Types of coax cable?

Not sure what you're going to be using it for, but RG-6 is pretty versitile. I usually buy the Quad-shield RG-6 in bulk, and I've made subwoofer cables, antenna runs, and am planning on making Component cables as well. You can buy crimp-on RCA or F-type (think old-school VCR to TV cable) connectors for them.


Never used the other types. There are other posts that talk about it more. The search engine kind of sucks, but I'm sure you'll find something.

Try the Belden Cable website for technical information. www.belden-wire.com

I used RG6U Quad shield for audio/video - analog and digital. Sorry I cannot remember the type number. The furthest run is 75 feet. I have been quite happy with the results.


I used crimp on f-connectors and attached the 6U to the back side of wall plates purchased from Radio Shack. Then I used an F-connector to RCA adapter on the wall plates room side. I then could use RCA connector cables to the TV's and room amplifiers.

You want 75 Ohm copper conductor coax for component cables. RG59 or RG6, with or without the U for underground will work. RG59 is more flexible and does baseband fine as long as you get copper rather than copper coated steel.

NW, to elaborate on Pat's response, I'd recommend RG-6 for RF use, and an all-copper RG-59 for everything else.

It's size. RG6 has a thicker center conductor which results in a larger cable overall to maintain the 75 Ohm impedence. RG6 has less loss than RG59 in the higher broadband frequencies especially. Copper coated steel center conductor types are ideal for Sat and CATV applications as the high frequencies cause skin effect and the signal travels mostly on the surface of the conductor. The steel center makes the cable stronger so it can span distances like the from a pole to the house.


RG59 works fine in baseband applications like interconnects because of the lower frequencies and normally shorter distances involved. Be sure to get the all copper type though as skin effect on baseband frequencies is minimal.

I used RG59 for all my sub-woofer connections and RG6 quad for all CATV and Antenna runs.

Hey Pat, what do you mean by "all copper"? Is some RG6 non-copper? I'm assuming the RG6/U quad shield I bought is all copper...but the spool doesn't say specifically.

Odds are that the center is copper-clad steel and the braid is aluminum.

Thx, Larry. That's a shame. Is all-copper hard to find? Significant price difference?

Larry, I just check the specs, and the Belden 1694a (RG6U) has bare copper center conducter and aluminum foil/tinned copper.


I'm assuming the aluminum foil/tinned copper is OK. 1694a seems to be highly regarded around here.

I used RG6U QS throughout the house for the video runs. 12 Gauge for speaker wire, Cat 6 for other.

cheapest i found belden 1694a was at westlake electric.

http://www.westlake-electronic.com/c...94a&rfr=google




They have it for 26 cents a foot.


Jeff

Ok....I just did something stupid. I had someone pick up 200' of RG-6 coax for me at Lowes for my Sat and Subwoofer locations. Well, I ran about a 40' run tonight for one of my SAT Locations. Well, AFTER I ran it, I LOOKED at the cable and noticed it was RG-59.


From what I"ve read, it sounds like the RG-59 will be OK for the Subwoofer cables, but what about the SAT? Should I take it down and put up RG-6?


I know...my fault for assuming and not looking first.

Quote:
I've also read here that RG-59 is fine for subwoofers. RG-6 is recommended for Satellite, but I know first had that RG59 will work. BUt....it's probably easier to rip it out and do it right than find out something later isn't going to like the RG59.

RG59 can work. It's lossier but as long as the run is not too long that may not make a difference. If you get a solid picture, it won't be any better if RG6 is used. Rain fade will occur for longer periods with RG59 though. 40' isn't very long. Only you know how easy it will be to change.

Relax. I have RG-59 run from my multi-switch to each tuner; it works fine.

Thanks Guys. Another plus is that the RG59 run that I have will actually be connected to the my Coax Out of the D* receiver I have in the HT. It will be for viewing TV when I'm working out. So, I'll just leave it in.


I feel good knowing that it's not a waste...that I can use it for the Subwoofer too.