Installation television antenna can be done at home on your own, without the involvement of expensive specialists. For this procedure, you will need a coaxial cable with the necessary accessories. How to choose a high-quality and optimal cable so that it lasts long years, and what parameters you need to pay attention to when buying?

We offer expert advice and a selection of the most popular brands of cables with a description, price categories and user ratings.

When choosing a coaxial cable, a number of parameters must be considered:

Temperature resistance

Before choosing a cable, you need to consider where the cable will run. If the antenna will be placed somewhere behind the house or on its roof, then preference should be given to a cable that is resistant to temperature changes. Also important is the resistance of the wire to high moisture. It is best to take a thick cable with a thickened central core for street wiring. Such a cable must be framed in a dense top insulation.

Diameter

  • To place the antenna on a window or balcony, a cable with an outer diameter of 6-8 millimeters will suffice.
  • For street wiring, a thicker cable is suitable - 10 millimeters in diameter or more.
  • If we proceed from the indicators of durability, then it is immediately better to purchase a thick television wire.

Braid density

The density of the cable is an indicator of its long service life, but during installation it is sometimes necessary to bend the wire in several places, so you should not take a cable with the most rigid insulation. A conductor in thin rubber, aluminum film or polyethylene dielectric, PVC is ideal. A good braid should not easily peel or peel off the wire, and it should not scratch easily.

Copper core

The priority is the cable with a copper core. There is no evidence that other alloys are worse or unreliable, but on the advice of electricians it is better to buy a product made of copper.

There are also steel conductors with copper plating, most often their production is based in China, you should not be afraid of this, the service life of such wires is not inferior to anything copper.

good composition

Determine the composition of the coaxial television cable you can ask the seller to make a cut on the wire. Ideally, in the context, the buyer should look at a copper core with a cross section of at least 1 mm in diameter, dense insulation, a layer of dense foil and copper or tin braid, an aluminum or copper wire screen, a dense outer sheath made of foamed PVC polyethylene.

Length of cable

This indicator should be strictly individual. Before buying, you need to measure the distance from the TV to the intended antenna. This distance should include all possible turns, notches and bends. The wire should not come close to both installations, be stretched, a minimum margin is required in case of reinstallation or stripping.

Accessories for cables

When buying a cable, you must immediately buy splitters, connectors, plugs and adapters. Before buying, ask the seller to try them on the selected wire so that they clearly fit in diameter. Ideally, you should immediately stock up on corner adapters so that the bending of the coaxial cable is minimal.

How to connect the cable

The cable is connected to a TV or antenna according to the following algorithm:

  • plugs must be screwed on both sides of the cable. To do this, you need to make a circular cut at the end of the wire, retreating 1.5-2 centimeters from the edge. You need to cut off only the upper sheath of the wire, without damaging the braid;
  • gently fold back the foil and screen hairs. In this way, the inner layer of insulation will be released. A circular incision is also made on this layer and the core is released from protection. The distance from the bare core and the bent foil must be at least 2 millimeters;
  • the last stage is to screw the plug clockwise onto the wire until it stops, cut off the rest of the excess core.

Do it again on the other end of the cable.

Popular brands

3C-2V

Resistance 75 Ohm.

  • copper-plated steel core 0.5 mm in diameter;
  • the second screen is a braid of 32 steel threads;
  • internal insulation - polyethylene dielectric with a diameter of 3 mm;
  • the outer sheath of the insulation is PVC with a diameter of 5 millimeters.

The cable is perfect for mounting on-air and cable television over long distances.

The price of the wire varies from 10 rubles per 1 meter. User rating -9.6.

DG 113

  • copper core 1.13 mm thick;
  • double reinforced braid made of combined aluminum and plastic foil;
  • the second layer of a braid made of a combined material of tin and copper;
  • inner sheath of insulation made of polyethylene dielectric;
  • external insulation - PVC in diameter 6.6 mm.

The cable is practical, suitable for installing all kinds of antennas. Provides high quality transmission of high-frequency signal data without interference.

Price - from 65 rubles per 1 meter. Score - 9.9.

