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		Fred Klein
 
 
  Joined: 26 Mar 2012 Posts: 503
 
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				 Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 3:48 pm    Post subject: RG393 coax | 
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				All,
 
 In my as-yet-non-airworthy Europa, I’m about to replace the RG58 coax originally installed for COM and XPNDR antennas. Both my newly purchased COM and (mode “S”) XPNDR are part of the Dynon SkyView suite. Dynon sez the RG58…though perhaps adequate for the COM...will be very unsatisfactory for the XPNDR, and the folks there refer me to “Antenna Cable”, p. 230, (chap 11-p.12) in the SkyView installation guide where various coax cables are considered.
 
 (I cannot seem to include a link to the SkyView Installation Guide)
 
 On p. 231, (chap.11-p.13) there is a chart which appears to state that RG400 (M17/128) is fine IF its length is less than 8’-4”. I find that this M17/128 is the spec. for the RG400 sold by suppliers like Aircraft Spruce, SteinAir, and B & C.
 The chart also lists an RG304 for lengths up to 12’6”, and RG393 for lengths up to 17’-3”.
 There is also a link below the chart to manufacturer’s data which is more specific…there is clearly a special realm reserved for coax cables. 
 I’ve located a source for the RG393 where I can buy a minimum of 100 feet at $6.89/ft…and I’m having trouble swallowing. 
 I’m skeptical of the notion that SkyView customers are using coax other than the widely available RG400 (M17-128), and I’m VERY reluctant to spring for this RG393. I do intend to replace ALL of my RG58.
 Can someone who has some keen knowledge on this subject give me some guidance?
 …with appreciation,
 Fred
  [quote][b]
 
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		ceengland7(at)gmail.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:16 pm    Post subject: RG393 coax | 
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				I'd ask myself if the new xponder operates at a different frequency, impedance, & power level from the old one. If it's the same...... 
 Charlie On Oct 15, 2014 6:54 PM, "Fred Klein" <fklein(at)orcasonline.com (fklein(at)orcasonline.com)> wrote:[quote]All,
 
 In my as-yet-non-airworthy Europa, I’m about to replace the RG58 coax originally installed for COM and XPNDR antennas. Both my newly purchased COM and (mode “S”) XPNDR are part of the Dynon SkyView suite. Dynon sez the RG58…though perhaps adequate for the COM...will be very unsatisfactory for the XPNDR, and the folks there refer me to “Antenna Cable”, p. 230, (chap 11-p.12) in the SkyView installation guide where various coax cables are considered.
 
 (I cannot seem to include a link to the SkyView Installation Guide)
 
 On p. 231, (chap.11-p.13) there is a chart which appears to state that RG400 (M17/128) is fine IF its length is less than 8’-4”. I find that this M17/128 is the spec. for the RG400 sold by suppliers like Aircraft Spruce, SteinAir, and B & C.
 The chart also lists an RG304 for lengths up to 12’6”, and RG393 for lengths up to 17’-3”.
 There is also a link below the chart to manufacturer’s data which is more specific…there is clearly a special realm reserved for coax cables. 
 I’ve located a source for the RG393 where I can buy a minimum of 100 feet at $6.89/ft…and I’m having trouble swallowing. 
 I’m skeptical of the notion that SkyView customers are using coax other than the widely available RG400 (M17-128), and I’m VERY reluctant to spring for this RG393. I do intend to replace ALL of my RG58.
 Can someone who has some keen knowledge on this subject give me some guidance?
 …with appreciation,
 Fred
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  
 
 ist" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List
 tp://forums.matronics.com
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		Kellym
 
 
  Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Posts: 1706 Location: Sun Lakes AZ
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				 Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 9:32 pm    Post subject: RG393 coax | 
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				The Skyview transponder sold for US market is 250 wats, mode S, using 
 the standard 1030 and 1090 Mhz frequencies that all Mode A and C 
 transponders use. In other words the difference is in the pulsed 
 message, not the frequency or power.
 It is difficult to see why more than 8 ft of cable would be needed for a 
 2 place aircraft, unless the antenna needs to be in an unusual location.
 Also difficult to see why the com radio would need better than RG-58 
 cable unless it has less noise rejection than the radios designed 30 
 years ago that worked just fine at ranges as far as 120 nm  with 
 sufficient altitude.
 
 On 10/15/2014 10:14 PM, Charlie England wrote:
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  
  I'd ask myself if the new xponder operates at a different frequency, 
  impedance, & power level from the old one. If it's the same......
 
