Coaxial cables for radio communication use are also known as RF (radio frequency) coaxial cables. These RF coaxial cables are used to carry radio frequency signals from one point to another. Connectors are used to connect cables to devices and help maintain cable shielding.
Understanding what a coaxial cable is and cable connectors can help you determine the right one you need.
Connectors have genders, polarity, and different types and sizes which can be confusing if you’re not aware of how connectors work. They must match correctly for the two connectors to work and have proper signals.
To understand how to choose the coax cable and connector, this article will explain the things you should know when looking for connectors. Remember to choose a high-quality waterproof wire connector to have a safe connection for your devices.
- Types of coaxial connectors
- Genre
- Polarity
- coaxial connector sizes
- Benefits
Types of coaxial connectors
Coaxial cable connectors connect cables to other devices and help maintain shielding around the cable.
Here is a list of types of coaxial cable connectors.
- BNC is A. Popular type of connector for radio signals. These RF connectors are used for quick connect and quick disconnect on RF equipment. BNC is used for low frequencies and used in radios and security cameras.
- The TNC connector is a threaded version of a BNC connector. These connectors are weatherproof and are commonly used on cell phones and RF/antenna connections. It helps to resolve signal issues while operating your devices. TNC connectors are also waterproof.
- Type F can be seen on televisions and used with an antenna, cable, satellite television, and modems.
- UHF connectors are used for radio amateurs. Mini versions of this connector are designed for use with cell phones.
- SMA connectors are small and hold thinner coax cables. Reverse polarity is available on this connector.
- QMA can be known as an upgraded version of SMA. These are made for quick disconnect meaning that they can be quickly and easily removed.
- FME is a smaller size and can run through holes and be a conduit for larger coaxial connectors.
- The NMO is another connector that you may see frequently. These can be seen with ANTENNA MORRES. Like those from Motorola or Pulse Larsen. These are mostly found as male connectors.
Connectors Genders: male or female
The ends of the connectors can be identified as male or female. Plugs are male and jacks are female. A male connector plug has threads inside, while a female connector has threads on the outside.
The male and female connectors go together, so the plug shell (male) covers the jack shell (female). You will not be able to connect a male male coaxial cable connector and vice versa. Photos below for more details on what male and female connectors look like.
Polarity
Polarity is another thing you should know for putting connectors together. There are two types of polarity connectors can have: standard and reverse polarity. When you connect the male-to-female connector they must have the same polarity.
Reverse polarity just means that the hole and pin are switched or reversed.
You can tell whether the polarity is standard or reverse by the appearance of the plug/jack. The pattern is what is normally seen on connectors. This type of style can be shown in the paragraph above regarding male or female connectors.
A reverse polarity plug is male and has a socket, wire inside, and a center hole. The reverse polarity is female and has a center pin with outer threads. Below provides an example of what reverse polarity looks like on male and female connectors.
Reverse connectors help prevent users from connecting the wrong types of connectors like male to male and female. This damages the connectors and can interfere with the signal.
Coaxial Cable Sizes
Another thing you need to know is the coaxial cable size. Coaxial cable connectors must be the right size for the installation. If a connector is too small, it will not fit the cable. If it’s too big, it’s not secured properly and will likely fall off the cable.
To identify the type of coaxial cable, you will see two letters followed by numbers on the cable. The two letters you will see are RG Meaning Rádio Guia. The number that follows identifies the cable type.
To find the type of coaxial cable, you have to look at the cable for these two things.
A UHF connector mentioned earlier can be commonly seen on RG-58 and RG-8. SMA, NMO, and FME is generally used on RG-58 or thinner coaxial cable. The most common sizes of coaxial cables are:
- RG-6 (6.15mm)
- RG-11 (10.30mm)
- RG-58 (4.95mm)
- RG-59 (6.15mm)
- RG-62 (6.15mm)
- RG-12 (14.10mm)
- RG-213 (10.33)
Cable Lengths
Coaxial cable lengths may vary depending on usage. Coaxial cables can be fixed together to cover long distances. Cable lengths can be from 50 to 1000 feet. The installer can cut a portion of the cable into shorter lengths depending on the strength of the signal and the range you need to cover.
Larsen Pulse makes mini coaxial cables that can range from 3 inches to 20 inches. These can be used for RF connections on radios and antennas and connecting the radio to an external antenna.
Advantages of Coaxial Cables
Cables have their advantages using them for TV, Internet, and radio use. Some advantages of coaxial cables are relatively inexpensive, easy to install, and designed to be durable and withstand the elements.