RG-58A/L

Wave impedance 50 Ohm.

  • stranded base of 19 copper wires with a diameter of 0.12 millimeters;
  • the first braid of aluminum foil;
  • second braid of 48 copper strands;
  • internal insulating coating of dielectric.
  • external insulation - PVC with a diameter of 5 millimeters.

Price - from 50 rubles per 1 meter. Score - 8.7.

RG59

Cable resistance 75 Ohm.

  • copper-plated steel core 0.5 mm in diameter;
  • the first braid is made of thin aluminum foil;
  • shield of 32 tinned copper strands;

The wire is applicable for transmitting signals from satellite and terrestrial antennas over long distances. It is possible to mount satellite dishes for short distances.

Price - from 20 rubles per 1 meter. User rating - 9.4.

RG-59+CU

Cable resistance 75 Ohm.

  • copper-plated steel core 0.58 mm in diameter;
  • first layer of aluminum foil braid;
  • the second screen is a braid of 48 copper threads;
  • the outer insulating coating of the cable is PVC with a diameter of 5.4 mm.

Price - from 25 rubles per 1 meter. Score - 9.1.

RG-6

Resistance 75 Ohm.

  • single-core copper base 1 mm thick;
  • the first braid-shield is made of aluminum foil;
  • screen-braid of 48 copper threads;
  • internal insulation - foamed polyethylene;
  • the outer insulating sheath is PVC with a diameter of 6 millimeters.

This brand of cable is excellent for installing cable, terrestrial and digital television.

Price - from 10 rubles per 1 meter. Score - 9.6.

RG-6U

Wave impedance 75 Ohm.

  • steel copper-plated conductor with a diameter of 1 mm;
  • first layer of aluminum foil braid;
  • the second braid consists of 48 copper strands;
  • internal insulation - polyethylene dielectric;
  • the outer sheath is PVC with a diameter of 6.8 mm.

The cable is designed to receive high frequency signals, but will not be suitable for continuous current supply.

RG-6U+CU

Cable resistance 75 Ohm.

  • copper core 1 mm thick;
  • braided aluminum foil;
  • braid of 48 copper strands;
  • insulation from the inside - polyethylene dielectric;
  • outer insulation - PVC with a diameter of 6.8 mm.

Universal model. It simultaneously transmits high-frequency signals and direct current. The transmission takes place with minimal current losses.

Price - from 15 rubles per 1 meter. Score - 9.8.

SAT50

Cable resistance 50 Ohm.

  • copper core with a diameter of 1 millimeter;
  • reinforced double braid of combined foil, aluminum and plastic;
  • the second layer consists of a combined material: tin and copper;
  • internal insulation - polyethylene dielectric;

The cable proved to be excellent in installation both outdoors and indoors. Suitable wire for any antenna, does not distort the transmission of high-frequency signals.

Price - from 30 rubles per 1 meter. Score - 9.8.

SAT703

Wave impedance of the cable is 75 Ohm.

  • base made of copper with a thickness of 1.13 millimeters;
  • screen made of two layers of aluminum-plastic foil;
  • a second layer of tin and copper braid;
  • isolation from inside from polyethylene dielectric;
  • external insulation - PVC with a diameter of 6.6 millimeters.

This coaxial cable transmits all TV signals with high quality both outdoors and in buildings

The cost of the cable is from 40 rubles per 1 meter. Score - 9.7.

RK 75

Cable resistance 75 Ohm.

  • copper base with a diameter of 1 mm;
  • the first braid is made of foil (thin aluminum);
  • shield of 48 tinned copper strands;
  • internal insulation made of non-conductive polyethylene;
  • outside insulation - PVC sheath with a diameter of 6 millimeters.

Use the wire to install terrestrial and cable television on the street. Suitable for installation satellite dish for short distances and for interior work.

The cost of the cable ranges from 12 rubles per 1 meter. User rating - 9.4.

