One item to be sure to check when buying pre-assembled patch leads is that they are 50 ohms and not 75 ohm video leads as there are plenty of those in the market. Having worked in communications operations and maintenance for many years I prefer to roll my own as you can make up exactly what is needed. Use crimp connectors if you have the correct tool and dies for that type of connector or pressure sleeve connectors if you don't. The pressure sleeve connectors are a little more expensive than the normal type, but are far superior in braid connection and clamping. Most communication systems installed in recent years use crimped connectors for consistent quality of connection by removing the need for soldering the center pin which can be a frequent cause of failure. Have made up a lot of patch leads for repeaters and the necessary antenna filters over the years where it is absolutely essential to use double shielded coax cable for the purpose. RG214 seems the best for the heavier duty patch leads, which is similar to the single shielded RG8/RG213/UR67 or for lighter duty patch leads, RG223U which is similar to RG58. These double shielded coax cables are silver plated and cost at least twice the price of the normal single shielded coax, but it does make superior patch leads. There are other light duty double shielded coax cables available, though tend not to be as easily available and more expensive. Bob, G3VVT K2 #4168 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [email protected] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
