Your radio and antenna are only as good as the cable connecting them. In Episode 13 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains coaxial cable, feed lines, and the most common connectors used in amateur radio. Learn the differences between RG-58, RG-8X, and LMR-400, when cable length matters, how to protect outdoor connections, and why choosing the right connector can improve the reliability of your station. Whether you're setting up your first handheld, mobile radio, or HF base station, understanding coax is a fundamental part of building an effective ham radio station. In this episode: What coaxial cable does RG-58 vs. RG-8X vs. LMR-400 Does coax length matter? Understanding signal loss PL-259 connectors BNC connectors SMA connectors N connectors Adapters Weatherproofing outdoor coax Common beginner mistakes 👍 If you're enjoying the Ham Radio for Beginners series, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share these videos with another new ham. Live. Learn. Transmit. Thumbnail Guidance Main Text YOUR COAX MATTERS! Secondary Text PL-259 • SMA • BNC • N Visual Layout You holding three different pieces of coax with a surprised expression. Large labeled connector callouts surrounding you: PL-259 SMA BNC N A bright arrow showing Radio → Coax → Antenna. Blue and purple neon glow consistent with the HamShackTV branding. KYour radio and antenna are only as good as the cable connecting them. In Episode 13 of the Ham Radio for Beginners series, Josh AA4WX explains coaxial cable, feed lines, and the most common connectors used in amateur radio. Learn the differences between RG-58, RG-8X, and LMR-400, when cable length matters, how to protect outdoor connections, and why choosing the right connector can improve the reliability of your station. Whether you're setting up your first handheld, mobile radio, or HF base station, understanding coax is a fundamental part of building an effective ham radio station. In this episode: What coaxial cable does RG-58 vs. RG-8X vs. LMR-400 Does coax length matter? Understanding signal loss PL-259 connectors BNC connectors SMA connectors N connectors Adapters Weatherproofing outdoor coax Common beginner mistakes 👍 If you're enjoying the Ham Radio for Beginners series, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share these videos with another new ham. Live. Learn. Transmit. 🎙 SUPPORT THE CHANNEL & JOIN THE COMMUNITY! GET THE BEST IN MOBILE RADIO MOUNTS: https://www.lidoradio.com/?sca_ref=10673105.CO7opX2nTeqclAj 🛒 Shop My Amazon Link https://geni.us/HSTVAmazon ***Gigaparts*** Radios, Antennas, Coax, Power Supplies, 3D Printers, and More! Go to Gigaparts.com and Earn 2x Rewards point when using discound code HamShackTV at checkout. 📻 Get Your Ham Radio License the Easy Way Ham Radio Prep makes it simple — save 10% with code HamShackTV https://HamRadioPrep.com 🌍 Join World Radio League Track QSOs like a pro — 10% off Paid Memberships with HAMSHACKTV https://app.worldradioleague.com/?via=josh ABR Industries (COAX AND CONNECTORS) https://abrind.com/?sld=hamshacktv Use coupon code hamshacktv10 at checkout for 10% off 👉 Buy your SEEED T1000 here: https://www.seeedstudio.com/SenseCAP-Card-Tracker-T1000-E-for-Meshtastic-p-5913.html 🔌 Digirig Interface Your all-in-one digital rig solution — plug in and get on the air fast: https://digirig.net/p/8/ 🖥️ Intehill Monitors for POTA & More Crystal-clear portable displays perfect for field ops: https://tidd.ly/46n7BSh 🧢 Official HamShackTV Merch From shirts to mugs — support the shack in style: https://hamshacktv.printify.me/ 📡 BetterSafeRadio Gear Save 7% on solid gear for the prepared ham — use code AA4WX7 https://bettersaferadio.com/pro/aa4wx 🌐 Explore Meshtastic Get started with off-grid comms — click here: https://tinyurl.com/yfuanv2e 🚀 Join This Channel for Perks & Exclusive Content Get member-only videos, badges & more: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbVjEmjCQcwcD-Lk91owhw/join 🛍️ Visit the All-New HamShackTV Amazon Store My curated picks in one place: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hamshacktv Let’s keep HamShackTV going strong — here’s how you can be a part of it: 💬 Chat with Us on Discord Join the conversation with fellow hams: https://discord.gg/BcqkVCZdZ9 📘 Follow on Facebook Daily posts, updates, and behind-the-scenes: https://facebook.com/HamShackTV 🌐 Visit the website for videos, merch & more: https://HAMSHACKTV.COM ⚠️ FTC Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the shack! Songs that may be used in my videos: Newsmark - 615 Music The Process By LAKEY INSPIRED is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