  Charlie
 
  On Oct 15, 2014 6:54 PM, "Fred Klein" <fklein(at)orcasonline.com 
  <mailto:fklein(at)orcasonline.com>> wrote:
 
      All,
 
      In my as-yet-non-airworthy Europa, I’m about to replace the RG58
      coax originally installed for COM and XPNDR antennas. Both my
      newly purchased COM and (mode “S”) XPNDR are part of the Dynon
      SkyView suite. Dynon sez the RG58…though perhaps adequate for the
      COM...will be very unsatisfactory for the XPNDR, and the folks
      there refer me to “Antenna Cable”, p. 230, (chap 11-p.12) in the
      SkyView installation guide where various coax cables are considered.
 
      (I cannot seem to include a link to the SkyView Installation Guide)
 
      On p. 231, (chap.11-p.13) there is a chart which appears to state
      that RG400 (M17/128) is fine IF its length is less than 8’-4”. I
      find that this M17/128 is the spec. for the RG400 sold by
      suppliers like Aircraft Spruce, SteinAir, and B & C.
 
      The chart also lists an RG304 for lengths up to 12’6”, and RG393
      for lengths up to 17’-3”.
 
      There is also a link below the chart to manufacturer’s data which
      is more specific…there is clearly a special realm reserved for
      coax cables.
 
      I’ve located a source for the RG393 where I can buy a minimum of
      100 feet at $6.89/ft…and I’m having trouble swallowing.
 
      I’m skeptical of the notion that SkyView customers are using coax
      other than the widely available RG400 (M17-128), and I’m VERY
      reluctant to spring for this RG393. I do intend to replace ALL of
      my RG58.
 
      Can someone who has some keen knowledge on this subject give me
      some guidance?
 
      …with appreciation,
 
      Fred
 
      *
 
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      tp://forums.matronics.com
      _blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution
 
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		djtoddb
 
 
  Joined: 26 Mar 2010 Posts: 14 Location: Mesa, AZ
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				 Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 10:10 pm    Post subject: RG393 coax | 
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				What makes the RG400 better/different than the RG58 for the transponder use?
 
  
 Todd Bristol
   
 
    
 
  
      On Wednesday, October 15, 2014 10:14 PM, Charlie England <ceengland7(at)gmail.com>  wrote:
   
   
 
  I'd ask myself if the new xponder operates at a different frequency, impedance, & power level from the old one. If it's the same......
  Charlie
  On Oct 15, 2014 6:54 PM, "Fred Klein" <fklein(at)orcasonline.com (fklein(at)orcasonline.com)> wrote:
 [quote]All,
 
 In my as-yet-non-airworthy Europa, I’m about to replace the RG58 coax originally installed for COM and XPNDR antennas. Both my newly purchased COM and (mode “S”) XPNDR are part of the Dynon SkyView suite. Dynon sez the RG58…though perhaps adequate for the COM...will be very unsatisfactory for the XPNDR, and the folks there refer me to â€śAntenna Cable”, p. 230, (chap 11-p.12) in the SkyView  installation guide where various coax cables are considered.
 
 (I cannot seem to include a link to the SkyView Installation Guide)
 
 On p. 231, (chap.11-p.13) there is a chart which appears to state that RG400 (M17/128) is fine IF its length is less than 8’-4”. I find that this M17/128 is the spec. for the RG400 sold by suppliers like Aircraft Spruce, SteinAir, and B & C.
 The chart also lists an RG304 for lengths up to 12’6”, and RG393 for lengths up to 17’-3”.
 There is also a link below the chart to manufacturer’s data which is more specific…there is clearly a special  realm reserved for coax cables. 
 I’ve located a source for the RG393 where I can buy a minimum of 100 feet at $6.89/ft…and I’m having trouble swallowing. 
 I’m skeptical of the notion that SkyView customers are using coax other than the widely available RG400 (M17-128), and I’m VERY reluctant to spring for this RG393. I do intend to replace ALL of my RG58.
 Can someone who has some keen knowledge on this subject give me some guidance?
 …with appreciation,
 Fred
   	  | Quote: | 	 		  
  ist" target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List
 tp://forums.matronics.com
 _blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution
 
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		wrmaxwell(at)bigpond.com Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2014 10:19 pm    Post subject: RG393 coax | 
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				It has lower loss,         which becomes more critical as you go up in frequency. Waht is         OK at VHF, frequently isn't once you start working at microwave         frequencies.
          
