school me on coax cable ( home TV )

[JRD77VET]

We've been having some problems with snow on the TV's from time to time so I'm going to replace the "master of invention" cluster f**k of patch work co ax cable with single runs to each room. The previous owner did the runs ( we purchased the house in 2003 ) and it's time to replace it.

I've looked on ebay and and pricing is all over creation. Also, besides cable, what else will I need?

Here's some cable I found
500' RG6 UL 60% COAXIAL COAX SATELLITE TV HDTV CABLE B | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/500-RG6-UL-60-COAXIAL-COAX-SATELLITE-TV-HDTV-CABLE-B-/250861809066?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a68876daa)

RG59 60% Aluminum Braid CATV Coaxial Coax Cable 1000' | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/RG59-60-Aluminum-Braid-CATV-Coaxial-Coax-Cable-1000-/310270422876?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item483d8eef5c)

CommScope CablePk Jr 1000' RG6 Coax Cable Satellite BLK | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/CommScope-CablePk-Jr-1000-RG6-Coax-Cable-Satellite-BLK-/160560954917?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25622dbe25)

500 FT RG6 COAXIAL COAX SATELLITE CABLE WIRE HDTV 500FT | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/500-FT-RG6-COAXIAL-COAX-SATELLITE-CABLE-WIRE-HDTV-500FT-/390331525851?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae1926adb)


Connectors

50Pcs Compression RG6 Internet Cable Connectors COAX 50 | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/50Pcs-Compression-RG6-Internet-Cable-Connectors-COAX-50-/400232010578?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item5d2fafd352)

Connector tool

Compression Tool for RG6 RG59 Connectors and Coax Cable | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Compression-Tool-RG6-RG59-Connectors-and-Coax-Cable-/170673374956?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item27bced06ec)

Cutter

Coax Cable Cutter Stripper Stripping Tool for RG6 RG59 | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Coax-Cable-Cutter-Stripper-Stripping-Tool-RG6-RG59-/150637993759?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item2312b95f1f)

Rotary Coax Coaxial Cable Cutter Tool RG58 RG6 Stripper | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Rotary-Coax-Coaxial-Cable-Cutter-Tool-RG58-RG6-Stripper-/110296898006?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19ae3519d6)


While looking, I saw some cable are listed as 60% and found another listed at 95%. What's that? :confused5:

Thanks
Jeff

[Uncle Pervey]

Use RG6!! I am in the process of having to replace all my RG59 with RG6. Digital cable and Satellite require the use of RG6.
I believe the 60 and 95 % represent the amount of shielding braid around the cable.

Also if you have use any splitters get ones that are certified for digital. 5 Mhz to 2.3 GHz, that are marked power pass on all splits. Avoid splitters if you can run a single run from your cable company's splitter. I have six separate lines running from the cable company splitter outside of the house.

[JRD77VET]

I was planning on seperate runs to each room from the basement ( where the cable enter )

OK, RG6 only :yesnod:

[ZipZap]

I have done a bunch of coax work. If you are not going to buy a "professional" compression (not crimp) tool and high quality F connectors, then go with twist-on. I have not lost one twist-on connection ever. And yes, RG-6 is mandatory for newer applications.

Amazon.com: Coax Compression Connector Kit, 20 pieces O-Ring Weatherproof RG6 F Connector and Adjustable Compression Tool and Stripper: Electronics@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51eyC045BUL.@@AMEPARAM@@51eyC045BUL

[Firevette]

I have done a bunch of coax work. If you are not going to buy a "professional" compression (not crimp) tool and high quality F connectors, then go with twist-on. I have not lost one twist-on connection ever. And yes, RG-6 is mandatory for newer applications.

Amazon.com: Coax Compression Connector Kit, 20 pieces O-Ring Weatherproof RG6 F Connector and Adjustable Compression Tool and Stripper: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Compression-Connector-Weatherproof-Adjustable-Stripper/dp/B0044PFUZW)

I hate twist on's. So much faster/easier/reliable to use compression IMO. Like Zip said, dont skimp on the tool and connectors.

[LATB]

I was planning on seperate runs to each room from the basement ( where the cable enter )

OK, RG6 only :yesnod:

home runs :yesnod:

[DJ_Critterus]

home runs :yesnod:

Perzactly. Lars even got the term correct. People debate this off and on, but I'm in the school of thought that you run your RG6 or any commo cable on the opposite wall your power wires are run on. Believe it or not, you can get some interference. Msot of the time you can't notice it unless you're playing with some real sensitive stuff, but I do it just becuase and just in case.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like some tips on how to pull that new cable through your house easily. I helped the guys in the commo shop I ran in Afghanistan wire up so many buidlings for RG6, Cat-VI, other military wire, etc... that it's easy for me to talk people through the process.

[LATB]

Perzactly. Lars even got the term correct. .....

that's 2 this week

at this rate I'll make the varsity squad next semester for sure :D

[kingpin]

If you are using a distribution panel in your basement also make sure to cap off any extra ends in that panel. Open connectors can draw in unwanted signals and can cause things such as ghosting. They can also be used on splitters where a port is not being used. It is better to downsize the splitter in this case.

Make sure you have a good solid ground going to your homerun(distribution panel).

Coax F Terminators
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/kingpin111/dual%20ixls/ad654592.jpg

[pappytinker]

If you are using a distribution panel in your basement also make sure to cap off any extra ends in that panel. Open connectors can draw in unwanted signals and can cause things such as ghosting. They can also be used on splitters where a port is not being used. It is better to downsize the splitter in this case.

Make sure you have a good solid ground going to your homerun(distribution panel).

Coax F Terminators
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n130/kingpin111/dual%20ixls/ad654592.jpg

Not only can you pick up interference (especially if you have neon lights; like shoplights) but leaving unused connector positions un-capped causes an impedance mismatch and can degrade the signal.

[JRD77VET]

Thanks for the additional info :cheers:

[tjfontaine]

usually you can get RG6 quad shield at HD or Lowes ... another option is Monoprice.com vs. ordering off of ebay and wondering what you are getting.