[Boatanchors] More On CATV Coax

[Stevan A. White]

I certainly wasn't trying to mislead anyone with how much power RG-6 is 
or isn't good for; but, as Jim points out, RG-6 isn't made for handling 
high power.  It is used mainly for receive systems and it IS cheap and 
plentiful so it is great for lower power transmit and all receive 
antennas.  Most receivers, especially tube type, prefer 75 ohm 
antennas.  Used or leftover RG-6 and old lamp cord, speaker wire or just 
about anything would provide you with an outstanding receive antenna for 
little or no cost.  Don't forget that the local cable company can be a 
good source of used 75 ohm cable which would handle full legal limit 
(and maybe then some) and there's always RG-59 and RG-11.  The point is, 
75 ohm cable isn't nearly as hard to find as you might think and it can 
make building more efficient resonant (single frequency or very narrow 
frequency range) antennas much easier.

Best Regards,
Stevan A. White, W5SAW


Jim Wilhite wrote:
> I can't find the voltage specifications for this stuff right now, 
> but as I recall it is lower than RG 59.  So the 100 watt suggestion 
> is good, particularly if you operate off the frequency your antenna 
> is designed to match 75 ohms.  As you deviate from this center 
> frequency, the voltage goes up and that can spell disaster for you.
>
> Jim/W5JO
>
>