{"id":5268,"date":"2023-04-21T09:33:15","date_gmt":"2023-04-21T09:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wiretroop.com\/?p=5268"},"modified":"2023-04-23T07:56:59","modified_gmt":"2023-04-23T07:56:59","slug":"tv-antenna-cable-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wiretroop.com\/tv-antenna-cable-types\/","title":{"rendered":"Tv antenna cable types: A detailed guide to different coax cables for antennas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While looking at the antenna solutions, people often look at the physical size, dBi rating, antenna type, and build quality but ignore the tv antenna cable types<\/strong> they will use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must know that you will face performance issues if you use the wrong or low-quality cable with your antenna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the following blog post, let\u2019s check out different TV antenna cable types and their use in various applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a TV coaxial cable?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Antenna-in port, RN-in port, cable-in port or coaxial cable connection offer audio and video input from the over-the-air antenna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are the same input ports that you must have noticed in the old TVs used for several devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the ports are no longer in use as HDMI has largely replaced them, they are a good option when you are looking for free OTA channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can connect an antenna to a receiver through a coaxial cable<\/a>, ensuring long-distance signal transmission and minimizing signal loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, almost all antenna cables undergo signal loss depending on the cable type and length. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basic rule says that a small length cable has less signal loss, and longer ones have a high signal loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further, the impedance of the cable also plays a vital role in signal loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ideally, the impedance (the resistance of a cable that carries an AC signal, like an RF signal, through a cell phone tower) should be less than 50 ohms for all cellular devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you use a 75-ohm cable typical for satellite antennas and television, the mismatch in the impedance reduces the performance to a great degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tv cable<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What types of TV coaxial cable should you use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You must always pick a suitable cable to handle the length and the impedance without introducing too much signal loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following table will show the required cable type and signal loss specifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that if you target higher frequencies like 1800, 2100, 2300, and 2600 MHz, you must use a high gain antenna or LMR 400 cable type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RG coax cable types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cable type<\/strong><\/td>Signal loss<\/strong><\/td>Diameter (mm)<\/strong><\/td>Maximum recommended length<\/strong><\/td>Resistance<\/strong><\/td>Applications<\/strong>
<\/td><\/tr>
RG 174<\/td>23.6dB\/100ft at 750MHz;75dB\/100ft at 2.4GHz;1db\/1m at 900MHz<\/td>2.5<\/td>3m<\/td>50 ohms<\/td>You can find these cables on interior antennas and magnetic roof antennas<\/td><\/tr>
RG 58<\/td>0.46dB\/m at 850 Mhz;0.76dB\/m at 2100MHz;0.55db\/m at 900MHz<\/td>5<\/td>10m<\/td>50 ohms<\/td>Found on marine antennas and truckers; for extensions of 20\u2019 or less<\/td><\/tr>
RG 316<\/td>0.79dB\/m at 850MHz;1.27dB\/m at 2100MHz;1.25db\/m at 900MHz<\/td>2.5<\/td>2m<\/td>50 ohms<\/td>This miniature coax cable has an FEP jacket. It can operate at a maximum temperature of 200 degrees Celsius. In the diameter range of 2.5mm, this cable is a better option than RG174 as it offers superior shielding and low signal loss due to its copper braid and CCS inner conductor (silver coated).<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

LMR coax cable types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cable type<\/strong><\/td>Signal loss<\/strong><\/td>Diameter (mm)<\/strong><\/td>Maximum recommended length<\/strong><\/td>Resistance<\/strong><\/td>Applications<\/strong>
<\/td><\/tr>
LMR 195<\/td>0.36dB\/m at 850MHz;0.53dB\/m at 1800MHz;0.36db\/m at 900MHz<\/td>5<\/td>16m<\/td>50 ohms<\/td>A weatherproof cable with high performance. You can use it as an alternative to RG58 cable in the 5mm diameter range. It also provides high electrical shielding along with reduced signal loss. <\/td><\/tr>
LMR 240<\/td>6.9dB\/100ft at 750MHz;12.9dB\/100ft at 2.4 GHz;0.32db\/m at 900MHz<\/td>5<\/td>18m<\/td>50 ohms<\/td>Most suitable for extension runs up an antenna mast or inside an RV.<\/td><\/tr>
LMR 400<\/td>0.12dB\/m at 850MHz;0.20dB\/m at 2100MHz<\/td>10<\/td>100m<\/td>50 ohms<\/td>Suitable for small buildings. You can also find it in RV applications for tall masts or long cable lengths but in rare cases.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Antenna<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Antenna cable assemblies<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connector types for tv antenna cables<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Poor selection, application, or connection of the antenna connector<\/a> can lead to reduced performance of the entire radio frequency system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do choose one of them wisely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SMA connector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Description:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You can use this semi-precision and miniature threaded connector to terminate antennas of varying frequencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, SMA<\/a> stands for sub-miniature Type A, as it was developed as a novel connector for military applications in the later 1960s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These connectors have male and female versions manufactured with high accuracy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use either male or female SMA, where the male part screws down into the female and can be tightened with a hex nut; this connection between the SMA connector and the cable results in a durable and stationary connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical specifications<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The physical characteristics of SMA connectors are specified in MIlitary standard MIL-STD-348 and available in modern generic versions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a barrel of   \u00bc inch in diameter containing 36 threads\/inch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An SMA connector has two complementary parts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n