50ohm Copper/CCS RG8 CCTV RF Cable Coaxial Cable
RG8 Coaxial Cable Technical Data
RG8 is a classic, thick-diameter coaxial cable primarily used in RF (Radio Frequency) applications where low signal loss over longer distances is required. It's a staple in amateur radio, commercial two-way radio,
and older Ethernet networks.
1. Quick-Reference Snapshot
Parameter | Typical RG8/U Specification |
|---|
Impedance | 50 Ohms (some variants are 52 or 53 Ohms) |
Center Conductor | Solid or Stranded Copper (AWG 10-11) |
Dielectric | Solid Polyethylene (PE) |
Shield | Braided Copper (95% coverage common) |
Outer Diameter | ~10.3 mm (0.405 in) |
Velocity of Propagation (VP) | 66% (0.66) |
Capacitance | ~96 pF/m (29.5 pF/ft) |
Max. Operating Voltage | ~4000 V RMS |
Attenuation @ 100 MHz | ~1.1 dB/30m (3.6 dB/100 ft) |
Attenuation @ 400 MHz | ~2.5 dB/30m (8.2 dB/100 ft) |
2. Detailed Electrical Specifications
A. Core Signal Parameters
Characteristic Impedance: 50 Ω. This is the standard for most RF equipment (radios, antennas, test gear), distinguishing it from the 75 Ω standard of RG6/RG59 used for video.
Capacitance: Approximately 29.5 pF per foot (96.8 pF/m).
- Velocity of Propagation (VP): 66% (or a Velocity Factor of 0.66). This means an electrical signal travels at 66% the speed of light in a vacuum. This is critical for calculating the physical length of cables used for antenna matching (e.g., λ/2 or λ/4 wave stubs).
- Inductance: ~0.254 μH/ft.
B. Attenuation (Signal Loss per 100 feet / 30.5 meters)
This is the most critical performance metric. Attenuation increases with frequency.
Frequency (MHz)
| Typical Loss (dB/100 ft) | Typical Loss (dB/30m) |
|---|
10 | 0.6 dB | 0.2 dB |
50 | 1.5 dB | 0.5 dB |
100 | 2.1 - 2.4 dB | 0.7 - 0.8 dB |
146 (2m Band) | 2.6 dB | 0.85 dB |
440 (70cm Band) | 4.8 dB | 1.6 dB |
900 | 7.2 dB | 2.4 dB |
C. Power Handling
Peak Power: Can handle 1 kW to 2+ kW at HF frequencies (e.g., 30 MHz), depending on SWR and installation.
- Average Power: Typically rated for 200-300 Watts continuous at HF.
- Voltage Rating: High voltage rating (~4000V) makes it suitable for high-power RF amplifiers.
3. Physical & Mechanical Specifications
A. Internal Construction (Layer by Layer)
Center Conductor: Solid or 7-strand copper-clad steel (CCS). Solid copper has slightly less loss; CCS provides more tensile strength. Size is usually AWG 10 (2.59mm).
Dielectric (Insulator): Solid Polyethylene (PE). This gives the cable its rigidity. Foam PE versions (RG8X, RG8U-type) exist for better flexibility and slightly lower loss.
- Shielding:
Inner Shield: Braid of tinned copper wires. Standard versions use a single braid (often 95% coverage). Premium versions (RG8/U 'Super') may use a double braid or braid+foil for >100 dB shielding effectiveness.
- Outer Jacket: Thick PVC or PE. Black is standard. Outdoor versions are UV-resistant and may be labeled 'Polyethylene Jacket.' Direct burial versions have a flooded dielectric and extra armor.
B. Physical Dimensions
- Overall Diameter: ~10.3 mm (0.405 inches).
- Weight: ~110 kg/km (approx. 74 lbs/1000 ft).
- Minimum Bend Radius: ~2 inches (50mm) during installation. A tighter bend will kink the cable and permanently degrade performance.
