Extending a coaxial cable doesn’t require a hell of lot of mind juice. But if you still don’t know how to extend the coaxial cable, here is the perfect guide.
Once in a while, you may like to change the look of your place. However, the task is not as simple as it seems. Imagine rearranging furniture, moving TV, gaming setup if you have any, a tedious task really!
How to Extend Coaxial Cable?
Well, along with the other problems you might face, one hurdle standout.
Moving your TV or other cable systems to the other side of the room proves to be a costly task! It requires an overall new coaxial wire usually called coax wire, which suits your needs.
You will for sure feel discouraged as it is not an affordable solution in case you’re on a tight budget.
But, if the coaxial wire stops you from enjoying a new view, you must know that your worries are only a trick of your mind.
Extending your coaxial cable is much easier than you think. You only need to install a coaxial cable extender and Voila!?
Where buying a new cable can put a dent in your pocket, extending it saves a lot.
?But then, If you don’t have any idea how to extend a coaxial wire we are here for you.?
How to Check Coax Cable for Signal – Don’t Spin Your Head
How to Make TV Antenna From Coaxial CableYou must know the types before you know how to extend a coaxial wire!
Before starting your do-it-yourself project, you must know what type of cable you have.
You may be working with RG6 or RG59 coaxial cables most common for TV signals (OTA, satellite, cable). You may also come across other types of coaxial cables like RG-11, RG-59, or Formable Coaxial.?
The process of extending all the types is almost similar, So you don’t have to worry. Just make sure which cable type you’re extending so you can buy the same type.?
The coaxial cable typically ends in a male F-connector, which you’ll connect to the extension adapter.
Here is the step-by-step guide to ease you through the process of extending your coaxial wire.What you’re going to need:
There are just a few things you need to complete your project. Here’s the listA multimeter,?A tape measure to find out the length you’ll be extendingThe extra piece of coaxial wire?Coaxial cable threaded F-type extension adapter also called as barrel adaptermetal fittings to cap the coaxial cable
After completing the list, let’s start the project.Safety first:?
Now before starting, you need to check if the cable is unplugged from all the electronic devices.?
If you miss this point, you may face an electric shock that can be easily avoided. See number one on the list.
The multimeter helps you check if there is a hot wire before starting the project.Measure the length correctly:
The next step: measure the length you need to extend with great care and keep it as accurate as possible. Just to keep the safe side set the size to a little higher value to avoid any inconvenience.
You can always cut the wire to suit your needs. In case you leave it short, you’ll have to make more than one joint. Imagine the mess it will create.
Additionally, with numerous extensions, you may face signal distortion, ruining the quality of your signal. In short, stay vigilant while measuring.Prepare the cables for extension:
The next step is to prepare both the cables, i.e., the extension wire and the existing cable. Remove the outer plastic coating and the inner shielding layers.?
Once you get to the central wire, screw the plug, commonly called F-connector, on both cables. Trim the shielding wires poking out of the connector. Also, trim the extra central wire, only leaving it out of the plug a few millimeters.?
Check if the connectors are firmly in place by twisting them through fingers or using a pair of pliers.?
With this done, you are now near the end of the process.The extension:
Now connect the existing cable you are planning to extend to the adapter.
Then attach the extension cable with the adapter too, and you’re done with the extension.
After screwing the connector with both the cables, make sure that the connection is tight to avoid any problems due to heat or moisture.?
By following the same steps, you can easily extend your original cable to multiple rooms. You just need more cables, adapters, and connectors.The last step:
Wait! There is still one more thing to do.
?Connect the extended cable to your signal source, such as your antenna.
Now Switch on your TV to check out the quality of your signal and run a channel scan. See if the quality of the audio-video signals is up to the mark.
If you’re not satisfied, troubleshoot the connections. Tighten them and try to remove the possible errors.Are there any other ways to extend coaxial wire:
Yes. Many jacks of all trades will tell you how to extend wire without the F-type connectors and adapters.
You can also find youtube videos on the same subject. The videos show you to connect the central wire of the coaxial cable directly just by twisting them around each other.?
Well, the process is not safe at all.
By the twisting process, the impedance may rise, and as a result, the signal distortion will be unbearable.
Also, it is prone to moisture and can cause an electric shock.?
It’s better to spend a few bucks to keep yourself and your appliances safe. The adapter and connector are readily available in the market and on Amazon for just $5 or $6.Conclusion?
The process, how to extend a coaxial wire is fairly simple and easy to follow.
The step-by-step guide is enough, even if you are naive.
Do it yourself and save your hard-earned money!
Some limitations are there but multiple benefits overshadow the negative points.