Defender92

Ok that’s what I was hoping. The size doesn’t matter too much on such a short wire. I was going to get some rg400 and connectors from DX Engineering and crimp / solder it. But these Uxcell pre-made jumper cables are very tempting at $15 each. Seems like good reviews. I’m probably going to try them. I’ll check it with my SWR meter. But I’m not sure the SWR meter will tell me how good or bad they are?

I’m thinking I’m going to build a repeater. I’m making a shopping list. I want to use two Kenwood tk-8180 radios and a mobile Celwave 633-6a-2 duplexer. I keep seeing images of people using what looks like rg400 coax from the radios to the duplexer. I used lmr400uf ultra flex from DX Engineering to connect my base station and I have some left over. But the lmr400uf is still stiff for such a small distance from radio to duplexer. If I use a smaller coax like the rg400 vs the lmr400uf will it make that much of a difference? thank you!

Thanks for the responses guys. I think now it is just easier to buy one. I might try to tune one eventually just to get the experience. Looks like there are a couple with good reviews on Amazon.

Hey guys, I’m new to radios. Sorry if this is a dumb question. I’m in the process of building my base station. I’m good there. Got a Comet CA-712EFC antenna, LMR400 coax and a Kenwood to-8180 30 watt. I’m getting around 1.2 - 1.4 SWR. I just ordered a couple used tk-8180h 45 watt radios on eBay. I want to put one in my jeep and another in my electric Cushman cart (for shits and giggles). My question is now that I have an SWR meter I’m thinking about getting a generic antenna for my vehicles and tuning myself. I’d prefer stainless for corrosion resistance. By tuning my own antenna and using stainless am I losing much? Versus getting a pre-tuned GMRS antenna?? thanks, Brad also, at the end of the day is it just getting a good SWR reading or is there more?