Best Coax Cable?

[Spooky]

Sorry if this has been asked before, I have done a search and cant find the thread for this.



I am about to install a motorised system and before I spend my hard earned cash on the coax, I was wondering what would be the best coax cable to use?



Any recommendations?

[rolfw]

It would depend on the length of cable run as to which is the best to use.

As a general guide, for any standard run (below 30m), WF100 or CT100 would produce good results, there are several others which conform to the same standards. For runs of longer than 30m, then probably WF125 or equivalents would be best, they also make a cable for burial, it has an extra rugged outer.

I prefer the Foam dialectric cables, their performance is only marginally better, but they do not dent or buckle as easily as an air gap dialectric cable.

[Spooky]

I want to make my system as future proof as possible and as the cable is going to be concealed in a false wall and then decorated afterwards I want to get everything right first time.



My local Maplin Electronics store stock something called FT125 DOUBLE-SHIELDED (air spaced dielectric with copper braid on copper foil) and is descibed as a “Low Loss Satellite Cable” suitable for digital or analogue satellite dish system. 99pence per meter.

I presume this is their equivalent the WF125 that you mentioned.



My total run will only be 12-15meters continuous.



Can I use standard connectors with this cable?


Spookster

[Llew]

I want to make my system as future proof as possible and as the cable is going to be concealed in a false wall and then decorated afterwards I want to get everything right first time.



My local Maplin Electronics store stock something called FT125 at 99p per meter and is described as “Low Loss Satellite Cable” I presume this is their equivalent the WF125 that you mentioned.



The total run will be 12-15meters continuous.



Can I use standard connectors with this cable?


Spookster

Hi

I've used this cable myself for short to medium runs with no problems. You need an F-plug suitable for this cable - Maplin's code GB17T fits.

Llew

[Spooky]

Is the 125 better than the CT100 type coax?

[Llew]

Is the 125 better than the CT100 type coax?

There's less dB loss per metre - could be a factor with borderline signals.
go for the best you can afford.

Llew

[Spooky]

The nice man at Maplin says the FT125 is slightly stiffer and you lose less signal with the FT125 than with the CT100 type coax.

[Channel Hopper]

On any installation with distance of 15m or less, you should be OK with the smallest diameter cable, as long as the cable does not have any sharp kinks in it, or runs near anything with possible high electrical interference (mains cable for cookers, or immersion heaters for example).

What may affect signal transfer to the receiver would be how well the connecters are fitted at each end, a poor quality F Plug can play havoc at any frequency coming from the LNB, and may affect signals received on a particular bouquet.

[Spooky]

Poor quality F-plug!!?

Are the F plugs at Maplin OK?

Or should I consider some other make/supplier?

[Spooky]

Maplin GV17T (CT125) F Connector screw-on plugs are 99p each.

Would that do the trick?

[Llew]

Maplin GV17T (CT125) F Connector screw-on plugs are 99p each.

Would that do the trick?

If you're using CT125, yes.

Llew

[Spooky]

Thanks for your help guys,
CT125 Coax is now running behind the false wall and the wall is now being decorated.
As for me, personally I think the little extra cost for the 125 type coax was probably worth it for me, however at double the cost to CT100 I can see why satellite installers would go for the cheaper option.

Thanks again!

Brett

[neovo]

has one of you ever used RG-59U coaxial cable or have info on it.i was given a reel of it.?
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Found it cheap stuff, stick with my RG6U broadcast coaxial.

[Llew]

has one of you ever used RG-59U coaxial cable or have info on it.i was given a reel of it.?
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Found it cheap stuff, stick with my RG6U broadcast coaxial.

RG59U is far too lossy for satellite work. Over 4.6 db per 10M. * 1000MHz.

Llew

[Lancelot]

Ok for short UHF TV runs though if you need to re-make any of those.

[Llew]

I've used RG179 at UHF for between-room runs - same spec. as RG59 and just over 2mm diameter. You can lose it underneath carpets etc. A bit pricey though and the devil to strip

Llew

[neovo]

great feed back guy's but swaped RG59U for some WEBRO-H109F 40ft reel. i think it must be CT100 clone not sure thay look the same copper foil and braid
same width. need 25ft run from a 1.8m dish will it be ok or do you think splash out on the CT125 cable. how much is 30ft of ct125 on average?
i always get more than i need better too long than too short.

[Spooky]

CT125 is 99p per meter or cheaper.
If it is for your own home then use the CT125 coax or equiv.
As for dish/antenna instalers, then they use CT100 as it is cheaper!

Just use the best coax you can for your own home, i.e the CT125 as its only a few quid more for your total run and not so much dB loss and its more robust!!

[neovo]

thank's spooky
yes it's for my own home.
what would you recomend for the feed arm to the motor. just ct125 or somthing
a bit more flexible with foam dielectric copper tape and copper braid instead
of semi-airspaced dielectric, copper tape and copper braid.eg. Webro WF100 and Cavel QF100.the dish is going to be up along time.
thanks for your help

[Channel Hopper]

CT125 is 99p per meter or cheaper.
If it is for your own home then use the CT125 coax or equiv.

Where are you Spooky, on the moon ?

It should be half that price at least.

[Spooky]

Lol,
Yes I know I could buy coax much cheaper if I purchased it in 100meter reels.

My local electrical store (Maplins) are 10 minutes drive away and they sell their coax by the meter. Alternatively I could by online but I would have to pay carriage and wait for a few days for it to arrive.

[Spooky]

thank's spooky
yes it's for my own home.
what would you recomend for the feed arm to the motor. just ct125 or somthing
a bit more flexible with foam dielectric copper tape and copper braid instead
of semi-airspaced dielectric, copper tape and copper braid.eg. Webro WF100 and Cavel QF100.the dish is going to be up along time.
thanks for your help

Bren
Just use the same for feed arm-motor.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?...&criteria=coax

You will need the larger F connectors for the thicker coax, CT125.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?...arch=Y&doy=5m1

[neovo]

thank's spooky will do that cheers m8.

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just got ct125 cable it's a lot thicker than ct100. going by that i think
i'll use ct100 for feed arm.
thanks for all your help.