Thursday 18 August 2011

How to Splice a Coaxial Cable?

How to Splice a Coaxial Cable?


A coaxial cable can be spliced with a minimal set of tools, but some of them are specialized. They can be found at a local hardware store. You will need:




    * – Two F connectors
    * –A barrel connector
    * –A pair of diagonal pliers
    * –A coaxial cable stripper preferably, or a knife. A knife is not recommended.
    * –You will also need a coaxial crimping device for the F connectors.



Before you begin, you will also need to determine what type of cable you have. Check the marking on your cable for its designation. The most common types are RG6 and RG59. Other types of coaxial cable exist as well, but they are all designed in the same basic way.



If you can’t identify your cable, the simplest solution is to cut off a piece off and bring it to the hardware store. The alternative is to measure your cable. RG6 has a diameter of .274 inches and and RG59 has a diameter of .233 inches.



Step #1 – Strip the Cable

A coaxial cable is constructed differently than a typical cable. A coaxial cable typically has a black outer vinyl jacket. This is followed by a layer of metal mesh, provided as a shield. Inside that is a white dielectric insulator, followed by the core copper conducting wire.

When stripping the cable, be careful not to damage the innermost copper wire. Coaxial cable stripper are designed to ensure that this doesn’t happen, but precise measurements with a knife will work as well. After stripping the cable and exposing the copper wire, fold the metal mash back over the outer casing. This should leave the insulator intact and bare, along with the copper wire.

Step #2 – Attach the Connectors

While being sure not to damage the inner copper wire, slide each connector on to its respective end of cable. A small amount copper cable should be extending past the end of the each connector.

Step #3- Use the Crimping Tool

A coaxial crimping tool should have settings for both types of cables, RG6 and RG59. Select the appropriate setting, and insert the cable into the tool where it is marked for you to do so. Crimp, and repeat for the other side.

Step #4 – Connect with a Barrel Connector

You’ll notice each end of the cable is male, while a barrel connector has female endings on both sides. Connect each end of cable to the barrel connector by gently inserting, and tightening down the collar on each side.

If you are splicing a cable, always attach a cable of RG6 to another RG6 cable, and likewise for RG54. When done properly, a splicing will be entirely weather proof and last indefinitely outdoors.


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