Guide to Prepping for ARRL Field Day 2026: Part 1, Coaxial Cables

The 2026 edition of ARRL Field Day will be June 27-28. Your fellow hams at OnAllBands want to make sure you’re fully prepared for one of the most active and exciting weekends on the amateur radio calendar.

As we’ve said before, Field Day is whatever you or your club want to make of it:

• A contest
• Serious practice for emergency operations
• An outdoor laboratory for antenna experimentation
• The opportunity to try out an alternate power source
• The chance to promote the amateur radio service to the community
• A weekend celebration that combines good friends, QSOs, and BBQ
• All of the above…and more! 

While operators may approach the event differently, most would agree that getting your stations in top shape and being ready for the unexpected are keys to a successful weekend. Over the next couple of months, OnAllBands will be presenting suggestions on ways to make this year’s Field Day a memorable one for your group.

We begin our Field Day prep guide with one of our favorite topics: coaxial cable.

Before you consider purchasing a new transceiver, a more efficient antenna, or a strong portable telescoping mast, take the time to assess your coaxial cable well before Field Day rears its unpredictable head. Here are a few reasons to make your coax a priority:

• Coaxial cable that has seen years of use or shows signs of damage can seriously affect on-air performance.

• Cheaper coaxial cable may appear to be doing a decent job, but you’re missing out on vastly improved performance, additional QSOs, and a lot more fun on Field Day by not investing in a higher grade of cable.

• This annual gathering of hams offers a chance to test your emergency operating capabilities—the event’s main purpose since the first Field Day in 1933. That means you should have reliable gear that performs well. If your coax does what’s it’s supposed to on Field Day, you’ll know it will be ready when you’re called on for critical communication.

• It’s a relatively small investment in peace of mind and better results. Further, purchase upgraded coaxial cable for Field Day and enjoy its benefits for all your POTA and other activations for years to come.

Why Choose DX Engineering Coaxial Cable?

DX Engineering coaxial cable is trusted by amateur operators everywhere. Select DX Engineering branded coax and you’ll be using the same products relied on by high-profile DXpeditioners who have one shot to get every detail right when traveling halfway around the world. DX Engineering coaxial cable was used on these recent activations and continues to make a difference for hams just like you (see customer quotes from five-star reviews below):

• Bouvet Island 3Y0K: DX Engineering 400MAX PL-259 Low-Loss 50-ohm Coax

“400MAX has the low loss that meets my needs perfectly when running QRP and you want to maximize power to the antenna. I’ve found it to be very durable as well.”

Dudley, DX Engineering customer

• Desecheo Island KP5/NP3VI: DX Engineering RG-213U PL-259 Low-Loss 50-ohm Coax

“None better. Have used DX Engineering coax assemblies for years for both short and long runs, indoors and outdoors, running legal limit. Nicely assembled with premium PL-259s.”

John, DX Engineering customer

• Sable Island CY0S: DX Engineering RG-8X PL-259 Low-Loss 50-ohm Coax

“The best assembled coax I know of. When I want excellent preassembled coax, DX Engineering is the best choice. Durable jacket, excellent connectors, very pliable.”

Tim, DX Engineering customer

Assistance from Field Day Pros

DX Engineer’s support team has a combined 1,000-plus years of amateur radio experience. If you’re not sure what coaxial cable is right for your setup, you’ll receive knowledgeable advice to make sure you get precisely what you need.

Premade Coaxial Cable Assembly Options

DX Engineering coax assemblies are available in lengths from 1.5 to 200 feet (length options vary per type of coax). They either come with DX Engineering’s patented Next Generation crimp/solder 8U or 8X PL-259 (UHF male), Amphenol 83-1SP PL-259, Type-N male, or BNC male connectors on both ends. Assemblies also come with a PL-259 connector on one end and Type-N or BNC male connector on the other (check specific cable types for availability). DX Engineering coaxial cable can also be purchased by the foot and by the roll up to 1,000 feet.

DX Engineering coax is assembled, hi-pot tested, and heat-shrink weather-sealed for long life by our own experienced technicians. Plus, you typically receive same-day shipping on in-stock orders placed before 9 pm ET Monday-Friday.