          Bill
             On 16/10/2014 5:08 PM, Todd Bristol       wrote:
      
      [quote]                What makes the RG400 better/different than the RG58             for the transponder use?
           
                     Todd Bristol
            
            
             
          
          
            
          
                                                   On                   Wednesday, October 15, 2014 10:14 PM, Charlie England                   <ceengland7(at)gmail.com> (ceengland7(at)gmail.com) wrote:
                   
                
                
                                                    I'd ask myself if the new xponder                     operates at a different frequency, impedance, &                     power level from the old one. If it's the same......
                    Charlie
                    On Oct 15, 2014                     6:54 PM, "Fred Klein" <fklein(at)orcasonline.com (fklein(at)orcasonline.com)>                     wrote:
                       	  | Quote: | 	 		                         All,                         
                            
                          In my                             as-yet-non-airworthy Europa, I’m about to                             replace the RG58 coax originally installed                             for COM and XPNDR antennas. Both my newly                             purchased COM and (mode “S”) XPNDR are part                             of the Dynon SkyView suite. Dynon sez the                             RG58…though perhaps adequate for the                             COM...will be very unsatisfactory for the                             XPNDR, and the folks there refer me                             to “Antenna Cable”, p. 230, (chap 11-p.12) in the SkyView                             installation guide where various coax cables                             are considered.
                          
                            
                          (I cannot seem to include a link to the SkyView                         Installation Guide)
                          
                            
                          On p. 231,                             (chap.11-p.13) there is a chart which                             appears to state that RG400 (M17/128) is                             fine IF its length is less than 8’-4”. I                             find that this M17/128 is the spec. for the                             RG400 sold by suppliers like Aircraft                             Spruce, SteinAir, and B & C.
                          
                            
                          The chart                             also lists an RG304 for lengths up to 12’6”,                             and RG393 for lengths up to 17’-3”.
                          
                            
                          There is also                             a link below the chart to manufacturer’s                             data which is more specific…there is clearly                             a special realm reserved for coax cables. 
                          
                            
                          I’ve located                             a source for the RG393 where I can buy a                             minimum of 100 feet at $6.89/ft…and I’m                             having trouble swallowing. 
                          
                            
                          I’m skeptical                             of the notion that SkyView customers are                             using coax other than the widely available                             RG400 (M17-128), and I’m VERY reluctant to                             spring for this RG393. I do intend to                             replace ALL of my RG58.
                          
                            
                          Can someone                             who has some keen knowledge on this subject                             give me some guidance?
                          
                            
                          …with                             appreciation,
                          
                            
                          Fred
                                                 
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		user9253
 
 
  Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1944 Location: Riley TWP Michigan
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				 Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 4:58 am    Post subject: Re: RG393 coax | 
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				Fred,
 From what I have read on previous posts, RG-58 is fine for the com radio.
 You did not say how long the transponder coax is in your Europa.  How long is it?  If the length is excessive, can you move the transponder closer to the antenna as suggested in the Skyview installation manual?
   I suggest that you call SteinAir and ask their advice.  If it necessary to use expensive cable, SteinAir can sell you only the length needed with professionally installed connectors.
 For others, here is a link to the Skyview installation guide:
 http://www.dynonavionics.com/downloads/Install_Guides/SkyView_System_Installation_Guide-Rev_R_v11.0.pdf
 See pages 11-12 through 11-13
 Joe
 
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		nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 8:43 am    Post subject: RG393 coax | 
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				 	  | Quote: | 	 		   
   I'm skeptical of the notion that SkyView customers are using coax other than the widely available RG400 (M17-128), and I’m VERY reluctant to spring for this RG393. I do intend to replace ALL of my RG58.
 
   Can someone who has some keen knowledge on this subject give me some guidance? | 	   
 
  Your gut reaction is on track . . .
 
  Coax cable decisions for the vast majority of GA feed line
  decisions is not unlike deciding which laundry soap to
  use on your wash-n-wear shirts. Unless they are contaminated
  with something extra-ordinary . . . like road tar . . .
  the dirt-removing performance offered by any of the dozens
  of choices on the laundry soap isle will produce satisfactory
  results.
 
  Take a peek down the 'laundry soap' isle for coax
  cable . . .
 
   http://tinyurl.com/kjjvuel
 
  
  Who ever called out RG-393 for a general aviation
  antenna installation should be banished for 30 days
  to each lunch at McDonalds. This stuff has a 10AWG
  center conductor and an outside diameter of 0.4"
 
  If the coax was FREE, you'd still have to find connectors
  and tools to install them . . . lots of $thrashing$ around
  just to get 1db of loss in a 10' run at GPS frequencies.
 
