So I promised that I'd provide my experience of replacing my cheapo connector with cable. In my case I used a 50ft cable, as I'll soon be placing the antenna in the attic and the rest in the basement.
This table compares the past 5 days with the cable, with the same 5 days of the prior two weeks with the connector. (Because Fridays are always busier then Saturday).
| Tuesday | Monday | Sunday | Saturday | Friday | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 352,033 | 343,692 | 291,180 | 284,846 | 355,299 | 1,627,050 |
| 369,673 | 369,115 | 355,388 | 333,027 | 348,649 | 1,775,852 |
| 358,420 | 346,889 | 339,447 | 309,604 | 359,834 | 1,714,194 |
| --------- | ---------- | ---------- | --------- | ---------- | ---------- |
| 2,142 | 2,061 | 1,970 | 1,864 | 2,304 | 10,341 |
| 2,119 | 2,096 | 2,127 | 1,962 | 2,245 | 10,549 |
| 2,133 | 2,156 | 2,158 | 1,900 | 2,171 | 10,518 |
In my case, the 50ft cable caused a slight drop in planes ~2%, and a ~7% in positions. Based on the above 5 days. However, I do believe the only true way to perform such a test is with two similar setup side-by-side, with only one variation - but I ain't got the funds for that! But I will say that the Times Microwave cable is damn hefty and solidly built, as is the FlightAware antenna.