Quality TV Antenna Cable Recommendation

• 

  MS Paint on 25/02/2021 - 19:33

  +1

  seems to fix itself after adjusting the antenna cable (i.e. moving it around, etc.)

  Is it the cable or the connections?

  I've had many years of success with the cheapest cables from bunnings.

  • 

    DoctorCalculon on 25/02/2021 - 19:36

    Seems to be both.
    Rotating the connector at the wall socket end sometimes fixes the glitches, and sometimes does nothing. Likewise, if the cable is moved around a bit.

    • 

      MS Paint on 25/02/2021 - 19:47

      +1

      Could be from the back of the wall socket to the antenna

      • 

        DoctorCalculon on 25/02/2021 - 19:53

        That could be a possibility as well.
        I think I will replace the cable first, and then call the antenna repairman if the problem persists. The latter will be more expensive no doubt.

        • 

          AndyC1 on 25/02/2021 - 21:01

          +2

          @DoctorCalculon: Sounds like I would replace the wall socket with the following:
          https://www.jaycar.com.au/flushmount-75-ohm-tv-wall-socket-with-f-rear-connection/p/LT3065\

          Re-terminate the coax in the wall with:
          https://www.jaycar.com.au/f59-type-twist-on-plug-rg-59-cable…

          Make your own cable:
          2 x https://www.jaycar.com.au/f59-type-twist-on-plug-suits-rg-6-…
          5m of https://www.jaycar.com.au/concord-10m-flexible-tv-to-tv-coax…

          No antenna tech or crimping tools needed and you don't need to wait around for the technician to turn up.

          • 

            DoctorCalculon on 25/02/2021 - 21:07

            @AndyC1: Thank you. 👏

• 

  boomramada on 25/02/2021 - 20:06

  I find it better when you actually make your own cable by using Coaxial cable. Ready made one are crappy quality.

  • 

    DoctorCalculon on 25/02/2021 - 20:08

    Agreed. Pre-made cables are always poor value for money.
    However, I don't have a coaxial cable crimping tool handy.

    • 

      boomramada on 25/02/2021 - 20:28

      I used these, don't need clamping tools
      https://www.bunnings.com.au/antsig-male-antenna-plug_p436152…

      • 

        DoctorCalculon on 25/02/2021 - 20:32

        Thank you.
        Where do you normally buy the cables from in bulk?

        • 

          Indomietable on 25/02/2021 - 20:55

          @DoctorCalculon: Try gumtree first

        • 

          boomramada on 25/02/2021 - 21:11

          @DoctorCalculon: Or Bunnings/Jarcar/Altronics. You only need 5m, Bunnings will do. Bulk would be buying a reel. Get the one with correct ohms / shield.

• 

  AndyC1 on 25/02/2021 - 20:35

  +1

  As you are still using old coaxial connectors I would also check out the whole antenna setup as it may be over 20+ years old. Now days the standard is F type connectors (https://www.jaycar.com.au/f59-crimp-connector-for-rg6-cable-…) with either RG59 or the better RG6 cabling. I would make sure which ever cable you buy it uses RG6 type cable.

  Jaycar have extension cables that use RG6, like the following:
  https://www.jaycar.com.au/concord-10m-flexible-tv-to-tv-coax…

  • 

    Transient on 25/02/2021 - 20:46

    +2

    Also a yes to Jaycar or Bunnings. Who ever sells the cheaper RG6. RG6 has better shielding and less signal loss. However, it is a lot stiffer than the older cable. I also remember changing from old coaxial connectors to F type more than 10 years ago as I vaguely remember F type giving a better connection in terms of less signal loss. F type can also be installed with pliers. Might also need to check the antenna is still pointing in the right direction. Also can google instructions as to how much shielding to remove etc when fixing the connectors.

• 

  Mechz on 25/02/2021 - 21:41

  +2

  Jaycar has everything you need.

  • 

    BewareOfThe Dog on 26/02/2021 - 12:43

    I picked up some, that I am using externally. Works well.
    Jaycar also have crimpless connectors.

• 

  big1964 on 26/02/2021 - 11:03

  +1

  Look on eBay some antenna companies sell rg6 by the metre and they put the connectors on as well.