I believe that the real problem is that the center conductor is solid. A slight nick in it will eventually cause it to break due to cable flexing fatigue at the weak point. RG-400 is often used instead and has a stranded center conductor.
Chuck WB2EDV ----- Original Message ----- Spec RG-142 has a silver-plated steel center conductor. repeated flexing can cause the thin plating to fracture off creating duplex noise. i've personally not had this problem but it is a documented issue.