With the advent of satellite and digital TV broadcasting, the question arises more and more often which cable for a TV is better to choose - because the quality of the received signal depends on it. So, for example, when switching to satellite or digital broadcasting from analog TV, the image can often become fuzzy, blurry, sometimes ripples and interference appear on the TV screen, although from modern technologies expect a completely different quality. The main cause of such defects is the technical discrepancy between the old line and the new signal characteristics. It is logical that for quality work television equipment will have to change the cable.

It is not difficult to lay the cable and connect television equipment at home and on your own. You do not need to have special experience or deep knowledge to do this. But here's what to do right choice coaxial cable(this is the type used for modern TV broadcasting) is not so simple. Studying it only external characteristics: thickness, color, trying to determine by eye what it consists of - it is unlikely to be able to buy a suitable copy. Which cable is better to choose can be understood based on the source data. Before you go to the store, you need to figure out what characteristics a cable network should have. To do this, find out:

  • what signal format it should support (digital or analog TV);
  • the type and quantity of television equipment that will be used on it;
  • place of laying (apartment or large house);
  • the location of the signal source is an outdoor antenna or a satellite dish on the roof of the house or a balcony, a shield on the stairwell;
  • the total length of the network.

The structure of the television cable

Speaking of internal structure, we can say with accuracy that all models have similar content.

  1. Inner conductor- it can be made as a single or stranded wire, copper tube. The signal range and the possible bending radius depend on the material.
  2. Dielectric layer- ensures the immobility of the conductors. It can be made of polyethylene, fluoroplastic, foamed polyvinyl chloride or an air gap. The wave impedance and attenuation of the transmitted signal depend on the quality of the material.
  3. The outer conductor is a braid. It is made of foil, corrugated tube, aluminum film, metal wire. The degree of protection from external electromagnetic interference depends on the quality of the material.
  4. shell which protects internal structure cable.

As you can see, the principle of cable structure is the same, but the materials from which its structural parts are made differ from each other. How to choose a good option that would fit technical specifications modern broadcasting?

Selection rules

Regardless of the manufacturer, any television cable must have a resistance of at least 75 ohms in order to accept a modern television broadcast format. The following criteria should also be considered.

The composition of the outer shell

As a rule, either PE or PVC is used. In the first case, the shell will white color, and in the second - black. Previously, it was believed that for outdoor installation, for example, when the antenna is on the roof or balcony of the house, a cable with a black protective sheath should be preferred. But today this indicator is not critical, and therefore some types of cables with a white protective sheath, such as SAT 703, can be used for both indoor and outdoor work. The main thing to consider protective layer thickness. It is quite logical to believe that the larger it is, the better.

However, in this case, the entire structure becomes clumsy, respectively, the bending radius will be somewhat limited, this should be taken into account when planning the laying site (the presence of turns and corners).

Characteristics of the outer conductor

It should consist of two shielding layers. You should not purchase models with a single layer, such a cable does not correspond modern standards signal transmission. The materials from which the shielding layers of the outer conductor are made are different. In the very first models of television cable, the most common braided wire was used as an external screen. The main advantage of this model is its low cost, but you should definitely not count on receiving a high-quality signal, and even satellite TV. Modern models have the main metal foil screen and an additional braid, which is also made of metal alloys - it reduces the level of interference from radio equipment and household appliances.

Characteristics of the central core

As a rule, the central core is made of copper or alloys of other durable metals. To give strength, alloys can also be plated with copper. There are no confirmed facts that copper core much better than alloys of other metals, transmits a signal. But many experts recommend just such models of television cables.

Thickness

Undoubtedly, a cable of a smaller diameter is easier to lay, it is easy to mask it under the boxes specially provided for this, but the signal quality also leaves much to be desired. A cross section of 3.5 mm is minimum score for home use. Otherwise, only the main channels may be available, as the operation of such a cable will be limited. In order to watch TV channels with a modern extension, you will definitely have to purchase additional devices, for example,. They will come out much more expensive than a cable with an optimal cross section.

Manufacturer

The modern market provides a large number of manufacturers, but this does not mean that everyone promises a quality product. It is worth paying attention to well-established manufacturers, such as Belden, Cavel, Commscope, Mediaflex. This rule applies to .

