Amateur Radio Introductory Tech Topics: Choosing the Right Coax

Instructor: Steve Smith, KM4CJ
Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Madison County & NARA President

Often overlooked but critically important, selecting the proper coaxial cable can make or break your amateur radio setup. This practical session focuses on this vital link between your radio and antenna system.

What You'll Learn:

• Different types of coaxial cables and their appropriate applications
• Understanding critical specifications: impedance, loss factors, power handling
• How frequency of operation affects your coax selection
• Weather resistance and installation considerations
• Cost vs. performance analysis for various coax types
• Essential connectors and proper installation techniques
• When to choose hardline vs. flexible cable options
• Common coax accessories and when you need them

Steve will guide you through practical scenarios to help you understand the real-world implications of coax selection decisions. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes and performance compromises with this fundamental component of your station. This session combines technical information with practical advice to help you make informed choices for your specific setup.

After the presentation Steve will host an open Q&A session where you can get answers to your questions about this topic or any other amateur radio topics.