Do you make your own coax cables or buy them?

"Jer" wrote

I've been told that each F connector induces about .5db insertion loss,
and a coupler has one of these on each end, so if true, a coupler will add
~1db of loss. I don't know what the cable loss is per 100 ft.

RG6 has about 3 db loss at 270 MHz (see
http://www.extron.com/download/files...SHR_041305.pdf for an
example). The higher the frequency (i.e., the higher the tv channel number),
the greater the loss. This figure of 3 db is accurate IF the coax is
perfectly matched to the antenna, and it doesn't take connector insertion
losses into account. If not matched, then all bets are off. But if the
incoming signal is strong, I wouldn't think a few extra db loss will matter
too much. When you're on the fringes, then every db counts.

On Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:19:38 -0600, wrote:

Steve Cutchen wrote:

I make my own connections from wall to device... so I can keep cables
to a minimum length. Not to prevent signal loss, but for neatness.
Bought good RG-6 compression fittings and tools.

OK

So should I buy the snap n seal tool for the above if
needing to buy something?

I'm pretty klutzy when making stuff so need a tool that
is fool proof. Snap N Seal do it?

The compression fittings and tools that were mentioned are pretty
pricey ($25 for a decent tool and $1 per connector), but are worth
EVERY PENNY!!! You'll also need some sort of stripping tool.

In article , kjw
wrote:

On Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:19:38 -0600, wrote:

Steve Cutchen wrote:

I make my own connections from wall to device... so I can keep cables
to a minimum length. Not to prevent signal loss, but for neatness.
Bought good RG-6 compression fittings and tools.

OK

So should I buy the snap n seal tool for the above if
needing to buy something?

I'm pretty klutzy when making stuff so need a tool that
is fool proof. Snap N Seal do it?

The compression fittings and tools that were mentioned are pretty
pricey ($25 for a decent tool and $1 per connector), but are worth
EVERY PENNY!!! You'll also need some sort of stripping tool.

This is the kit I bought

http://www.amazon.com/DataShark-7001...-Connectors/dp
/B000934F3Q

DataShark 70018 Cable TV "F" Compression Bundle with Cable Cutter, Coax
Stripper, Compression Crimper, and 10 RG6/RG6-Quad Cable TV "F"
Connectors

Works great.

On Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:33:20 -0600 wrote:

| Just curious how many people buy raw coax and tools to
| put connectors on them to make their own coax cable
| runs?
|
| Or do you just buy them-made with connectors on them
| and use couplers if needing extra pre-?

About 4 years ago, I lost a case of tools. Until then, I made my own
cable/connector sets for a lot of things from coax for TV, coax for ham
radio (UHF, BNC, and N connectors), Cat5, and even power cords. I buy
surge protectors with longer cords, cut them to the needed length, and
put on a new plug. Eventually I will re-collect these tools and be able
to do this again. I make a few of these at work (mostly Cat5 and DB-9)
for special needs. We have some of the tools there.

I'd like to make my own HDMI, USB, and Firewire cables to the right
length, but I have not seen separate connectors available for them.

I've never done fiber optics.

--
|---------------------------------------/----------------------------------|
| Phil Howard KA9WGN (ka9wgn.ham.org) / Do not send to the address below |
| first name lower case at ipal.net / |
|------------------------------------/-------------------------------------|

In article "bearman" writes:

John McGaw is right. Everything in the line will cause a little attenuation
and maybe even an impedance mismatch.

If the cable you have is too long, you can just coil up the excess.

The problem is that you will still have attenuation from the cable, and
extra attenuation from the extra cable.

You can't seem to win either way.

Alan

Howard Lester wrote:
"Jer" wrote

I've been told that each F connector induces about .5db insertion loss,
and a coupler has one of these on each end, so if true, a coupler will add
~1db of loss. I don't know what the cable loss is per 100 ft.

RG6 has about 3 db loss at 270 MHz (see
http://www.extron.com/download/files...SHR_041305.pdf for an
example). The higher the frequency (i.e., the higher the tv channel number),
the greater the loss. This figure of 3 db is accurate IF the coax is
perfectly matched to the antenna, and it doesn't take connector insertion
losses into account. If not matched, then all bets are off. But if the
incoming signal is strong, I wouldn't think a few extra db loss will matter
too much. When you're on the fringes, then every db counts.


All considered, RG6 with F connectors is pretty lossy at these
frequencies, but for short runs, one should get by okay with it. In a
fringe area, needing 15', and given the choice of 25' of RG6 or two 12'
pieces cobbled together with a coupler, shove the extra inside a wall
and sleep well with your choice.


--
jer
email reply - I am not a 'ten'

I made the UHF outdoor downlead from leftover RG-6QS and the less
critical VHF downlead from a longer Radio Shack cable cut to length,
with boots slid on before crimping the new connector. The connections
are well gooped with silicone grease and covered to keep them dry. I
disassemble it all and clean up the connections every few years or
when reception degrades annoyingly. Actually the Radio Shack coax has
held up well, usually only the antenna needs work.

Indoors I just use short preassembled lengths to connect to my interim
HD setup. Signal strength is good enough to receive Rhode Island
clearly from NH.

wrote:
On Tue, 26 Feb 2008 08:33:20 -0600 wrote:

| Just curious how many people buy raw coax and tools to
| put connectors on them to make their own coax cable
| runs?
|
| Or do you just buy them-made with connectors on them
| and use couplers if needing extra pre-?

About 4 years ago, I lost a case of tools. Until then, I made my own
cable/connector sets for a lot of things from coax for TV, coax for ham
radio (UHF, BNC, and N connectors), Cat5, and even power cords. I buy
surge protectors with longer cords, cut them to the needed length, and
put on a new plug. Eventually I will re-collect these tools and be able
to do this again. I make a few of these at work (mostly Cat5 and DB-9)
for special needs. We have some of the tools there.

I'd like to make my own HDMI, USB, and Firewire cables to the right
length, but I have not seen separate connectors available for them.


============
I've never done fiber optics.
============


I have, and if there ever was a time for pre-made cables, this would be it.


--
jer
email reply - I am not a 'ten'

Whatever you do, steer way clear of this "medium duty" [*terrible*] $10
crimping tool [Radio Shack model 278-242]:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search


This $20 type [RS model 278-238] is much better:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search This legendary contact cleaner is ideal for f-connectors [and couplers,if necessary] Caig Deoxit D5http://www.hosatech.com/hosa/products/caig.html

"Tantalust" wrote:
Whatever you do, steer way clear of this "medium duty" [*terrible*] $10
crimping tool [Radio Shack model 278-242]:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...50&cp=&sr=1&or
igkw=crimper&kw=crimper&parentPage=search

This $20 type [RS model 278-238] is much better:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...636&cp=&sr=1&o
rigkw=crimper&kw=crimper&parentPage=search This legendary contact
cleaner is ideal for f-connectors [and couplers,if necessary] Caig
Deoxit D5http://www.hosatech.com/hosa/products/caig.html

Why would you use either of these? They are crimpers.
You should be using compression type fittings. Much better.

Chip

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