On Tue, 25 Sep 2007 16:28:26 -0400, "Eisboch" wrote:

It's length *does* affect proper antenna loading.

And that's a *loaded* statement which gets debated in some circles
almost as much as "which boat is the best".

In theory the length of the coax does not matter, but that assumes a
perfect match with a SWR (Standing Wave Ratio) of 1:1. In practice an
SWR of 1.5:1 is generally good enough to ignore feed line length. This
discussion quickly gets very technical and into some very esoteric
transmission line theory.

Someone else mentioned the issue of being able to properly install a
coax connector which is also important. If you do not have the tools
or expertise, it is better to leave the coax uncut, or hire a
professional radio guy to do the job right.