On paper, my 50W radio tuned to 462 MHz provides 38.7W of RF power at the antenna (120W ERP)...using a 60Ft jumper of LMR 600. I do have N/PL259 adapters on both ends of the cable so maybe a little less. I have not metered it as you did here.
Good to know that my Retivus 6dbi antenna I just bought is coming with crappy cable wire. Going to return and look for a better antenna that comes with quality wire.
Should the SWR meter be between the radio and cable? You have the meter next to the dummy load at the end of the cable. Great for determining loss I guess, but not reflexive RF energy back to radio.
I think something is wrong when the 3 foot cable is loosing from 27 watts at the radio to 22 watts at the end of the 3 foot cable. You should use 2 power meters one at the radio and one at the dummy load to make sure the out going power does not change.
For GMRS nobody should use RG-58 or RG-174 type cable. SHORT lengths of LMR240 or RG8X are OK for mobile (loss is still high) For a base station LMR-600 would be best but LMR400 is OK if length is kept fairly short. The use of N connectors is also a good idea at UHF frequencies,
RG-400 i've put 5kw through RG-400 on my test bench numerous times without issue, excellent coax for thus application in my opinion.
On paper, my 50W radio tuned to 462 MHz provides 38.7W of RF power at the antenna (120W ERP)...using a 60Ft jumper of LMR 600. I do have N/PL259 adapters on both ends of the cable so maybe a little less. I have not metered it as you did here.
Good to know that my Retivus 6dbi antenna I just bought is coming with crappy cable wire. Going to return and look for a better antenna that comes with quality wire.
Should the SWR meter be between the radio and cable? You have the meter next to the dummy load at the end of the cable. Great for determining loss I guess, but not reflexive RF energy back to radio.
The length of the cables makes a difference. Do same test with same length cables there should be a difference.
I think something is wrong when the 3 foot cable is loosing from 27 watts at the radio to 22 watts at the end of the 3 foot cable. You should use 2 power meters one at the radio and one at the dummy load to make sure the out going power does not change.
For GMRS nobody should use RG-58 or RG-174 type cable. SHORT lengths of LMR240 or RG8X are OK for mobile (loss is still high) For a base station LMR-600 would be best but LMR400 is OK if length is kept fairly short. The use of N connectors is also a good idea at UHF frequencies,
But will they send a better cable to everyone? It’s nice that they did it for you but we should all be treated the same.👍🎙
Of course, everyone can get it, we will modify the listing so that everyone can choose according to their needs🙂
great video. thanks
1. Dont test coiled wire.
2. The 1st cable they sent is GARBAGE might as well be using an HT