Length of cable

In order to avoid problems during the laying process, it is recommended to purchase a cable with a small margin in length. First of all, this is due to possible mechanical damage during operation, which will affect the signal quality. It may be necessary to repair the damaged area. The second reason is the rearrangement of equipment. Often a new interior leads to a rearrangement of furniture and existing equipment. A large cable length will allow such work to be carried out without replacing it.

When choosing a cable, it is worth remembering that the longer the network is, the thicker the model must be chosen. In the event that the cable is purchased for an antenna that is located on the roof, it is better to purchase a wire with a large cross section. In addition, before purchasing a particular model, it is worth clarifying whether there are additional conditions for installation. All this information will be useful to you even if you decide to

When choosing a television cable, you should know that there are no special "digital" models that serve to receive the corresponding broadcast - this is just a marketing ploy. Modern cable devices are broadband, the operating frequency of which is from 5 to 3000 MHz. Digital and satellite TV just falls into this range.

To receive a high-quality signal from a satellite, you will need information on how to do it right.

In principle, it is not important for a person who is not strong in physics or electricians to know the features of a particular cable, it is better to entrust the choice to a professional. But this is if it is connected with electricity. You can choose a TV cable yourself.

The main thing to understand is that the cable from the TV to the antenna does not conduct current, so you can replace it yourself. But before starting work, you need to figure out how to choose the right antenna wire.

How is a television cable

In the store, it is called "Coaxial". Inside it:

  • central vein;
  • dielectric;
  • outer conductor;
  • shell.

This type of electrical cable is always round and is used for signal transmission. Due to its design, this type is used not only to connect a TV, but in communication systems, connecting home and military equipment.

In special stores, a good and suitable wire for TV is marked:

  • RG-6;
  • RG-59;
  • RG-11;
  • RK-75.75.

In the last marking, the number 75 means the impedance in ohms. The greater the resistance, the less interference, however, there is no point in choosing an electrical wire greater than 75, but you should not take less either.

Signal Attenuation Ratio - Next important characteristic, which is measured in dB/100m. Each TV channel broadcasts at its own frequency and the attenuation index is also different. A good electrical cable should have a low rate.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the following indicators:

  • type of television system;
  • length from antenna to TV;
  • places where the cable passes;
  • the presence of corners and turns;
  • wiring selection;
  • number of TVs.

Now about everything in order.

Video: "coax" for TV

How to choose

First of all, you need to immediately think about where the entire system will go. If the antenna is outside the house, and the wire will run along the street, then you need to choose one that is resistant to temperature changes and moisture. It depends on the density of the cable braid, its diameter, special impregnations and carbon layer. The thicker it is, the thicker the core (and the signal attenuation index depends on this) and the more resistant it is to climatic and mechanical damage. If the antenna is located on a window or balcony, then there is no need to take the largest one - a cable with an outer diameter of 6–7 mm is enough.

Wires for satellite and cable TV are different. That is, according to the device, they are completely the same - core, insulation, external conductor and sheath. Only here the satellite signal, together with the power supply of the convectors, passes through the core (most often copper), and the cable signal - along the surface of the conductor. Therefore, wires with a thin core (less than 1 mm in diameter) are not able to transmit a satellite signal without interference.

It is possible to mount the antenna wire next to the power wire only if their outer diameter is 6–10 mm and the protection against interference is enhanced. Thick electrical cables can be bent at an angle of no more than 90 °.

You can summarize all of the above in one statement - the thicker the television wire, the better.

The dense braid of the cable is an indicator of its durability. It should not easily “peel off”, it cannot be scratched, for example, with a fingernail. However, insulation that is too rigid will prevent the antenna wire from being bent.

Today, foil or aluminum film is used as the outer conductor. The absence of this usually indicates that the product in front of you is not of the best quality.

A good antenna wire usually consists of a copper core. There is no evidence that this particular material is better suited than other alloys. But if you have a choice, it's better to buy antenna cable with a copper core.

The color of the shell, despite the opinion prevailing in narrow circles, does not indicate anything. The color of the wire can be any - the one you like. Manufacturers use special colors to distinguish television from power if they are mounted side by side.

