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Messi & Paoloni CONTEST-FLEX 10 /.400"
Exceptionally flexible low-loss coax developed specifically for HF and VHF stations, tight cable routes and rotator-operated antennas.
Choose your cable length and connector combination and let us build the lead for you.
Optimised for HF/VHF. Extraordinary flexibility. Perfect for rotators.
CONTEST-FLEX 10 focuses on the frequencies used by the majority of amateur radio operators, combining excellent HF/VHF performance with a highly flexible 19-wire copper centre conductor.
Messi & Paoloni CONTEST-FLEX 10 /.400" is a 10.3mm 50 ohm coaxial cable developed specifically around the requirements of HF and VHF amateur radio stations.
Rather than concentrating solely on extreme high-frequency performance, M&P has optimised CONTEST-FLEX 10 across the 1MHz to 467MHz range. This makes it particularly well suited to HF, 6m, 2m and 70cm installations.
Its standout feature is its 19-wire stranded copper centre conductor. This gives CONTEST-FLEX 10 exceptional flexibility for a 10.3mm cable and makes it particularly attractive for antenna rotators, tight bends and installations where the feed line needs to move.
Specifically developed for amateur radio operation between 1MHz and 467MHz rather than chasing extreme microwave specifications.
Highly stranded 19 x 0.59mm copper centre conductor provides exceptional flexibility for a 10.3mm coax.
Excellent flexibility makes it particularly suitable for beam antennas, rotator loops and repeated movement.
High-pressure physically foamed polyethylene dielectric provides excellent RF performance with low attenuation.
Where CONTEST-FLEX 10 Fits in the M&P Range
CONTEST-FLEX 10 and ULTRAFLEX 10/C are not simply two versions of the same cable. They are optimised for slightly different jobs.
Optimised specifically for HF and VHF, with a 19-wire centre conductor providing extraordinary flexibility.
The natural choice for typical amateur stations, rotator-operated antennas, tight bends and operators looking for excellent performance without paying primarily for microwave capability.
M&P's performance-focused flexible cable where maintaining the most stringent specifications at higher frequencies is the priority.
M&P recommends ULTRAFLEX 10/C from approximately 400MHz upwards when maximum high-frequency performance is required.
Made for Rotator-Operated Antennas
The centre conductor consists of 19 individual 0.59mm copper wires, giving an overall conductor diameter of approximately 2.9mm.
Using 19 strands rather than a much less finely stranded conductor allows CONTEST-FLEX 10 to bend and move more naturally, making it particularly well suited to rotator loops and antenna systems where the cable repeatedly changes position.
M&P specifies a minimum bend radius of 80mm for repeated bending up to 15 bends and only 40mm for a single bend or choke.
Optimised HF and VHF Performance
M&P specifically describes CONTEST-FLEX 10 as an HF/VHF-optimised cable and states that at certain frequencies its performance can even exceed ULTRAFLEX 10/C.
Attenuation at 20°C is specified at only 1.1dB per 100m at 7MHz, 1.5dB at 14MHz, 2.1dB at 28MHz, 3.0dB at 50MHz and 5.4dB at 144MHz.
At 430MHz attenuation remains a respectable 10.5dB per 100m, with M&P rating the cable for operation through to 467MHz.
M&P specifically describes the performance of CONTEST-FLEX 10 as far superior to conventional RG213.
Despite remaining within the familiar 10mm cable class, the modern foamed dielectric, additional foil screen and high-performance braid provide substantially improved RF performance and screening.
Greater Than 105dB Screening
Beneath the braid is a 100% copper foil first screen with an applied polyethylene layer designed to help prevent cracking during short-radius bends.
The outer screen uses a 192-wire copper-clad aluminium reactive braid with approximately 85% coverage.
M&P manufactures the braid using a 24-spool process rather than a conventional 16-spool machine. The additional crossover points help the braid react to bending and twisting in a spring-like manner while providing excellent screening performance.
Overall screening efficiency is specified at greater than 105dB between 100MHz and 2000MHz.
Flexible Without Excessive Weight
CONTEST-FLEX 10 weighs approximately 11.6kg per 100 metres.
Keeping the cable relatively manageable is particularly useful on beam installations, where a section of coax may be hanging and moving as the antenna rotates.
Serious Power Handling
The cable is equally capable in high-power HF and VHF installations. At 40°C, M&P specifies continuous power handling of approximately 4500W at 14MHz, 3210W at 28MHz, 2330W at 50MHz and 1270W at 144MHz.
M&P specifies a maximum peak-power rating of 10kW. Continuous power capability depends on operating frequency and cable temperature, so the frequency-specific ratings should be followed for demanding high-power installations.
Where CONTEST-FLEX 10 Works Best
The 19-wire centre conductor makes CONTEST-FLEX 10 particularly well suited to rotator loops and moving antenna systems.
Excellent attenuation figures across the amateur HF bands make it a strong choice for permanent and contest stations.
Specifically optimised for HF/VHF operation, with just 3.0dB/100m at 50MHz and 5.4dB/100m at 144MHz.
Highly stranded construction makes it easier to route where a less flexible 10mm cable would be awkward.
Low loss, excellent screening and high power handling suit demanding HF and VHF contest installations.
A significant performance and flexibility upgrade for installations currently using conventional RG213.
Cable Construction
- 19 x 0.59mm stranded copper inner conductor
- 2.9mm overall inner conductor diameter
- Triple-layer high-pressure physically foamed polyethylene dielectric
- 100% copper foil first screen with applied PE layer
- 85% coverage reactive braid
- 192 copper-clad aluminium braid wires manufactured using 24 spools
- UV-resistant black PVC outer jacket
- 10.3mm overall cable diameter
- 87% velocity factor
- Screening efficiency greater than 105dB from 100 to 2000MHz
- Maximum peak power 10,000W
CONTEST-FLEX 10 uses a flexible PVC outer jacket and is not intended for direct burial. For an underground 10.3mm installation, use a cable specifically designed for direct burial such as EXTRAFLEX BURY 10.
CONTEST-FLEX 10 /.400" Technical Specifications
General
Construction
Minimum Bend Radius
80mm for up to 15 bends
40mm
Structural Return Loss
Attenuation at 20°C
Continuous Power Handling at 40°C
Shipping:
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Returns:
If you have any equipment that needs to be returned to Martin Lynch & Sons, please fill out the form below:
Upon receipt of goods you have 14 days to return goods however the goods must be returned in original packaging and care must have been taken with the goods you wish to return. Under distance selling regulations you are not entitled to any refund on carriage charges or modification charges made at your request. Large items cannot be returned if they have been assembled, unless faulty.
Warranty Terms and Conditions
Outside of the 14 faulty return period, returned items cannot be accepted, unless covered by manufacturer's warranty. We will repair as much as possible on site however in exceptional circumstances products may have to be returned to the manufacturer of distributor.
For repairs/replacements under manufacturer’s warranty for any item please download a ML&S return form from the link above and return to ML&S with the faulty product.
International Warranty information
Warranty service for items we sell is available in the U.K. only, unless otherwise noted. It is your responsibility to pay freight for returned items to the U.K. and back to you for desired warranty coverage. All of our NEW products come with a minimum 12 month warranty, (Yaesu & Icom 24 months), with up to 90 days on second-hand equipment. Items returned for service must state "returned goods for repair" on the return air waybill or U.K. import customs duties apply and will be added to your invoice. For more info about returning items please contact our customer help desk, [email protected]