Before you consider purchasing a new transceiver, a more efficient antenna, a strong portable mast, a nice supply of coffee, and what you plan to cook up on the grill, take the time to assess your coaxial cable prior to venturing out on ARRL Field Day 2025 (June 28-29).
Here are a few reasons to make your coax priority numero uno:
- Coaxial cable that has seen years of use or shows signs of damage can seriously affect on-air performance.
Watch this video of DX Engineering CEO Tim, K3LR, and Jeff, KB8ZWT, discussing coax, connectors, and more, with plenty of visual examples of coax that deserves a well-earned retirement party. One of the video’s big takeaways: “Even good coax goes bad in time.”
- Cheaper coaxial cable may appear to be doing a decent job, but you’re missing out on vastly improved performance, additional QSOs, and a lot more fun on Field Day by not investing in a higher grade of cable. Like we often say at OnAllBands, you get what you pay for.
- Aside from the camaraderie, food, and contesting that make Field Day special, this annual gathering of hams offers a chance to test your emergency operating capabilities—the event’s main purpose since the first Field Day in 1933. That means you should have reliable gear that performs well. If your coax does what’s it’s supposed to on Field Day, you’ll know it will be ready to rock and roll (out) when you’re called on for critical communication. The last thing you want when emergency messages need to be relayed quickly is having to troubleshoot problematic coaxial cable.
- Operators know that portable or backyard operating is often a lesson in compromise, especially when selecting antennas based on space constraints, lack of trees, etc. One thing you don’t have to compromise on is coax. It’s a relatively small investment in peace of mind and better results. Further, purchase upgraded coaxial cable for Field Day and enjoy its benefits for all your POTA and other activations for years to come.
Why Choose DX Engineering Coaxial Cable?
DX Engineering coaxial cable is trusted by amateur operators everywhere. Select DXE branded coax and you’ll be using the same products relied on by high-profile DXpeditioners who have one shot to get every detail right when traveling halfway around the world (Bouvet Island has lots penguins but no DX Engineering retail showroom, as of yet). If DX Engineering coaxial cable is good enough for these ventures, imagine what it could do for your Field Day ops:
- 2024 Clipperton Island TX5S
(DX Engineering RG-8/U 50-ohm Bulk Coax Cable) - 2024 Juan Fernandez Islands CB0ZA
(DX Engineering RG-8X PL-259 Low-Loss 50-ohm Coax Cable Assemblies) - 2024 Jarvis Island N5J
(DX Engineering 400MAX Type-N Low-Loss 50-ohm Coax Cable Assemblies) - 2023 Swains Island W8S
(DX Engineering RG-213U PL-259 Low-Loss 50-ohm Coax Cable Assemblies)
Assistance from Field Day Pros
In addition to the quality of DX Engineering coaxial cable, you receive friendly, knowledgeable advice from operators who have decades of personal experience choosing the correct coax for Field Day. What’s best for your setup, goals, and budget? Ask and get answers from operators who will take the time to help you find the right coax at the right price.
Premade Coaxial Cable Assembly Options
DX Engineering coax assemblies are available in lengths from 1.5 to 200 feet (length options vary per type of coax). They either come with DX Engineering’s patented Next Generation crimp/solder 8U or 8X PL-259 (UHF male), Amphenol 83-1SP PL-259, Type-N male, or BNC male connectors on both ends. DX Engineering coaxial cable is also available by the foot and by the roll up to 1,000 feet.
All DX Engineering cable assemblies are hi-pot tested and heat-shrink weather-sealed for long life. Plus, you typically receive same-day shipping on in-stock orders placed before 10 pm ET Monday-Friday.
OnAllBands Question of the Day: What is Hi-Pot Testing?
You hear the term used a lot, but what exactly does hi-pot testing entail? Also known as a “dielectric withstand test” or “voltage withstand test,” hi-pot (or high potential) testing is an electrical safety procedure to determine the effectiveness of a component’s insulation. High voltage is applied to ensure that your cable’s insulation can withstand voltage transients. Hi-pot testing is your assurance that your DX Engineering cable will stand up to the rigors of your operating pursuits.
Easy Online Ordering
Ordering premade cable assemblies is fast and simple at DXEngineering.com. Choose from these DX Engineering coaxial cables:
- RG-214 Double-Shielded 50-ohm
- RG-400 High-Isolation Double-Shielded 50-ohm
- 400MAX Low-Loss Cable 50-ohm
- RG-8U Low-Loss 50-ohm Foam Dielectric
- RG-8X Low-Loss 50-ohm Foam Dielectric
- RG-6/U 75-ohm Quad-Shield
- RG-58A/U 52-ohm
- RG-11U 75-ohm Bulk
- RG-213U Low-Loss Mil-Spec 50-ohm
Also find high-visibility RG-8X cable with an orange PVC jacket at DXE. It comes with DX Engineering’s patented PL-259 connectors or BNC male connectors on both ends (1.5 to 100 feet) or with a PL-259 on one end and a BNC male on the other (3 to 100 feet). High-visibility RG-X is also available in spools of 1,000 feet or by the foot. Also check out high-visibility BNC male RG-174 cable assemblies from 1.5 to 50 feet.
Cables Made to Order
DX Engineering’s online Custom Cable Builder lets you select made-to-order coaxial cables that meet your precise needs (type of coax, type of connectors on both ends, length up to 300 feet).
Custom cables are professionally assembled, hi-pot tested, and typically shipped within two business days after purchase. In addition to DX Engineering branded cable, you can order customized Times Microwave Systems® LMR®-400, LMR®-400UF, LMR®-400DB, LMR®-600, LMR®-600UF, and LMR®-600DB cable assemblies. Also available is DX Engineering Tinned Copper Braid for safely grounding your stations.
Ready to upgrade? Check out these useful OnAllBands articles on coaxial cable:
- Everything You Wanted to Know About Coax but Were Afraid to Ask
- Ham Radio Tech: What Do You Do with Excess Coaxial Cable?
- How to Test Coaxial Cable
- Understanding the Differences Among Coax Connectors
OnAllBands will be featuring more Field Day essentials leading up to the big weekend, including tool kits for preparing your coaxial cable, power supplies, headsets, LiFePO4 battery and charger combos, wire antenna kits, and foldable solar panels.
