Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

What's the best coax?

Sep 12, 2005 1:29PM PDT

What's the best type of coax (minimal signal loss & interference) to use when building my own cables? What type of connectors are best? Crimp? Screw-on? Other?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
cables
Sep 12, 2005 1:40PM PDT

what type of cables are you trying to make?? Coax is generally used for RF (cable / satellite) applications.

- Collapse -
: What's the best coax?
Sep 13, 2005 5:49AM PDT

This depends on what you want to use them for.
The two main types are RG59 and RG6. Both are 75 ohm, but RG6 has a bigger center wire at 18ga.
Even thought I have the know how to make and have the tools to do so, I rarely make cables. Unless it is for a custom lengith or connector setup or custom instlation.
Now if you pulling wire through conduit or walls it is some times necessary.
What kind of connertors RCA,BNC,etc??

- Collapse -
standard tv cables
Sep 13, 2005 4:21PM PDT

I would like to make up some standard tv cables to connect various satellite boxes, dvd players, etc. I know it's better to go with component connections, s-video, blah, blah, blah, BUT my old Maganavox TVs (with coax input only) still deliver a great picture! Why buy overpriced new technology when the old stuff still works? (if it ain't broke, don't fix it) I've connected several components with the cheesy cables that came with them and experience very degraded signal. I figured if I built a few cables with the best coax, it would help. That's all I want to do. Make a few short cables to connect localized hardware. RG6?

- Collapse -
RG6
Sep 13, 2005 11:19PM PDT

Yes, RG6 is the way to go. You say your old Magnavox TV only has coax input, you may find it hard to hook up a DVD player to that, unless you find a combo DVD/VCR.

Lots of connectors or adapters for coax out there, you should be able to make what ever audio or video cable you need.

- Collapse -
BUT my old Maganavox TVs (with coax input only)
Sep 14, 2005 1:27AM PDT

OK, so you are talking about RF and using "F" connectors.
The thing about F connectors in general is that the bare center wire makes the contact, even the expensive snap-n-seal ones.
So RG6 is the best to use because of the 18ga center conductor. But you don't have as many connector options, just the crimp ones.
Invest in a spray can of contact cleaner and squirt some into the connector on your TV, then slide the wire in and out a couple of times.
Radio shack or Home Depo will have what you need. John

- Collapse -
RG6 Quad Shield is the very best...
Jun 27, 2010 8:41PM PDT

If your cable run is excessive then I would suggest re-fishing RG6 Quad Shield for the satellite leadin. Of all the types of RG6 Quad Shield is best for very long cable runs or then you have a lot of cable runs to various rooms. Of all the cable types on the market it has the lowest signal loss per foot. This is a must if running "Dish Network" or "DirecTV). It's even recommended if you want more stations on your OTA (Over The Air) DTV connections... No since buying an expensive outdoor antenna only to have stations lost over "CHEESY" wiring... Remember with digital broadcasts of either OTA or Satellite it's either all or noting.

You can purchase it at either Wal-Mart if all you need is standard cable lengths with the connectors already in place. Or if you need custom lengths a hardware super store is good. Just remember to take a good long look at the connectors on QS cables. The ones on QS are very beefy and long.

Also remember to get a new connection tool for putting on the ends. Most good ones can custom strip the wires in one go. Plus since the connectors are very large your old tool may have problems forcing the new ones in place.

I had Dish connected about two weeks ago and had installed a dual tuner receiver. The installer tried to connect to the existing CATV wires in my attic. Could only get signal on two sets of the four in the house. Replaced all the runs with RG6 QS and I'm happy as a clam. Just remember to use DIGITAL rated splitters also. The wrong type can also decrease signal strength.