Need to replace internal cable

Wario22 · 24-06-2008, 13:03

Hi,

Just moved into a new house where previous residents had VirginMedia already installed.

Seems when they moved out they ripped the modem off the cable and snapped the central wire. I guessing this is ehat happened as the central wire is only about 2-3mm long compared to every other cable I've seen where is sticks out over the end of the plug. Would probably a fairly simple job to remove the plug and strip the cable back but as I don't have required tools it will be easier to just replace the cable.

You may have guessed from my descriptions above that I know nothing about cabling!! Now for the dumb questions:

What kind of cable do I need? I've done a bit of googling and think it might be an RG-6 coax cable but have also seen lots of talk of CT-100 and WF-100...

Oh - and a link to a UK-based online shop to get a 10m cable cheap would be great!

Please help!

Thanks,
W.

Wicked_and_Crazy · 24-06-2008, 13:22

If your going to use the VM service you will need to get it set up for you. Phone CS to do this and you can tell them the state of the cable and they will send an eng out.

Wario22 · 24-06-2008, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wicked_and_Crazy

If your going to use the VM service you will need to get it set up for you. Phone CS to do this and you can tell them the state of the cable and they will send an eng out.

Thanks for the reply however VM is all set-up and working fine.

The cable that looks damaged is a secondary one the previous tenants obviously got the intaller to run through part of the flat and it's this one I want to connect via.

Surely Virgin will charge for replacing a cable that I can replace myself...

cimt · 24-06-2008, 14:53

I don't think they'd charge you because it wasn't you that ripped it out.

Mr_love_monkey · 24-06-2008, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by cimt

I don't think they'd charge you because it wasn't you that ripped it out.

There's only his word for that... given he's already signed up, and is using cable - if he was now to phone up and say 'oh by the way, this cable is broken...' people might think it's a bit strange it wasn't mentioned before.

(I'm not saying he is lying - I just think people probably pull all sorts of fast ones to avoid the call out fee)

Wario22 · 24-06-2008, 15:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_love_monkey

There's only his word for that... given he's already signed up, and is using cable - if he was now to phone up and say 'oh by the way, this cable is broken...' people might think it's a bit strange it wasn't mentioned before.

(I'm not saying he is lying - I just think people probably pull all sorts of fast ones to avoid the call out fee)

Exactly!

I'm sure they'd say they're only commited to provide a guarantee for the work at the time of installation and as full service is being provided, replacing the 'second' cable (which appeared to be working when I view the flat before the tenant's moved out) would be at charge to me.

The reason I've only just attempted to use the 'second' cable is because I've bought a wireless router and need it located in the middle of the flat.

Anyway, if someone can advise what cable I need and where I can get a 10m one from cheaply I'd much appreciated it!

Jonnymeg · 24-06-2008, 16:11

If you don't have the tools to replace the connector how are you going to fit connectors to a new cable?

BenMcr · 24-06-2008, 16:43

What is it you are wanting to put on the end of the wire?

Wario22 · 24-06-2008, 17:12

Sorry, obviously not making myself clear...

I don't want to do anything to the cable because I don't have the tools or the knowlege.

All I want to do is replace the cable between the port marked MODEM on the 'splitter' and the modem itself.

I'll take some pictures when I get home if it's still not clear.

24-06-2008, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wario22

Sorry, obviously not making myself clear...

I don't want to do anything to the cable because I don't have the tools or the knowlege.

All I want to do is replace the cable between the port marked MODEM on the 'splitter' and the modem itself.

I'll take some pictures when I get home if it's still not clear.

Surely you have such a cable at the location where the modem is currently installed?

BenMcr · 24-06-2008, 17:28

I would hope the tech wouldn't install a modem to damaged cable. If they have, I would suggest to raise a complaint about the install tech. They should be able to get someone back out to resolve it

Wario22 · 24-06-2008, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ernie_C

Surely you have such a cable at the location where the modem is currently installed?

Yeah, but the non-damaged one is only 1m long and I need 10m.

BenMcr · 24-06-2008, 17:43

Why not go wireless?

Wario22 · 24-06-2008, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenMcr

Why not go wireless?

I am!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wario22

The reason I've only just attempted to use the 'second' cable is because I've bought a wireless router and need it located in the middle of the flat.

BenMcr · 24-06-2008, 18:10

Oops sorry.

I'm sure if you go to Maplins they could probably make the cable up for you. Only problem I can see is that Virgin have recently changed the cable spec they use, so I don't know if it is the same stuff
now

Apparently it is tri-shield (foil - braid - foil) if that helps. Also either RG6 or RG59 (though I don't know what the difference is). Do not use twist on F connectors