You can find out the “composition” of the electrical cable by asking the seller to make a cut, so it is better to avoid packaged goods, even if everything is written on the package. A good option- copper core with a cross section of 1 mm, dense insulation, a layer of foil and copper braid made of tin and a dense sheath.

The length of the electrical cable is a purely individual matter. Before buying, it is necessary to calculate not the minimum distance from the antenna to the TV, but take into account all the indents along the bottom of the wall and turns. It is also necessary to take the antenna cable “with a margin” in case you want to move the TV to another place in the future.

Accessories for cables are connectors, adapters and splitters. It is better to choose them in the same place where the wire is bought, so that the seller will help you choose the parts that are suitable for the diameter. Also, for satellite cables, it is better to purchase angled adapters in order not to bend them.

Video: choosing a TV cable

Antenna connection

To connect the cable to an antenna or TV, you need to attach a plug.

First you need to make a circular cut of the shell at a distance of one and a half centimeters from the edge. It is necessary to remove only the shell, without touching the hairs of the screen. The screen hairs and foil are folded back to release the internal insulation layer. It must be carefully bent so as not to tear or tear anything. A layer of internal insulation is cut off in a circle and removed. The distance between the bare core and the bent foil must be at least 2 mm.

Next, you need to wind the plug by turning it clockwise until it stops. Cut off the rest of the excess wire. Prepare the antenna wire on the other side in the same way. This must be done after it has been laid from the antenna to the TV in order to shorten it if necessary.

The main thing is to choose good wire, which will match all parameters.

Video: preparing an antenna wire for satellite television

Video: connecting the wire to the antenna

Video: how to crimp and connect a TV cable

In connection with the emergence and popularization of digital and satellite broadcasting, the question arises more and more often, which television cable is better to choose. The relevance of the issue is more than justified, because the quality of the signal directly depends on the conductor.

When switching to satellite or digital television from analog, quite often users encounter problems in the process of setting up individual channels. The picture quality leaves much to be desired. Naturally, this result goes against the expectations of consumers from modern equipment.

The main reason for the appearance of failures and defects is the technical inconsistency of the old line in comparison with new signal reception technologies. That is why everyone should know how to choose the right cable for the TV.

Now we will carefully study the main features, as well as give specific recommendations for choosing a conductor for satellite television. We will also dwell on the features of operation, but let's start with the structure of the television cable.

How is a television cable

Analyzing the structural features, it is highly likely that absolutely all models have approximately the same concept of the internal structure:

  1. The inner conductor is made of solid wire, copper tube or multi-strand material. The quality of the material determines the signal receiving distance, as well as the allowable bending index.
  2. The dielectric layer acts as a retainer for the conductors.
  3. The conductor of the external type is a braid. Often made of foil and thin wire. Quality affects the level of protection against external factors such as electromagnetic interference.
  4. The inner sheath provides protection for absolutely all structural elements of the cable.

Thus, in terms of structure, the types of television cables differ little. Of course, there are certain features, but basically they appear in the quality of the material from which this or that element is made.

Which TV cable is better to choose? The answer to this question directly depends on the goals set. For example, if the signal distance is minimal, then there is no point in overpaying for an expensive coaxial cable conductor. In general, television cables and their varieties are versatile as they are suitable for satellite, digital and analogue broadcasting.

What to look for when choosing

Lay the wire, and then connect the television equipment within the power of everyone. To perform such work does not require special skills or extensive work experience. It is much more difficult to choose a coaxial conductor, given the specifics of television broadcasting. Even experts sometimes make mistakes.

If we take into account only external characteristics: thickness, color, etc., it will not be possible to determine the internal composition with absolute certainty. As a result, with a high degree of probability, the purchase will not live up to expectations. To understand which television cable is better, one should proceed from the initial data, marking. There are several types: RG 6 cable, SAT-50, SAT-703. All of them differ in their structure.

RG-6 cable (internal)

SAT-703 cable

Before you go to the store, figure out what indicators a cable network should have. Therefore, first you need to find out a few important points:

  • supported signal format – digital or analog broadcasting;
  • type and number of connected television devices;
  • laying territory - a large house, apartment;
  • location of the signal source - roof, balcony, entrance;
  • the total length of the network.

