Coax Cable RG6 vs RG59
How are coax cable rg6 vs rg59? Do coax cables have any difference in quality or is it just a marketing ploy to get you to buy coax cable that costs more than the other coax cables? It can be hard to know what coax cable is best for your needs, especially when there are so many options out there. A good place to start is by understanding coax cable rg6 vs rg59 and their differences. In this article, we will discuss the two types of coax cables – RG-6 and RG-59 – with an overview on each type, including pros and cons. We’ll also cover some common questions about coax cabling like “what’s better RG-6 or RG-59?”
What is Coax Cable?
Coax cable is a type of electrical cable that is mainly used to connect televisions to antennas, satellite dishes, and sometimes broadband modems. It can also be used as an interconnector for audio and video equipment. The coaxial cable consists of an inner conductor, surrounded by an insulating layer, then wrapped in a metallic shield. This shielding minimizes interference from other electrical devices.
What is the Difference Between RG6 vs RG59?
The coaxial cable types RG-59 and RG-6 are both coax cables used in video distribution. RG stands for radio guide, which is the military term for coaxial wire. RG59 has a solid copper core with 100% coverage steel braided shielding. It can handle moderate signal levels over short distances without significant degradation of the signal quality or loss of picture resolution. The impedance rating on this coax cable is 75 ohms +/- 20%.
RG-59 generally costs less than other coax cabling options such as RG-62 since it uses smaller gauge conductors (22 AWG). However, due to its lower capacity, it should not be used for longer runs requiring higher performance levels where larger amounts of travel through the line at once.
RG-59 coaxial cable has a loss of 30 dB per 100 feet. It is an excellent choice for sending video signals over short distances, up to 300 ft between the antenna and TV or across a room where it can be run along baseboard molding through small holes drilled every couple inches. The maximum possible distance carrying high quality picture without degradation would be around 450 ft at 1080i resolution with 20 MHz bandwidth.
In comparison, RG-6 coax cables have solid copper conductors that are silver plated then wrapped in aluminum foil which acts as the primary conductor because its electrical resistance is lower than copper’s. This coax wire also includes a braided shield made from multiple strands of thin metal wires surrounding it like armor protecting an army general. The coax cable RG-6 impedance is 75 ohms +/- 15% and the loss per 100 ft ranges from 25 dB to 30 dB depending on the diameter of the coaxial wire (see RG-59 chart for comparison).
RG-6 coax cables are often used in CCTV applications, including high resolution security cameras requiring longer lengths such as 200 feet without compromising image quality or when using baluns which reduces signal degradation over distance by transforming video signals into a balanced line format that can travel much further than an unbalanced transmission like with RG-59 coax. Balun also allows coax cabling to be run through walls where it would otherwise be difficult with thicker, more rigid coax cables like RG-11.
Coax Cable RG6 vs RG59: Deciding Which One is Better
There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on the specific needs of each individual project. However, RG-59 coax cable is generally a better choice for shorter runs where higher quality video transmission is not essential, while RG-6 coax cable should be used for longer distances or when greater bandwidth is required. When in doubt, always consult with a professional installer to help make the best decision for your specific situation.
Coax cable RG-59 coaxial wire is less expensive and has a smaller diameter than RG-6, making it ideal for shorter distances where high quality video signal is not necessary. However, because of its lower capacity, it should not be used for longer runs requiring higher performance levels where larger amounts of travel through the line at once.
Coax Cable Wiring Diagram
A coaxial cable wiring diagram is a visual representation of the connections and routing of coax cable in a given system. It can be used as a guide when installing coax cables, to help identify potential problems or issues before they occur.
Below is an example coaxial cable wiring diagram for connecting a TV antenna to a television receiver.
How to Install a New Antenna on an OldTV Set?
If you have an old TV without a coaxial input, you can still install an antenna to watch free, local channels. All you need is a coaxial-to-RCA adapter. This will convert the coaxial signal into an RCA signal that your TV can use.
- First, find the spot on the back of your TV where you’ll install the antenna coax cable. It’s usually located on either side of your set behind a thin panel.
- Drill a small hole in the spot and feed the coaxial cable through it, then screw that end into your converter box or tuner adapter with a coax tool according to manufacturer instructions.
- Then connect an RCA cable to the converter box or adapter and run it to the TV. Plug the other end of the RCA cable into the “Antenna In” port on your TV.
- Now, go into your TV’s menu and scan for channels. You should be able to watch free, local HDTV channels in beautiful, high definition without having to pay a cable bill.
Conclusion
Both coax cable RG-59 and coax cable RG-6 are good for outdoor installations. However, coax cable RG-59 is the best choice when considering signal strength. It has a lower loss per 100 feet compared to coaxial cable RG-6. Coaxial cables are ideal in many satellite installation settings because of their ease-of-use, flexibility, and performance.