- Flexibility: Low. It is a stiff, bulky cable not suited for tight spaces or frequent flexing.
4. Common Variants & Comparisons
Cable Type | Diameter | Key Feature | Attenuation @100MHz | Typical Use |
|---|
RG8/U | ~10.3mm | Standard, solid PE dielectric, single braid. | ~2.1 dB/100ft | General HF/VHF base stations. |
RG8X ('Mini 8') | ~6.2mm | Foam PE dielectric, more flexible. Higher loss. | ~2.8 dB/100ft | Mobile installations, shorter HF runs. |
RG213/U | ~10.3mm | Double braided shield, Mil-spec version of RG8. Lower loss, better shield. | ~1.9 dB/100ft | Critical commercial/amateur links. |
LMR-400 | ~10.3mm | Modern alternative. Foam PE, 100% foil + braid. Much lower loss. | ~1.2 dB/100ft | Replaces RG8 for superior performance. |
9913 | ~10.3mm | Low-loss, air-spaced dielectric. Very low loss, but fragile and moisture-sensitive. | ~0.7 dB/100ft | High-performance |
5. Primary Applications
Amateur (Ham) Radio: Connecting base station transceivers to antennas, especially for HF, VHF, and UHF bands. Common for runs from the shack to a tower.
- Commercial Two-Way Radio: For land mobile, marine, and public safety base stations.
- RF Broadcast: Low-power FM broadcast antenna feedlines.
- Antenna Feedlines: For large discone, log-periodic, or Yagi antennas.
- Legacy Networks: Was used as thick Ethernet (10BASE5) backbone cable.
6. Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
Low Loss at HF/VHF: Good performance for its class, especially with quality braid. | High Loss at UHF+: Loss becomes prohibitive above 500 MHz for long runs. |
High Power Handling: Can handle legal limit amateur power with ease. | Bulky and Stiff: Difficult to route, requires large-radius bends. |
Durable & Robust: Good mechanical protection with thick jacket.
| Heavy: Significant weight stresses antenna masts and supports. |
Widely Available & Familiar: Easy to find connectors (N-type, UHF/PL-259). | Outperformed by Modern Cables: Cables like LMR-400 offer ~40% lower loss in the same diameter. |
Cost-Effective: Generally less expensive than premium low-loss cables. | Solid Dielectric: Higher loss than foam/air dielectric cables (higher velocity factor). |
Package and Shipment
FAQS:
Q1: Are you a factory or trading company?
A1: We are a manufacturer.
Q2: Where is your factory located? How can I visit there?
A2:Our factory are located in jieyang city. You can fly to Shenzhen or Guangzhou international airport. And tell us your flight No. We will arrange to pick you up.
Q3: How can I get a sample to test your quality?
A3:We can provide free samples for your test and checking, you just need to bear the freight charge.
Q4:What payment method do you accept?
A4:T/T(Bank transfer), Western Union, Money Gram, Paypal, etc.
Q5: Can you put my brand name (logo) on these products?
A5: Yes! The professional OEM services will be welcomed to us. Our factory accepts to make the logo free for bulk orders.
Q6: May I know the status of my order?
A6: Yes .The order information and photos at different production stage of your order will be sent to you and the information will be updated in time.
Q7: What’s the leading time? (How long do you need to prepare my goods?
A7: Delivery (no more than 1000pcs) will be arranged within 10-15 days after payment, and arrive you within about 1 month via sea shipping.
Q8: How will you deliver my goods to me?
A8 Your purchases will be delivered by DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, EMS your door. Air Cargo and Sea Cargo, Direct line, Air Mail also be accepted according to clients' request.
Q9: Can you provide us more other products to us to help us to save more shipping costs?
A9: Yes. There’re kinds of Indoor Cables, Outdoor Cables, Coaxial Cables, Telephone Cables, Fiber Optic Cables and Accessories will be the main products line of Factory.
The OEM bulk order will be accept as well.
0086-755-23002989
info@hotonlink.com
hotonlink
0086-18123718803
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