I’m not going to go into this at great length here as this is another blog itself, but TV aerial and satellite systems use 75 Ohm coaxial cable, the standard for this is ‘RG6’ so anything labelled this will be fine, this isn’t to be confused with a cheap, tacky cable which is branded “RG6” is the UK.
Can RG6 cable be used for TV?
The RG-6 is primarily used for cable and satellite signal transmission for residential or commercial installations. This coax cable is thin and easy to bend for wall or ceiling installations and remains the preferred choice to relay cable television signals.
What kind of coaxial cable do I need for TV antenna?
The three most commonly used coaxial cable types for video applications are RG59/U, RG6/U and RG11/U. RG59/U is available with either solid copper or copper-clad-steel centre conductor. It's suitable for basic analog TV antenna feeds in residential applications and for basic CCTV systems over short cable runs.
Is RG6 OK for satellite?
RG6 cable is typically used in high-bandwidth and high-frequency applications such as satellite and cable TV installations, designed to be heavy gauge with high quality shielding and insulation properties.
What cable should I use for my aerial?
1mm Coax Cable – 100 Type Cable This is the cable that most equipment is designed to take, so for connections into TV wall plates, LNB's and aerials will almost always have 100 type coax cable in mind.
Is RG6 coaxial cable the best?
You can use RG6 cable for your HDTV but it is not the best option. Signal loss and attenuation can occur from time to time. RG11 cable is the best coaxial cable for HDTV for its thicker copper conductor and shielding.
How far can I run RG6 coaxial cable?
1,000 ftInformationCable TypeMaximum DistanceRG59/U750 ft (229 m)RG6/U1,000 ft (305 m)RG11/U1,500 ft (457 m)
Is satellite cable the same as TV aerial cable?
The satellite cable has a better insulation as it carries a much higher frequency signal. You could try to use ordinary TV co ax but you may be disappointed with the results. I would fit the correct cable. The insulation is PVC in both cases.
What aerial cable do I need for Freeview?
If you wish to watch a live TV service through your TV like Freeview or Freesat you will need a coaxial cable connecting into your TV. If you have a TV aerial socket plate or satellite socket a coaxial flylead will be required to connect between this and your TV.
Can you convert a satellite cable to TV aerial?
You cannot use a dish as an aerial, though people have ways of repurposing an old Sky dish. Their version of repurposing is to make the satellite dish the mount. You can take out the LNB and attach your clip-on aerial there. Your coaxial cord will run from the TV aerial and not the dish itself.
Which is better RG6 or RG11?
RG11, because of its bigger size and better handling of attenuation, is superior when it comes to preserving signal quality than RG6. It's also able to work at much higher frequencies than RG6 due to it having less signal loss.
What is the difference between RG6 and RG11 coaxial cable?
RG11 cables have longer range than RG6 cables. The maximum distance limitation for RG11 cables to carry signals is 600m, while for RG6 cables is up to 450m. RG11 cables can run longer distances but still keep strong signal strength, while RG6 cables may suffer from signal loss to some extent.
How do I choose the right coaxial cable?
The following tips and FAQs will help you make the right decision in selecting a coaxial cable for your specific needs.Know the Application Requirements and Parameters. ... Pick the Right Impedance. ... Choose the Right Length vs. ... Cable Performance is Frequency Dependent. ... Different Cables Have Different Power Ratings.More items...•
What are the 4 types of coaxial cable?
Different Types of Coaxial CableHard line coaxial cable.Flexible coaxial cable.Semi-rigid coaxial cable.Formable coaxial cable.Rigid coaxial cable.Twin axial cable.Triaxial cable.
What is RG 59 cable?
RG-59 and RG-6 are 75 Ohm coaxial cables designed for cable television applications , they tend to have wide frequency response and low line loss. They also have an impedance of 75 ohms, which is a standard for coax cable used in the broadcast industry. You can use these cables with a 50 Ohm amateur radio antenna system, but because of the impedance mismatch, your SWR will be a little higher. For example, if everything else is balanced out, using the 75 ohm cable with a 50 Ohm antenna will increase your SWR to 1.5:1 at the transmitter.
