A Guide to "tin-can" Waveguide

*(add 10% to lower cutoff frequency to obtain lower useable frequency)

Amateur Band
Can type
ID in Inches ID in cm
Length in inches
Lower cutoff
Freq. in GHz*
Upper cutoff
Freq. in GHz
10 GHz
1" Copper Tubing
0.870
..
120
9.223
12.047
5 GHz
1-1/2" EMT
1.610
..
120
4.463
5.829
3.3 GHz
2-1/2" EMT
2.649
..
120
2.713
3.543
3.3 GHz
Beer/Soda
2.6
..
3.875
2.661
3.475
None
Brake Fluid
2.75
..
6.5
2.515
3.285
2.4 GHz
Old Gourmet Coffee
3
..
4.1375
2.306
3.012
2.4 GHz
Tuna
3.25
..
1.375
2.128
2.780
2.4 GHz
28 oz Bean
3.25
..
5.75
2.128
2.780
2.4 GHz
Old Coffee
3.5
..
5.375
1.976
2.581
None
Lg Bean
3.875
..
..
1.785
2.332
None
#10 Juice
4.0
..
..
1.729
2.259
None
13 oz Coffee
4.0
..
5.375
1.729
2.259
1200 MHz
39 oz Coffee
6.25
..
6.5
1.107
1.446
1200 MHz
1 gal Paint
6.5
....
7.5
1.064
1.390
900 MHz
Holiday Popcorn
9.75
..
..
0.709
0.927
430 MHz
30 gal drum
18
..
..
0.384
0.502

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Data by James H. Wolfe - KI7CX


--Updated 10-31-2000 --