[Boatanchors] Coaxial cable question

[Jim Wilhite]

I have some Belden RG 8U that I have been using since the mid 1970s and 
it is still good.  But I check it each time before installing by hooking 
a transmitter to one end through a wattmeter and the far end to a dummy 
load.

I load on the frequency band I am going to use and check the power and 
reflected power, then move the wattmeter to between the coax and dummy 
load to see what power is delivered to the load.  If it meets specs then 
I use it.

I have had to replace some connectors (PL 259) which have had let some 
moisture in causing a foot or two of the shield to discolor and 
deteriorate, but if the cable meets specs it will be fine.  You will be 
able to tell if the connectors has admitted moisture by the condition of 
the connector.  Solder will turn into a powder like substance around 
where it is.  If you see the powder, cut the connector off and cut the 
cable back until you see bright shiny shield and re-install a connector.

73

Jim/W5JO


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Y S Lee"


> Hello;
>     I have been using RG-8 and similar coaxial cables for my ham 
> antennas
> from 7Mz to 430MHz. Some cables are over 20 years old and still seem 
> to
> work well. I am thinking of replacing some worrying that they may 
> exhibit high loss
> due to their age. Does some has information on cable loss versus age?
> If they do age then what is useful life time of cables?
> de HL1FB/WW6N


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