Regardless of the manufacturer, each cable must have a resistance parameter of at least 75 ohms, otherwise there will be problems with the acceptance of a modern television signal. Now let's talk about the main selection criteria.

Outer shell

The outer shell is made of polyethylene for the white shell or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for the black shell.

Until recently, experts unanimously stated that for laying on the street, that is, when the antenna is located on the roof of a house or on a balcony, only wires with a black sheath are suitable. Today, no one uses such critical ratings, so sometimes a television cable with a white sheath is chosen, for example, SAT 703. This model is universal, as it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation.

Be sure to consider the thickness of the outer shell. Of course, the thicker it is, the more secure the connection will be.

However, in this case, the flexibility of the structure is significantly reduced - therefore, the bending radius is significantly limited. Of course, this point also needs to be taken into account when drawing up a cable TV installation plan: calculate all turns and angles.

central vein

As practice shows, in the manufacture central vein companies prefer copper or an alloy of other metals that have the proper strength. To make the final product even more durable, sometimes alloys are additionally clad with copper.

There is no evidence that the copper core is of higher quality than other metal alloys. Accordingly, it is also not advisable to talk about the difference in signal transmission. However, experts strongly recommend choosing high-quality cables with a copper central core. This type is considered more resistant to various damages.

IN without fail the thickness of the central core should be taken into account, this parameter varies in the range of 0.3-1 mm. Here you can be guided by the principle, the thicker the better. The fact is that the attenuation coefficient is associated with this characteristic, in other words, an inverse relationship. When choosing a core, consider the cross section of the wire.

Cable thickness and length

A cable with a small diameter is much easier to lay. In addition, a thin wire can be easily hidden in a box. However, this will raise questions about the quality of the signal. A cross section of 3.5 millimeters is the smallest parameter for home use.

If you take a model with a smaller cross section, then only the main channels will be able to be configured, since the action of the wire will be limited. To watch TV channels with a more progressive resolution, you should buy an auxiliary device, for example, a special set-top box. However, their cost is much higher than the price of a cable with a suitable cross section.

As for the length, to prevent problems during the installation process, you should pre-purchase a cable with a margin. Better to let it be a little longer than shorter.

First of all, the reserve is useful in case a certain area is damaged during operation, naturally this negatively affects the quality of the signal. It is possible that the damaged area will have to be eliminated.

The second reason is the change in the position of the equipment. Even redecorating may result in an unforeseen rearrangement of furniture and interior items. It is clear that at the same time it will be necessary to change the location of equipment, including the TV. The long length will allow for rearrangement without changing the cable.

When choosing a cable, you need to take into account the length of the network - the longer it is, the thicker the wire model should be. If you are looking for a quality option for an antenna located on the roof, it is more advisable to purchase a cord with a larger cross section.

Moreover, before purchasing a competitive model, be sure to check if there are additional conditions that should be considered during the installation process. This information is especially necessary if you plan to make an antenna yourself.

When choosing a television cable, be sure to remember that there are no special digital-type models designed to receive broadcasts of the same name. Such rumors are deliberately promoted by manufacturers for marketing purposes.

A modern cable is a broadband wire with a frequency of 5-3000 MHz. satellite dishes and digital TV broadcasting are included in the specified interval.

Manufacturer

The market offers consumers a wide choice. This applies to those parameters, and manufacturers. Naturally, it is more expedient to buy products from trusted companies, which have a wide range of advantages. First of all, Belden, Cavel, Mediaflex should be highlighted.

However, this is still a minor factor. First you need to decide on the main criteria: sheath, core, length and thickness, and only then look at the name of the manufacturer.

