Coax cable - where to buy etc.?

Sam Williams · 17-08-2003, 16:14

I'm trying to find a longer replacement for the coax cable running from wall socket to cable modem. Bearing in mind that I have next to no idea about these cables, can anyone please tell me:

1) Is it just a 'normal' coax cable?
2) What's the proper term for the special screw connectors on each end?
3) Is there anywhere (mail/internet-order in the UK) I can buy the cable from with the connectors already attached?

...and any other advice on replacing it would be more than welcome.

Thanks very much,

SW.

PS. Has anyone just been cheeky and asked NTL to send them a longer cable? Any success?

Ramrod · 17-08-2003, 16:27

I get co-ax from somewhere like B&Q and the connectors are in the same dept. (dunno what they're called).
I asked ntl for a longer cable and they sent me one with the origional orders bits and bobs.

Shaun · 17-08-2003, 16:54

If you get a new Argos catalogue they sell a satellite extension kit, it has the right connectors, but will the actual cable be o.k?

Bifta · 17-08-2003, 17:20

I thought the coax NTL used wasn't the same stuff you'd get in your average DIY store .. I could be wrong

Escapee · 17-08-2003, 17:41

Bifta said

Quote:

I thought the coax NTL used wasn't the same stuff you'd get in your average DIY store .. I could be wrong

That's right, without going into too much detail the coax used for satellite is mainly concerned with low loss at a low price.

ntl uses cable that has low loss but more importantly has a higher braid density (Screening). The return path on ntl's network can be subject to ingress by poorly screened cable and badly fitted or inferior connectors.

paulyoung666 · 17-08-2003, 19:08

Quote:

Originally posted by Escapee
Bifta said

That's right, without going into too much detail the coax used for satellite is mainly concerned with low loss at a low price.

ntl uses cable that has low loss but more importantly has a higher braid density (Screening). The return path on ntl's network can be subject to ingress by poorly screened cable and badly fitted or inferior connectors.

rg-59 is the stuff isnt it , preferably with crimped not screwed connectors , correct me if i am wrong

Escapee · 18-08-2003, 08:28

paulyoung666 said

Quote:

rg-59 is the stuff isnt it , preferably with crimped not screwed connectors , correct me if i am wrong

That's right, but do you realise how many different variants there are of RG59 ?

Not all RG59 is double screened, there are many versions and I can only remember the BU and HE versions off the top of my head.
There are many cheap cables sold as RG59, I have seen some very poor RG59 with poor braid density and have failed to get specfications from the manufacturer/supplier.

Sam Williams · 18-08-2003, 10:54

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I've found a potential supplier of RG-59 (B/U variety):

http://www.homestead.co.uk/cx59.htm

I believe 75 ohms is the correct impedance... Does this look like it'll do the business?

th'engineer · 18-08-2003, 12:22

if you extend it you can have loses that might have on effect on the use of the service. it is a balanced lenght of coax

Sam Williams · 18-08-2003, 12:42

Aye, point taken; if it turns out to be a problem, I'll have to reverse it. I'm planning to extend the coax run from the current 1m to a total of 3m; do you think that'll make a significant difference to speed?

zoombini · 18-08-2003, 12:46

Just dont think of using the cheap stuff that you see on the markets, where the seller assures you that its fine for what you want.
Its usually poorly screened cr@p.

jemnery · 18-08-2003, 13:23

Quote:

Originally posted by Sam Williams
Aye, point taken; if it turns out to be a problem, I'll have to reverse it. I'm planning to extend the coax run from the current 1m to a total of 3m; do you think that'll make a significant difference to speed?

Nah, my installation is > 10m with a perfect connection.

Niles Crane · 18-08-2003, 15:39

Sam Williams, i have about 20 metres of TFC T10 cable (see image below)

It works fine with cable modems, cable tv, satellite tv etc. How much do you need? If you're interested i can send you some - no charge.

th'engineer · 18-08-2003, 15:50

Quote:

Originally posted by Sam Williams
Aye, point taken; if it turns out to be a problem, I'll have to reverse it. I'm planning to extend the coax run from the current 1m to a total of 3m; do you think that'll make a significant difference to speed?

not sure of the loses for that cable it depends what your SNR and power are at the moment if it stays within limits should not be a problem at the most its probably a couple of db difference

cable atten here

according to the table about .3db should not worry about that

th'engineer · 18-08-2003, 16:02

just a point if NTL used RG11 they could use less power