Leaderboard

Back to the original post: "50' RG8x cable" That is the first thing to lose for better results. 50' of RG8x has over 4dB of loss at 465MHz. Replace it with LMR-400, and you will reduce loss to around 1dB. That extra 3dB hitting the antenna will literally DOUBLE your transmit power at the antenna. Receive sensitivity will increase dramatically as well. RG8x is just not the right cable to use at UHF frequencies, unless you are running it less than 10'. RG8x was originally designed as a thinner alternative to RG8u for running under carpet in HF or CB mobile installations that required less loss, or higher power handling, than RG58u, the typical mobile cable. RG58u and RG8x were never intended to be used in 50 foot runs, or on base stations, in the first place.