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Topic: Antenna Wire “Splice” (Read 692 times) previous topic - next topic

Antenna Wire “Splice”

 As I have been sorting out the rats nest of wires in the overhead cabinets above the driver, I came across a splice in the coax from the roof (antenna?} and feeding the antenna booster.  I assume, at some point, that the Coax in from the roof was Input to something (satellite receiver?) but it doesn't make sense that it was before the booster.

This "splice" is simply a wire nut connecting the two ends of the coax. Unless I'm missing something here by intention is to properly terminate each of these ends with a proper RG connector and a junction.

Is my thinking straight on this?
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Antenna Wire “Splice”

Reply #1 –
Perhaps the intent was only to connect the "ground" parts (outer sheath) of the cable?  Even so, should have been done correctly, as you propose.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Antenna Wire “Splice”

Reply #2 –
Hi Guys,

As an old ham radio operator, splicing coax with anything else than a barrel connector is inviting serious impedance losses. That amounts to considerable signal loss for the higher, satellite frequencies.
Actually any splice is a detriment and N connectors or F connectors are better than the old UHF connectors... and the fewer the better.
For our 75 ohm TV and satellite cables it is far better to use RG-6 instead of the smaller RG- 59 coax.
Jim

2002 U320 42'
Build 5957
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Antenna Wire “Splice”

Reply #3 –
Quote from: floridarandy –
This "splice" is simply a wire nut connecting the two ends of the coax. Unless I'm missing something here by intention is to properly terminate each of these ends with a proper RG connector and a junction.
Home Depot will have everything you need to install a connector on each end and a barrel connector. I like the compression style rather than the screw on type. You will need to purchase the compression tool but they are not expensive and easy to operate. Go to YouTube to see how to prepare the cable for the fitting.

Don't make the mistake of ever using RG-58 as it's 50 ohms impedance.

Jim is quite correct about RG-6. The loss is less and can make a difference with marginal reception. Not much difference in price.

Lots of video examples here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rg+59+tool

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)
 

Re: Antenna Wire “Splice”

Reply #4 –
For less hassle, I would run a new cable. Easier then splicing it, and less signal loss.
There is 12 volt running up there also, so be careful, it will blow the 3 amp fuse to it
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348