Unveiling the Truth: Measuring Coax Cable Loss for Ham Radio Beginners

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Published 2023-12-17

Coax cable loss refers to the reduction in signal strength as it travels through the cable. By measuring this loss, we can determine the efficiency of our antenna systems and make necessary adjustments. Coaxial cable loss is a critical factor to consider in any ham radio setup. Understanding how to measure it ensures optimal signal transmission, reception, and overall performance. With the information shared here, you'll be able to identify and address deteriorating signal quality, troubleshoot connection issues, and fine-tune your radio system for peak operational efficiency. In this video, we perform a loss test on some coaxial cable with the NanoVNA using what is called an S21 Gain measurement.

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All Comments (21)

@BrokenCircuitRanch 7 months ago

Everyone is always worried about how much of their output power is reaching the antenna and that is not what people should worry about. Its the tiny power that your antenna is sending back to your rig. Every db counts on weak signals and the difference between making a contact or not in many cases. You can always increase the transmitter power via amps to make up for any coax loss, but the other station may not. As a general rule, put in the best coax cable you can afford. Its the most important part of your station setup.
@mewrongway 4 months ago

Finally someone showing people how to test there coax rather than just pushing M&P claiming its the best!! Your the best Ape!! 👍👍👍
@tmiller9099 7 months ago

Excellent. Really makes you think twice about what coax to use in a vehicle for 2m and 70cm. Length is going to be short but the losses can be pretty high. Thanks!
@hound696 7 months ago

Iv'e just upgraded from rg58 tp M&P HyperFlex 13 coax. Its very expensive but i wont need to upgrade for a long time, and the fittings are built like tanks.
@DonzLockz 7 months ago

I need to buy a device that measures my exponential cash loss with this hobby!😕 Thnx Mr Ape.😊
@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures 7 months ago

Nice work Ape, pretty interesting.
@Swamp-Fox 7 months ago

Thanks for the S21 tutorial with the NanaVNA! Good sutff! Merry Christmas Ape!
@45auto 7 months ago

Good stuff. I appreciate you sharing the various tests you can run on your equipment with both the NanoVNA and the TinySA.
@HOAHamRadio 7 months ago

Add another Chapter to TheSmokinApe Book of Ham Learning. Thanks
@bobkopf227 7 months ago

As I’ve said in the past I always learn something from your videos, thanks for the demonstration and for sharing
@RESlusher 7 months ago

Thanks for the info, Ape! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
@paulgarcia1566 7 months ago

Thanks for the breakdown Ape.
@bob_mosavo 7 months ago

Thanks, Ape 👍
@FEPLabsRadio 7 months ago

Good job professor!
@vasilatosianis4208 7 months ago

Thank you for explanations realy great !
@LifeAtTerminalVelocity 7 months ago

Your videos are always excellent Ape.
@godarklight 7 months ago

Coiling up the cable will only give you common mode inductance. Differential mode (what we use to get our wigglies to the antenna) is not affected by the coiling of the cable. Rest of the video is great, and this test is why I do the "through" calibration.
@ornithopterindia 7 months ago

👍Thank you sir.
@MrMudsHamRadioRadioTime 7 months ago

Great video Ape. I also use nano vna saver as the device screen tends to become unresponsive when using it outside in the cold.
@Thump2030 7 months ago

Good Video