What connectors are used for RG-11?
A better solution is to use crimp F connectors designed for for RG-6 or RG-11 and an F to Pl-259 adapter. The F connectors are sturdy and reliable, the crimping process is designed for this style of cable. The additional cost of the adapters is marginal considering the per foot costs of RG-6 to 50 Ohm RG-8U. Here’s a great set of step-by-instructions on how to properly crimp RG-6 cable.
How long is a 1/12 wavelength coax cable?
A 1/12 wavelength section of coax at 146 Mhz will be 6.3 inches long. But don’t cut the section to that length, you will need to shorten the cable based on the velocity factor of the cable. This value could be anywhere from .60 to .90. The VF is sometimes printed on the cable, otherwise you’ll have to look it up on the specification sheet for the type of coax you’re using. Put the sections inline like the diagram and do a final check with an antenna meter or analyzer.
What antenna do hams use?
So for their HF antenna systems, many hams will use RG-59 or RG-6 because it’s cheaper than 50 Ohm RG-58 or RG-8, and any mismatch can be resolved by the tuner. It works, but it’s not an ideal situation.
Can I use 75 ohm transformer for HF?
If I was using 75 Ohm cable, for simplicity’s sake, I’d use the transformer for HF applications were it’s easier to cut longer pieces of coax into 1/12 wave sections and rely on running my feed line in 1/2 wave multiples for VHF.
Can you solder RG-11?
RG-6 and RG-11 both have an alu minum shield material that can be quite difficult to solder. Attaching a PL-259 connector to the cable, in the normal fashion by soldering the braid to the barrel of the connector will often result in a weak connection that will corrode or break in time. That is, if you can get it soldered.
Can you use 75 ohm coax for HF?
I have no problem with using 75 Ohm cable for HF applications and in certain applications for transmitters up to 150 MHz. Cable coax seems to be just as well suited on the lower frequencies of the HF bands as does 50 Ohm coax. But at the VHF range and beyond, I find the losses of the cable to be too great. With VHF/UHF communications, were transmitter power can be easily eaten up be lossy coax, you’re better off in putting your money into high quality coax cable. A wise ham once told me: “purchase an affordable antenna and invest your money into high quality coax.” It’s easier to replace an antenna than it is to re-do cable runs.
What type of cable do radio operators use?
Most amateur radio operators are familiar with the RG-8, RG-8X, and RG-58 family of coaxial cables . These moderately priced cables are used for antenna feed lines and patch cords around the ham shack. With a nominal impedance of 50 to 52 ohms, they work well with both contemporary transceivers and the old "boat anchors" we love to hate. Many amateurs (such as yours truly) also use 300-ohm tv twinlead and 450-ohm ladder line to feed our antennas. With a suitable transmatch and a 4:1 balun, we can use an antenna on several bands.
Who designed the HF antenna?
Bernie does an excellent job of explaining the pros and cons of this popular HF antenna from the late Louis Varney (G5RV). Although Varney envisioned his design primarily as a 3/2 wavelength antenna for the 20 meter Amateur Radio band, radio amateurs have used the antenna for multiband use.
What is the standard coax cable used for TV?
You may come across the term impedance when purchasing your coaxial cable. I’m not going to go into this at great length here as this is another blog itself, but TV aerial and satellite systems use 75 Ohm coaxial cable, the standard for this is ‘RG6’ so anything labelled this will be fine, this isn’t to be confused with a cheap, tacky cable which is branded “RG6” is the UK. You may across 50 Ohm coaxial cable, this is most commonly used for analogue CCTV cameras and 300 Ohm coax. Avoid this and choose the 75 Ohm cable.
How many coaxial cables are there in a communal TV system?
