JEFA Tech Blog — coax

Which cable to choose for my 5G or 4G/LTE modem/router and external antenna?

Posted by A.J. Farmer on

First is the cable type, we have 240F and 400F. The number refers to the diameter of the cable 0.240" and 0.400". The 240F is the smaller diameter of the two options. It is smaller and more flexible, the tradeoff is it has more signal loss than the 400F, so it's generally recommended for under 50' lengths.We offer the 240F in a single lead and dual lead configuration as an extension cable:Single Lead SMA Male to SMA Female:https://www.jefatech.com/collections/3g-4g-lte-antennas/products/tgx-04-a-001Dual Lead SMA Male to SMA Female:https://www.jefatech.com/products/dual-sma-antenna-extension-cable-for-4g-lte-5g-modems-and-routers/The larger diameter 400F has a lower signal loss than 240F but the tradeoff is it is...

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JEFA Tech LL400 cable has a Copper Clad Aluminum center conductor. Is this better or worse than a solid copper center conductor?

Posted by A.J. Farmer on

A copper clad aluminum center conductor is the standard in the industry for RG-8 size low loss cable such as JEFA Tech Low Loss 400.  CCA is preferred due to the lower cost and lower weight vs solid copper.  All major manufacturers use copper clad aluminum center cores for this type of cable.  This includes Times Microwave LMR-400 and Commscope WBC-400 among other major brands. RF energy travels on the outside skin of the conductor, not the center, so it will be on the copper part of the center conductor and not the aluminum.  This is known as "skin effect".  There...

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Is JEFA Tech coax Plenum Rated?

Posted by A.J. Farmer on

JEFA Tech brand coax is not plenum rated.  However, we have plenum and low smoke rated cable available through partnerships with other manufacturers such as Times Microwave and Commscope.  We provide full cable assembly production of plenum cabling as well as raw cable by the foot. Be aware that plenum rated cable is significantly more expensive so it is quoted on an as requested basis. Contact us with your cable requirements including type of cable, length and connectors needed and we are happy to provide a quote. What is a plenum and why do you need plenum rated cable? A plenum is...

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New Ham: Which cable for a Slim Jim Ham Radio Antenna?

Posted by A.J. Farmer on

Newly Licensed Ham Radio Customer asks: Need some help in buying the correct coax for my Ham radio.I have just purchase a radio and know virtually nothing about Ham Radios short of getting my tech license. Please tell me what you would consider the best cable to buy? I have a cheap Slim Jim antenna, running about 50 feet to a Kenwood TS-2000 Two cables come to mind, either of which would be a good choice for your TS-2000 and Slim Jim: JEFA Tech Low Loss 240 FLEX / RG-8X with UHF Male (PL-259 Connectors) JEFA Tech Low Loss 400 with UHF...

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Which cable to choose? LL400? LL400-FLEX? RG-213 ?

Posted by A.J. Farmer on

We offer 3 types of 3/8" diameter coax.  Which one to choose?  Here is a summary of the differences in these cables: LL400PE jacket - this is a hard jacket that is extremely durable and ok to direct burySolid center conductor - better RF performance, lower loss than strandedDouble shield - better interference rejection, stronger signalFoam dieletric - aids in lower loss LL400-FLEXTPE jacket - this is a durable but soft jacket that is highly flexible even in cold temperatures - not ok to direct buryStranded center conductor - makes cable more flexibleDouble shield - better interference rejection, stronger signalFoam dieletric - aids in lower loss RG-213/UPVC jacket -...

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