Heliax Cable Install

CYQK

.
Sep 11, 2009
576
beneteau first 42 kenora
Am looking at this spec of cable for the run up the mast
Is this stuff better to use than LMR-400??
FSJ2-50 Heliax is the number
Thks
Gary
 
Sep 25, 2008
7,098
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
You probably already know that Heliax is generally referred to as "hard line" because it is not flexible and therefore difficult to route through conduit or any obstruction. An additional reason not to use it is there is little benefit in terms of loss or longevity. While it has slightly lower loss at VHF than LMR, the difference is trivial especially for short runs typical of any boat.

My suggestion is to save yourself the extra expense and aggravation of Heliax and use the LMR coax. Depending on the run, the 200 version may be acceptable -you can easily research the loss characteristics to determine.
 

AaronD

.
Aug 10, 2014
723
Catalina 22 9874 Newberg, OR / Olympia, WA
+1 on LMR Ultraflex 400. The tight bend radius is a huge advantage. Very low loss, too. It's been a few years, but my recollection is that it was easy to terminate too. See @Maine Sail's website for instructions.
 

CYQK

.
Sep 11, 2009
576
beneteau first 42 kenora
Yeah
Was looking at the type that is rated flexible
80 foot run
thks