimping), solder + soldering iron (for both)
• Cutting/prep tool (optional, but handy)

• Side cutters (for trimming braid)
• Heat shrink + heat gun or tape (optional but advised)

• Fun
• Learn new skill
• Save $
  • Pre-made: $28.99 (3’) - $30.49 (6’)
  • Pay for tool cost in about 3 cables

• Coax
  • RG-8X https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-8x

• Connectors (PL-259/UHF Male)
  • Crimp/solder type https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-pl259cs8x-6
  • Solder type
    • Connector https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-pl259-6
    • RG-8X reducer https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-ug176s-6/part-type/coaxial-connectors

• Cutting/prep tool
  • Crimp/solder connector type https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-ut-240c-p1
  • Solder connector type https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-ut-808x

• Or combo cutting/crimp toolset
  • Deluxe Coax Crimp Kit https://www.qsradio.com/shop-now.html#!/Deluxe-Coax-Crimp-Kit/p/50841245/category=8446815

• There’s only one “law” psychologists have proven
  • Fitt’s Law: speed vs. accuracy
• Pay now or pay later