Terrestrial Coax vs Satellite grade cable

MarkZ

Hi,

I'm confused about what cable types to buy for terrestrial.

This is due to my lack of experience in these matters I belive. I use the NTL analog service (and always have done). I've always heard the cable referred to as 'coax' cable. It has a fat, non-copper piece in the center of the plug, and an outer shield. This plugs into the TV (all TV's seem to have a socket for this) and to the NTL socket.

I recently installed a satellite dish. I don't know what the connectors are called but they have a thin copper piece in the center of the cable.

Now - the problem. I have installed an aerial on the roof in order to get dtt signals. However, I'm waiting for the module to arrive (DVB-T card for AZBox). I used the same cable as satellite dish (CT100 I think it was called) and I used screw-on plugs.

In the meantime, to test the aerial I would like to connect the aerial into the TV Coax socket. Can I connect a traditional coax connector onto satellite grade cable? How would I do this? Or do I need to buy a converter of some sort. What would the converter be called?

The long term plan is to use the AZBox to bring in free satellite and terrestrial signals so that we can get rid of the NTL bill.

Sorry if all my terminology sounds very amateurish.

Mark

slegs

MarkZ wrote: »

Hi,

I'm confused about what cable types to buy for terrestrial.

This is due to my lack of experience in these matters I belive. I use the NTL analog service (and always have done). I've always heard the cable referred to as 'coax' cable. It has a fat, non-copper piece in the center of the plug, and an outer shield. This plugs into the TV (all TV's seem to have a socket for this) and to the NTL socket.

I recently installed a satellite dish. I don't know what the connectors are called but they have a thin copper piece in the center of the cable.

Now - the problem. I have installed an aerial on the roof in order to get dtt signals. However, I'm waiting for the module to arrive (DVB-T card for AZBox). I used the same cable as satellite dish (CT100 I think it was called) and I used screw-on plugs.

In the meantime, to test the aerial I would like to connect the aerial into the TV Coax socket. Can I connect a traditional coax connector onto satellite grade cable? How would I do this? Or do I need to buy a converter of some sort. What would the converter be called?

The long term plan is to use the AZBox to bring in free satellite and terrestrial signals so that we can get rid of the NTL bill.

Sorry if all my terminology sounds very amateurish.

Mark

The CT100 cable is fine (satellite grade is perfectly suitable for terrestrial signal). You just use different connectors (you dont need a convertor). Use the traditional male coax plug for the terrestrial connection in house. It is pretty easy to connect - twist the connector apart and it is fairly obvious how it goes on the coax. On the aerial the other end of the coax will go directly onto the aerial.

elyod

MarkZ wrote: »

In the meantime, to test the aerial I would like to connect the aerial into the TV Coax socket. Can I connect a traditional coax connector onto satellite grade cable? How would I do this? Or do I need to buy a converter of some sort. What would the converter be called?

As slegs says, you just need to change the connector on the end of the cable. You can buy them in pairs in most hardware stores.

MarkZ wrote: »

The long term plan is to use the AZBox to bring in free satellite and terrestrial signals so that we can get rid of the NTL bill.

You could use the same run of cable to carry both the DTT and satellite signal. Just "join" them in the attic somewhere and "split" them at the TV, using two of these

MarkZ

Thank you both for the advice. I'll look for these connectors.

Mark

Donegal_TDI

You can use satellite grade co-ax for terrestrial fine.The problem occurs if you try to use it the other way round, terrestrial for satellite.It will work if you are stuck but not very well,signal level will be down as will quality.

Satfinder

Satellite-grade cable (H109 or "CT100" cable) is a bit thicker than RG6 (the higher-grade "terrestrial" cable - the stuff on a pre-wired "flylead" is awful rubbish) so it'll be a bit harder to fit a Belling-Lee connector (i.e., a "co-ax plug") to it but here's how. Mind your fingers!

Failing that, fit a standard F-connector to the CT100 cable end (that's the "proper" satellite connector that engages with threads on, say, a Sky box's satellite input). Here's how. Then buy one of these
at a good electrical supplies shop or satellite specialist (it's called a Belling-Lee male to F-socket adapter, but it might be safer to show 'em the picture).

BTW, RG6 cable is perfectly suitable for short runs from dish to satellite receiver, but you need special skinny F-connectors to fit on the cable ends, although a wrap of sellotape around the outer core before twisting on the connector will work in an (indoor!) emergency, if your F-connectors are of the "CT-100" size.