If you’re installing a communal TV system you may find that installing a multi-core cable instead of a separate 5 cable backbone will really speed up installation. Most multi-core coaxial cables are 5 coaxial cables,each coloured different for the four satellite bands and terrestrial TV & radio.
What happens when you install coax cable?
When installing a coaxial cable, it is imperative at that the centre conductor and the cable braid and centre never touch, even one single strand of the cable braid touching the centre conductor will create a cable short and could result in loss of TV signal altogether . This definitely will happen where line power is present which could be powering your satellite dish, amplifiers and magic eyes. As the dielectric inside a coax cable is to primarily stop the conductors touching this must made from a non-conductive substance with insulating properties. This is most commonly a foam filled substance,but some coax cable types use a PVC/ air where the PVC keeps an air separation.The dielectric also helps define the impedance of the coaxial cable, so it is also carefully keeping the correct distance between conductors. For this reason,it is important not to squash the cable at terminations or kink the cable when installing it.
What type of material is used for coax cables?
This is most commonly a foam filled substance,but some coax cable types use a PVC/ air where the PVC keeps an air separation.The dielectric also helps define the impedance of the coaxial cable, so it is also carefully keeping the correct distance between conductors.
Do all coaxial cables have a screen?
Not all coaxial cables have a cable screen,but most new ones do. TV/ Sat cables without a cable screen inside are called“single screened cables” and cables with a cable screen are called “double screened cables”.
Do you need a double screened cable for Sky?
It is absolutely imperative when installing coax cables for satellite systems like Sky & Freesat, that you use a double screened cable as the higher frequencies used for satellite will quickly be lost down a short section of cable. It is also very important when installing coax cables for aerial systems like Freeview and BT Vision, ...
Is single screened cable better than double screened?
Single screened cable will lose far more signal over distance than double screened and it is also more susceptible to pick up interference. It is actually quite difficult to purchase single screened coaxial cable for TV systems nowadays, but it used to be very common.
How many ohms is a RG11 cable?
The RG11 cable is another 75 ohm cable with F-Type connectors. What separates it from the R6 is its range: whereas the R6 tops out at 50 feet, the RG11 ranges from 50 to 100 feet and features lower loss.
What is the impedance of a RG-8?
RG-8 is similar to RG-6, but unable to carry pure video signals. It has an impedance of 50 Ohm and is used in audio control rooms, radio stations or as connections for external radio antennas.
How is Coaxial Cable Constructed?
Coaxial cable is constructed from a single copper or copper-coated steel wire as the center core which carries the high frequency signal. This wire is surrounded by a dielectric insulator, often made of plastic, which keeps a constant distance between the center conductor and the next layer. This insulator is wrapped with a metal shield made of woven copper, aluminum or other metal. This cancels outside electromagnetic interference. The final layer is a rubber wrapper that insulates the whole configuration.
What is coaxial cable?
Coaxial Cable is used by cable operators, telephone companies and internet providers. If you have cable television, you have a coaxial cable installed in your home. Coaxial cables are also used for connecting VCRs to a television or connecting your television set or digital convertor box to a personal antenna.
How long is a 50 ohm cable?
These are 50-ohm, pro-grade coaxial cables designed for large installations from 7,500 to 50,000 square feet. Cable length ranges from 50 to 1000 feet, spooled. Your installer will typically apportion the cable into shorter lengths to cover the range of the installation while maintaining quality signal strength.
What is a ham radio?
Ham radio is a means for people to communicate over the air waves. Coaxial cable connected to the antenna provide a stronger signal. Ham radios can be set up in the middle of nowhere and do not require the internet or cell phone technology.
How does an antenna work?
An antenna is installed on the outside of your house, an amplifier boosts cell phone signal on the inside of your house, a second antenna is installed on the inside of your house. The coaxial cable ties the three devices together. Using this technology, you can boost a weak cellular 3G & 4G signal.
