Use camera wire as an antenna?

[skydive1860]

I have lots of cable for surveillance cameras. It is unmarked and on each end has a plug for power and one for video, no audio. Can it be used as an antenna wire? If so, do I splice the video and power lines together making two wires into one? The cable housing both wires appears to be about 5mm, each wire about 2.5 mm.
My great idea is to either using the power and video wires spliced together or non spliced and just cut it for frequency.
Still have no idea what I'm doing making this more interesting. Thanks for reading.

 

[dickie757]

Look at the outside of the cable for markings. If it is what I think it is, then, no, not as an antenna, but may work as the cable between the radio and the antenna.

 

[skydive1860]

Finally did some checking, of course you are right. Thanks much

 

[ecps92]

I have lots of cable for surveillance cameras. It is unmarked and on each end has a plug for power and one for video, no audio. Can it be used as an antenna wire? If so, do I splice the video and power lines together making two wires into one? The cable housing both wires appears to be about 5mm, each wire about 2.5 mm.
My great idea is to either using the power and video wires spliced together or non spliced and just cut it for frequency.
Still have no idea what I'm doing making this more interesting. Thanks for reading.

Even a Paper Clip can be an Antenna, we only find out by experimentation.

Reception is usually not a concern with some of these unique uses, the concern comes with Transmitting and then we get into
can the wire handle the load, SWR, Grounding. But reception, play with them all. Only you will know what works for YOU.

 

[skydive1860]

Even a Paper Clip can be an Antenna, we only find out by experimentation.

Reception is usually not a concern with some of these unique uses, the concern comes with Transmitting and then we get into
can the wire handle the load, SWR, Grounding. But reception, play with them all. Only you will know what works for YOU.

I thank you for your response. I forgot receive only is usually rule free. Ironically the 213 cable with no feed, strung up in the trees work best, so far. Now I'll try good old covered wire and get my sdr installed. Good Luck!