[Elecraft] K3 line patch cables

[Don Wilhelm]

Joe,

My preference for flexible cables in the shack where PL-259 connectors 
are appropriate is RG-8X.  If one needs quick connect/disconnect, then I 
prefer BNC connectors.  Since the lengths are short, loss is not usually 
a consideration at HF.  For a 3 foot long jumper, RG-58 will do just 
fine unless the power level is above 200 watts -- OK, there is no real 
reason to limit the RG58 power to 200 watts, that is just my personal 
"rule of thumb".  RG-58 with Polyethylene dielectric is rated for 1400 
volts, but the foam type is rated for 300 volts.  If the SWR is 1:1, 300 
volts of peak RF equals 225 watts.  RG-8X with foam dielectric has a 
similar voltage rating.  So if you want small coax at a higher power 
level, use the solid polyethylene dielectric, it is rated for 1400 volts 
peak and that can equal up to 4900 watts.

Bottom line, the only place where RG-8 size coax is necessary is at the 
output of a high power amplifier.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/8/2012 6:44 PM, Joe K2UF wrote:
> Doing some station rebuild.  Looking to get new ideas for coax patch cables
> for interconnecting the K3 /P3 /KPA500 /(soon to be KAT500.
>
>   
>
> Using RG8 type/size cable makes connecting all the equipment difficult.
>