CoaxRF Blog
RF Cable Guides & How-Tos
Practical articles on coax cables, connectors, and antenna installs — written by the people who build these cables every day.
The Ham Radio Operator's Complete Guide to Coax Cable
Everything you need to know about coax for ham radio — from choosing between RG-58 and LMR-400 to connectors, weatherproofing, and checking SWR after install.
RG-58 vs LMR-400: Which Coax Should You Buy?
A direct comparison of RG-58, RG-213, and LMR-400 coax — real loss numbers, cost breakdown, flexibility, and when each cable makes sense.
PL-259, SMA, BNC, and N-Type: Which RF Connector Do You Need?
A complete guide to the four most common RF connectors — PL-259, SMA, BNC, and N-type — with equipment charts and exactly which cables to order when you need to mix them.
How to Extend a Vehicle GPS Antenna Cable (Fakra Guide)
Extending an OEM GPS antenna in a BMW, VW, Toyota, or other vehicle means dealing with Fakra connectors. Here's the complete guide to getting the right cable.
Aftermarket Car Stereo Installation: Which Antenna Adapter Cable Do You Need?
Installing a new head unit and losing AM/FM? Here's what connects your car's antenna to any aftermarket radio — plus how to keep reception clean and noise-free.
WiFi Antenna Cables: SMA, RP-SMA, N-Type — Complete Guide
RP-SMA, SMA, and N-type all look similar but won't mate with each other. Here's how to identify your connector and calculate whether your cable run will hurt your WiFi signal.
BNC Connector Guide: Test Equipment, Security Cameras, and Two-Way Radios
BNC is on everything from oscilloscopes to CCTV cameras to Motorola radios. Here's how to identify 50-ohm vs 75-ohm BNC, what equipment uses it, and what cables to order.
N-Type RF Connector: The Outdoor Standard for VHF, UHF, and Cellular
N-type is the connector on every serious outdoor antenna, cellular booster, and repeater install. Here's why it's the right choice and which cables to use.
Cell Signal Booster Installation: Which Coax Cable Do You Need?
The coax between your outdoor antenna and signal booster is where most installs go wrong. Here's how to calculate your loss budget and pick the right cable.
RTL-SDR Setup Guide: Coax Cables and Antenna Connections
Most SDR receivers use SMA female ports. Here's how to connect any antenna to your RTL-SDR, HackRF, or SDRplay with the right cable and minimize noise.
Ham Radio Repeater Installation: Coax, Connectors, and Feedline Guide
A properly-wired repeater uses N-type throughout, LMR-400 minimum, and a lightning arrestor at every point the cable enters the building. Here's the full cable guide.
10 Coax Cable Installation Tips from RF Professionals
Ten things experienced RF installers do every time — and that most first-timers don't. Follow these and your cables will last decades and perform at spec.
Not sure which cable you need?
Tell us what you're connecting and we'll spec the right cable for your setup.
Build My Cable →