To avoid premature wire failure, follow these guidelines:

  1. When choosing an antenna cable to a TV for a residential connection, you should buy a model with a large throughput waves.
  2. For street laying in regions with extreme weather conditions(abnormal heat, excessive temperature fluctuations, elevated level rainfall, too low temperature) choose wires with special impregnation.
  3. During the laying process, you do not need to make too many solderings and connections, as this negatively affects the quality of the signal. Solid wire laying is the best solution.
  4. You should not use handicraft splitters, it is more expedient to acquire a branded device. In addition, splitters and signal amplifiers should be located in accessible places - it is possible that a breakdown will occur over time, and repairs will be carried out accordingly.
  5. Follow the manufacturer's instructions during installation. This is especially true for the bending radius and the distance between the fasteners.
  6. In no case should you lay a coaxial cable close to electrical appliances - this can become a catalyst for interference.

The proposed expert advice will help you make the right choice. As a result, you will reach the maximum High Quality connection of television equipment.

Seal

Cable device

In order to avoid some problems when receiving digital television, it is better to use a high-quality television cable when installing an antenna, which one is better to choose and why I will try to explain.

Cable device

I usually work with SAT 50 cable, and to make it less clear why I prefer it, and which of the characteristics are most important, let's look at the design of a coaxial cable. The figure above shows what it consists of.

  1. Outer shell. Durability depends on its quality.
  2. Braid. The most important parameter. External conductor. The resistance, the quality of shielding, that is, protection from external electromagnetic interference, depends on the density of weaving and material.
  3. Foil. Inner screen.
  4. Dielectric. The most important parameter. The impedance and attenuation of the signal depend on the material and quality.
  5. Central vein. Internal conductor. The signal transmission range, the bending radius depends on the material.

Previously, it was accepted that the black wire was for outdoor installation, now this is not so critical, for example, the SAT 703 cable has white color, can be used for both indoor and outdoor work, and the stripes on it serve for ease of wiring, so as not to get confused when laying cables, where is cable TV, where is terrestrial, etc.

Still, I recommend that if you want to buy a durable wire, then take it with black insulation or look at the characteristics of the one you are interested in before purchasing. As already mentioned, I consider it the best - SAT 50, although the RG 6U with a black protective shell is not so bad.

The braid can be made of copper, aluminum or copper-plated conductors with different braiding densities. How large quantity conductors contains a braid, the higher the protection against external interference. For example, the RG 6 television cable has 48, and the SAT 703 has 64 conductors. It should also be noted that the copper braid provides more best parameters, however, its use increases the price of the cable.

In front of the dielectric is a layer of aluminum foil on a polyester substrate. The use of double shielding greatly improves the performance of the coaxial cable.

The center conductor can be made of copper or copper-clad steel for added strength.

The use of polyethylene foam (PEE) as a dielectric reduces polarization losses and reduces signal attenuation. When choosing a television cable, it is better to opt for this one.

Choosing a cable

The most common today, perhaps, is the RG-6U cable, with quite satisfactory characteristics. It can be purchased at many stores, while it is most often offered with a white outer shell, and although the sellers claim that it can be used as an outdoor one, it is better to look for black insulation. As a television it is not the best, mainly due to the rapid failure when used outdoors and the greater attenuation coefficient. So with a longer cable length, for high-quality TV signal reception, it is better to look for a better one.

The best in terms of price-quality characteristics, in my opinion, is the SAT 50 television cable, this is an analogue of the SAT 703 wire, which has almost identical parameters, but SAT 50 is somewhat cheaper.

Characteristics of Sat 703:

  1. The diameter of the central core is 1.13 mm.
  2. Cable thickness - 6.6 mm.
  3. The minimum bending radius is 70 mm.
  4. Maximum current - 8 A.
  5. Frequency range from 5 to 2150 MHz.
  6. Wave impedance - 75 ohms.
  7. Attenuation at a frequency of 862 MHz - 18 dB / 100 m.
  8. Shielding factor -> 80 dB.
  9. Linear capacity - 52 pF / m.
  10. Operating temperature range from -40°С to +80°С.
  11. Permissible operating humidity - 100%.
  12. The minimum installation temperature is -5 0C.
  13. Service life - 15 years.

As already mentioned, these cables have almost the same parameters. The difference between them is in the thickness of the central core, in sat 50 it is 0.02 mm thinner and has an aluminum braid instead of a copper-plated one.