RG-6 Coax Connector Questions...

[Caesar]

I am fixing to add a Discone antenna for the scanner up above my 2meter beam, and i was going to bo buy some RG-8 or similiar cable, but i remember i have about 300 ft of RG-6 cable, but they have the F type connectors on them, and all the pl259 connectors i find are the larger ones for RG-8 type cables.

i would prefer a BNC connector on one end and a pl259 connector on the other, but i am not finding the connectors i need, anyone have any places to look or other suggestions? thanks...

 

[Terry1810]

I am fixing to add a Discone antenna for the scanner up above my 2meter beam, and i was going to bo buy some RG-8 or similiar cable, but i remember i have about 300 ft of RG-6 cable, but they have the F type connectors on them, and all the pl259 connectors i find are the larger ones for RG-8 type cables.

i would prefer a BNC connector on one end and a pl259 connector on the other, but i am not finding the connectors i need, anyone have any places to look or other suggestions? thanks...

I would check the cable itself and then look it up on the Internet on how well it's made. I'd ensure it has good shielding and not mostly the foil shielding. Having good wire shielding is better.

I know they say every connector and adapter added to a coax run will cause a loss. I've used RG-6 for years on my VHF/UHF antennas and I've always used "F" connectors. I add an adapter from them to what's at the end I'm connecting to it being a BNC, N or PL259. My longest cable run to my four antennas is 75 feet and shortest is 50. I haven’t noticed and signal loss to what I listen to. (50nm radius of my home).

 

[Caesar]

well, the cable is RG-6, so the cable itself is fine, i just didn't want to use connecter adapters as it creates more loss and the things can be like 6$ to 8$ a piece...

 

[rgchristy]

What's the difference between RG-6 and RG-6 /U ? Also, is the Radio Shack RG-6 QS (quad shield) any better?

Thanks,
Rich

 

[djeplett]

anyone have any places to look or other suggestions? thanks...

Check this thread:
http://www.radioreference.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=23804

 

[Al42]

well, the cable is RG-6, so the cable itself is fine, i just didn't want to use connecter adapters as it creates more loss and the things can be like 6$ to 8$ a piece...

A PL-259 will fit RG6 with either a UG-175 or a UG-176 - I forget right now which one you need for RG-6.

A BNC for - I think it's RG-59 - should fit RG-6.

You'll have to check the OD on the cable to see which series connectors/adapters it fits.

 

[kb2vxa]

Hi all,

To put it simply, the adapter ferrule for a PL-259 comes in two varieties, one smaller ID for RG-58 and one larger for RG-59 which happens to have the same OD as RG-6. If you want to complicate the cable issue a drill press will sort it out.

 

[LarrySC]

If you convert PL to F then you can add TV/VCR type splitters and switches. I did this years ago and I'm a happy camper. If you are in a strong signal area you will never notice the loss. I dont like PL's and I dont like anybody that uses them. HaHa. PL to F adp's are on the shelf in many stores. Also BNC to F for the scanner. Good Luck.

 

[pro92b]

RG-59 which happens to have the same OD as RG-6

From the Belden catalog:

Type 9110 (RG-59) outside diameter 0.242"

Type 9116 (RG-6) outside diameter 0.270"

They are close but the RG-6 uses a larger center conductor and does have a slightly larger over-all diameter. The difference is enough that a coax reducer may need to be bored out.

 

[TeRayCodA]

Hi all,

To put it simply, the adapter ferrule for a PL-259 comes in two varieties, one smaller ID for RG-58 and one larger for RG-59 which happens to have the same OD as RG-6. If you want to complicate the cable issue a drill press will sort it out.

But,you cannot solder the aluminum braid.There are some crimp-on pl's out there if you can find them.I've always used the pl to F adapters.

 

[mgosdin]

In my earlier incarnation as a PC Network installer I used many hundreds of crimp on BNC's. Most were on Ethernet RG58 plenum cable, but some were on ARCNet RG59. So it should be possible to find BNC crimp ends that will, maybe, fit RG6.

What I recommend is that you invest in one of the "Weather Proof" crimp on kits for the F type connectors. The one I bought at Lowe's was $35 and has already paid for itself in terms of frustration avoidance. Then go with the F to BNC or F to PL259 adapters.

Mark Gosdin