Cable for Virgin?

Paul Pioneer · 29-09-2010, 05:22

Can I use satellite cable and F connectors to connect to a V+ box or do I need a different size cable and connectors? Thanks in anticipation!

Kymmy · 29-09-2010, 07:16

Yes the cables are the same, the termination points though are different (one goes to a dish the other to a box on your inside and outside walls)

**Chris** · 29-09-2010, 08:58

VM cables do use F connectors.

The only thing you really need to be careful of is that you don't cause the signal level on the cable to drift above or below tolerances. Lengthening or shortening the existing cable length too much can cause this to happen.

darkm · 29-09-2010, 09:09

Probably the correct answer is no because you might cause interference on the network, better let a qualified virgin engineer come on and plug a cable in from A to B.

**Chris** · 29-09-2010, 09:24

The problem with the correct answer is that it costs Â£90.

Provided the cable is prepared tidily there's no harm in trying to do a DIY job first.

Paul Pioneer · 29-09-2010, 12:21

Thanks for the advice. I already have Sky HD but am not satisfied and am thinking of going to Virgin. I wanted to know if I could simply use one of the satellite feeds connected to the V+ box and the other end connected to the wall. I was advised by Maplin that you need a different cable as the "voltages" are different.

**Chris** · 29-09-2010, 12:43

Sat-grade coax is quite sufficient for the job. Maplin was probably just trying to sell you more cable.

However, if you don't already have Virgin Media services, and order them, they will install whatever cabling you need on your install day.

Paul Pioneer · 29-09-2010, 13:45

I am grateful! I want to get rid of the cable under the carpet and am having a new carpet fitted so I want the cable installed before virgin could get here and I strongly suspect that they do not hide cables discreetly!

**Chris** · 29-09-2010, 15:22

No, they probably won't hide the cable as well as you would like. If possible, the ideal solution would be for you to run trunking under your boards. Put a length of cord through it to help the install tech pull the cable through. He will love you for it.

If you can't do this, then run a length of RG6 from where you want the wall-mounted terminal box to be, to where you want the V box to be. Leave excess at either end for trimming, and don't bother putting f-connectors on it, they will most likely be delighted enough that you did the cable run and will do those for you.

Paul Pioneer · 30-09-2010, 04:46

Thanks Chris!