So is a solid copper conductor a waste for cable TV?

4dakota4 · 01-04-07, 11:30 AM

"Q: Why do some coax cables have copper covered steel center conductors and others have solid copper center conductors?

A: Copper covered steel center conductors are used on coax cables in high frequency applications such as DSS 2.25Ghz. This is due to the fact that high frequencies travel on the outside of the center conductor. This is called "skin effect". Since the the core of the center conductor is not used in high frequency applications, it is less expensive to manufacture the core out of steel."

I've been using RG6 cables with solid copper conductor (not that it costs much more) around the house. Is this just a waste? I also use cable broadband. Is there any advantage, disadvantage with either one? Thank You!

hometheaterguy · 01-04-07, 11:50 AM

Solid copper conductors are popular on many CCTV and DBS installations. Solid conductors provide less chance for distortion and line loss than copper covered steel. However, copper is a soft material and will break if repeatedly flexed. It is best used on permanent installation.

In some applications strength is a key requirement. Steel conductors covered with copper may be needed to prevent breakage in an active environment. Copper covered steel conductors provide added strength and RF support and are often used in CATV and DBS.

Monster (cable) uses solid copper center conductor coax and markets its advantage for long runs to avoid less loss. If you call up in house Dish Network and Ironwood Communications, (in house DIRECTV) and most cable companies they will say they use CCS coax regardless of the freq rating of the coax because unless you use a scope it is tough to tell a difference between the two types. I am sure the lower cost is a factor in companies going with CCS coax as well. I do not know if one type or the other improves cable modem speeds. You may want to contact all cable companies tech support and then cross reference their advice with sources online on that one.

bfoster · 01-04-07, 12:39 PM

DC Loop Loss. If you are trying to power something at the end of a long run, such as a dbs lnb or pre-amp, the copper will provide for less voltage drop. As far as RF performance, no difference.

4dakota4 · 01-04-07, 01:17 PM

Thank you!

01-04-07, 11:30 AM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
4dakota4 Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 56	So is a solid copper conductor a waste for cable TV? "Q: Why do some coax cables have copper covered steel center conductors and others have solid copper center conductors? A: Copper covered steel center conductors are used on coax cables in high frequency applications such as DSS 2.25Ghz. This is due to the fact that high frequencies travel on the outside of the center conductor. This is called "skin effect". Since the the core of the center conductor is not used in high frequency applications, it is less expensive to manufacture the core out of steel." I've been using RG6 cables with solid copper conductor (not that it costs much more) around the house. Is this just a waste? I also use cable broadband. Is there any advantage, disadvantage with either one? Thank You!

01-04-07, 11:50 AM	#2 \| Link
hometheaterguy AVS Special Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: latitude: 33° 26' N longitude: 112° 1' W Posts: 5,553	Solid copper conductors are popular on many CCTV and DBS installations. Solid conductors provide less chance for distortion and line loss than copper covered steel. However, copper is a soft material and will break if repeatedly flexed. It is best used on permanent installation. In some applications strength is a key requirement. Steel conductors covered with copper may be needed to prevent breakage in an active environment. Copper covered steel conductors provide added strength and RF support and are often used in CATV and DBS. Monster (cable) uses solid copper center conductor coax and markets its advantage for long runs to avoid less loss. If you call up in house Dish Network and Ironwood Communications, (in house DIRECTV) and most cable companies they will say they use CCS coax regardless of the freq rating of the coax because unless you use a scope it is tough to tell a difference between the two types. I am sure the lower cost is a factor in companies going with CCS coax as well. I do not know if one type or the other improves cable modem speeds. You may want to contact all cable companies tech support and then cross reference their advice with sources online on that one.

01-04-07, 12:39 PM	#3 \| Link
bfoster AVS Special Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Weeksville, NC Posts: 2,129	DC Loop Loss. If you are trying to power something at the end of a long run, such as a dbs lnb or pre-amp, the copper will provide for less voltage drop. As far as RF performance, no difference.

01-04-07, 01:17 PM	#4 \| Link
4dakota4 Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 56	Thank you!