[Lowfer] Patch Cords

[Douglas D. Williams]

Since I first became interested in radio and became an amateur radio
operator back in the mid 1980s, coaxial "patch cords" have been a part of
the entire experience.

Like almost all hams back then, I "poo-pood" crimp connectors and thought
that BNC connectors were only good for short runs of RG58 for mobile 2
meter rag chewing. I learned to become adept at soldering PL259 connectors
onto both RG8 and RG58.

Well, the times have changed, IMO.

Now, for my receive only "octopus like" installation for VLF/LF/MF, I
have finally realized that RG8 sized coax is overkill and unwieldy. My new
coaxial cable of choice for jumpers is Times Microwave LMR-195 with BNC
connectors. Truth be told, even that is probably overkill for HF or below,
but I like the dual shielding of braid + aluminum foil.

So, from now on, I am only going to purchase or construct (for receive
purposes) LMR-195 patch cords (yes, crimped, not soldered) with BNC
connectors and then use adaptors for whatever connection incompatibilities
are encountered.


-Doug KB4OER