Is less always more when it comes to antenna cables

[eat111]

Asking because I am ready to connect my Midland MXT275 to my Ghost antenna. The supplied cable is too long. Should I use what I need and run the excess around the frame of the car. Or should I cut off only what I need and crimp/solder on a new connector?

[1URFE57]

Better just run it around than cutting it don't waste a good antenna mount you might need those extra length in the future.

[WRAK968]

If you are confident in terminating the cable then cutting off excessive length could help you. You should terminate at roughly 1/2 or one full wavelength. If you only have 1-2 feet extra I wouldnt worry about it though

[Chanceseiler]

 Just wnet through this with mine. Same radio same antenna. Don't cut the coax!

https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/2215-swr-problems/

 

Chance

WRJT366

[H8SPVMT]

If you are confident in terminating the cable then cutting off excessive length could help you. You should terminate at roughly 1/2 or one full wavelength. If you only have 1-2 feet extra I wouldnt worry about it though

With GMRS, what is one wave lenght?

[mbrun]

Wavelength varies with the medium through which the signal travels.

 

In free space, wavelength for GMRS is approx 25.40 inches.

In solid copper wire, wavelength is approx 24.13 inches.

In coax it varies based on its construction and materials, but can be around 16.75 inches.

 

To calculate approx wavelength in free space, use the formula 300/[Freq in MHz] to get length in meters. 300 stands for the approx speed of light in millions of meters per second.

 

To approximate wavelength in solid copper, multiple free space wavelength by .95.

 

To approximate wavelength in coax, look up specs for the coax and look for its velocity factor (often called ‘Nominal Velocity of Propagation’). Multiply the free space wavelength by this value.

 

You can find some typical values for velocity of propagation here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velocity_factor

 

Michael

WRHS965

KE8PLM

 

With GMRS, what is one wave lenght?

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