  If you REALLY want/need that kind of performance, consider
  LMR-240 coax.
 
   http://tinyurl.com/kw9s2n8
 
  MUCH less expensive and easier route (0.24" diam) but
  still problematic for acquisition and personal installation
  of the desired connectors. Fortunately, there are folks
  who will build a custom length of this cable with the
  right connectors for a fraction of the cost of RG-393.
 
  Contact this guy . . .
 
   http://tinyurl.com/nz9cjpg
 
  On the other hand, if you have connectors and tools for
  RG400/RG141 . . . this stuff would probably be just
  fine. I still have some 141 on hand . . . tell me what
  connectors you need and I can probably make an attractive
  offer ($0.13/inch and $5/connector). LMR-195 is superior
  performance to RG58 and on a par with 400/141 . . . and
  uses same tools/connectors as the RG series coax. I've
  installed about a half dozen connectors on LMR-195 . . .
  it's a little finicky but it's just another process to be
  learned. Cool thing is that it's really inexpensive.
 
  
    Bob . . .    [quote][b]
 
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		Fred Klein
 
 
  Joined: 26 Mar 2012 Posts: 503
 
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				 Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 9:59 am    Post subject: RG393 coax | 
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				Gentlemen…thank you for your helpful replies…
 
 re: RG58 for COM
 	Dynon sez, "Regarding your choice of routing and coaxial cable, in my personal experience as an Amateur Radio Operator, while RG58 coaxial cable will work, and work acceptably in the absence of other signals and potential interference, it is overall a poor coaxial cable. In the long run, especially now while you have the luxury of easy access during the build process, you will be much better served, overall, in the long term, by using the much better RG400 coaxial cable. It will much better resist potential radio frequency interference sources within the fuselage. 
 	"Put it this way - with RG58, your COM radio will be "listening" not only to signals coming in from the antenna, but also all the "birdies" from within the fuselage. With RG400, your COM radio will only be listening to the signals from the antenna.”
 re: Length of run for XPNDR coax in my aircraft…
 	At present, the run is approx. 8 feet, however, this routing puts it in the same raceway as my 4AWG feeder AND 4AWG ground…(battery and XPNDR antenna are aft of the cockpit)…when upgrading my coax, I was anticipating changing the routing so that it is separate from these heavy duty power lines and this would increase the length of coax to about 13 feet…I MAY be able to relocate the XPNDR antenna to reduce that distance to 10 feet.
 re: Bob’s comment: 
  	  | Quote: | 	 		  Your gut reaction is on track . . .
 Take a peek down the 'laundry soap' isle for coax
 cable . . .
 
 http://tinyurl.com/kjjvuel
  | 	  
 
 	…I can only respond w/ a “…geesus…”…as I previously noted, my eyes were opened to a whole new world of coax…it looks like a very deep rabbit hole…one which I need not explore further.
 
 OK…moving forward…
 	I’m going to order some RG400 (M17/128) for my XPNDR…and keep it in the raceway alongside the 4AWG feeders to keep the run as short as possible. In doing so, I am relying on my memory of an older post of Bob’s which stated, if I recall correctly, that there is NO EVIDENCE of coax performance being compromised by adjacency to 12v power feeders. (I’d appreciate a correction if I’m in error.)
 	And since my set up allows for swapping out the RG58 for my COM antenna anytime, I think I may just leave it in for now and replace it w/ RG400 only if problems show up.
 	I’m having one of those days where I say, “…screw it…I want to get this puppy airborne…”
 	Fred
  [quote][b]
 
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		nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect Guest
 
 
 
 
 
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				 Posted: Thu Oct 16, 2014 10:57 am    Post subject: RG393 coax | 
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				 	  | Quote: | 	 		  I’m going to order some RG400 (M17/128) for my 
 XPNDR…and keep it in the raceway alongside the 
 4AWG feeders to keep the run as short as 
 possible. In doing so, I am relying on my memory 
 of an older post of Bob’s which stated, if I 
 recall correctly, that there is NO EVIDENCE of 
 coax performance being compromised by adjacency 
 to 12v power feeders. (I’d appreciate a correction if I’m in error.)
 
 | 	  
    Correct.
    Bob . . .
 
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