Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Ham Radio for Beginners Ep. 13 | Coax & Connectors Explained
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Ham Radio for Beginners Ep. 13 | Coax & Connectors Explained
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.
View all episodes
By HamShackTVYour 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.