Extending NTL cable!

[Avernus]

Hi everyone

Ok hope someone can help me? I am having a loft conversion done and moving my equipment into the loft, sadly my NTL coax doesn't reach the loft.
What is the best way to extend my cable? I have read that extending the cat5 instead of the coax would be a better option as I am less likely to loose signal strength. That means my cable modem would have to stay where it is, I would like to put the modem in the loft rather than leave it where it is.
What kind of cable do NTL use and what kind of fittings would I need, could I join the coax with a connector and send it to a wall mount with no signal problems?

Thanks

[Paul K]

Originally Posted by Avernus

Hi everyone

Ok hope someone can help me? I am having a loft conversion done and moving my equipment into the loft, sadly my NTL coax doesn't reach the loft.
What is the best way to extend my cable? I have read that extending the cat5 instead of the coax would be a better option as I am less likely to loose signal strength. That means my cable modem would have to stay where it is, I would like to put the modem in the loft rather than leave it where it is.
What kind of cable do NTL use and what kind of fittings would I need, could I join the coax with a connector and send it to a wall mount with no signal problems?

Thanks

I would think using a connector to extend the existing cable is going to lose you signal strength. The proper way would be to call NTL and ask about having it moved but that may well cost you. How much cable is there between the SACM and the box outside on your house wall?

[Avernus]

At a rough guess I would say about 7 meters.
I would need about another 3 meters to position the modem where I want it!

Originally Posted by Avernus

Hi everyone

Ok hope someone can help me? I am having a loft conversion done and moving my equipment into the loft, sadly my NTL coax doesn't reach the loft.
What is the best way to extend my cable? I have read that extending the cat5 instead of the coax would be a better option as I am less likely to loose signal strength. That means my cable modem would have to stay where it is, I would like to put the modem in the loft rather than leave it where it is.
What kind of cable do NTL use and what kind of fittings would I need, could I join the coax with a connector and send it to a wall mount with no signal problems?

Thanks

Go to your local areial supplier and ask them for some Sat cable and some ends, I did the same a few weeks ago I've lost no signal or power. I also moved my modem with some Sat cable, you just need the ends which are the same as what plug into the back of your cable box. It will cost you about £8.

[Avernus]

I will try what you suggested if it worked for you

Thanks for your replies.

[Tezcatlipoca]

If you're going to extend the coax rather than the cat5, then make sure you get decent quality cable.

As Nidge said, "satellite" grade coax is good. Look for CT100 or CT125 satellite grade coax...Maplin sell them as FT100 & FT125 respectively.

You must also make sure that the connectors (F plugs) are fitted correctly. If you do not have the special tools to fit them yourself, it is better to get them fitted for you (Maplin will make up cables & fit connectors for a small charge IIRC).

And, of course, if you screw it up at all, ntl may well charge you the cost of fixing it.

[paulyoung666]

dont forget by t&c's you really shouldnt play with it , the cable that is , to the site btw

[marky]

when i wanted to move my stb i phoned ntl and they pretty much said what nidge said or they said they would send sombody to do it but it would cost quite a lot

[9083]

NTL will charge approx £50 to relocate a STB/SACM

[Avernus]

Thank you all for your answers. I have decided to rewire it all myself, just ordered from maplin superior quality ft100 cable and connectors. I Will take it straight from the box to the loft, that way no breaks in the cable and no loss of signal....Hopfully! The wiring isn't a problem for me, your input helped me make up my mind, thanks guys!

[paulyoung666]

the loss of signal can come from extension in length as well as poor connections , good luck