The TV itself cannot receive signals. To do this, in front of it, which is connected via a cable. Its service life under normal operating conditions is about 10 years. When it is outdoors and exposed to the elements, replacement will be required much sooner. The cable fails especially quickly when suspended.
The photo below shows a modern one.
Installation of a modern television cable
It is prohibited to use a suspended cable without a support cable.
For difficult climatic conditions, a special cable is used, which should be indicated in the characteristics.
Cable device
In the center of the core there is a central copper conductor with a diameter of 0.3 to 1.1 mm (signal wire). It is not recommended to take a smaller size, since it is designed for the frequency of the meter range. Through a thin cable, the TV will only show the main channels. It is better for the user to choose a thicker cable that has less signal loss.
On top there is a shielding layer of aluminum foil and a braid of thin copper wire, which protects against external interference in the form of electromagnetic waves. Between the central wire and the screen there is a layer of polyurethane insulation. Outside there is another insulation made of polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene to protect the cable from mechanical stress and ultraviolet radiation.
The cable must have foil and braid as a shield. Old-style products with a single braid are not suitable for modern video signal transmission standards.
The centers of the wire and the screen coincide in the radial direction. Due to this, losses of the transmitted signal are reduced.
differ in the following parameters:
- outer diameter (best sizes - 6-8 mm);
- wave resistance;
- degree of shielding;
- flexibility.
The markings of common television cables are as follows:
- imported – RG-6, RG-59;
- domestic - RK-75 (75 Ohm - the value of wave impedance).
It is not recommended to purchase the RK-75 cable, as it high rate signal attenuation. In city conditions, this may not be noticed due to the close proximity of transmitting stations, but in rural areas, signal loss becomes noticeable.
When laying a television cable near electrical wiring, its diameter must be at least 10 mm and have increased protection against interference.
When choosing a cable, you should pay attention that it is not too flexible. The braid should be chosen more densely. Too rare - it easily misses interference. The foil should not be very thin.
The insulation of the central core should be hard, not soft like foam rubber.
When studying the passport data, attention should be paid to the frequency and amount of attenuation of the television signal at a certain length. The lower they are, the higher the quality of the cable.
When lengthening the cable, you must remember that this leads to a decrease in the quality of the transmitted signal. It is recommended to create no more than 1-2 connections. The photo shows different types devices for connecting and branching cables.
TV cable connectors and splitters
- The insulation layer is removed from both ends and the copper braid and aluminum foil of the screen are wrapped in reverse side. The inner side of the foil is covered with a thin layer of polyethylene or lavsan. To ensure reliable electrical contact, half of the foil should be folded back so that the conductive side is on the outside for better contact.
- The internal insulation is peeled off down to the signal wire in a section 1 cm long. In this case, it is necessary to prevent the formation of undercuts in the copper conductor, which reduces its strength.
- After preparing the ends, F-plugs are screwed onto the cable through foil (Fig. a). The central core should protrude 5 mm from the plug. If it turns out to be longer, it should be trimmed.
- Screwing the ends with F-plugs onto the F-socket adapter (Fig. c).
Splicing a television cable: a – F-plug; b – F-socket adapter; c – detachable connection
Connection of plug and socket
The same nuts are screwed onto the ends of the cables as in previous method, but a TV plug is screwed onto one of them, and a TV socket is screwed onto the other. Then they are connected. To make it reliable, it should be wrapped with electrical tape. The photo shows connections wrapped with electrical tape. They don't look very attractive, but they are reliable. Usually they are hidden in cable ducts.
Wrapping cable connections with electrical tape
Plugs are available in straight and angled versions. They are mounted on the cable in the same way. Angled - used for ease of connection, where a straight plug is not always convenient to use, as well as when creating complex turns.
Angled plug is used where using a straight plug is difficult
Twist
This method is the worst because the connection is not protected from electrical interference. It is better to solder it with tin and place it away from the electrical wiring. If wiring to several TVs is done in this way, the connections are made in the junction box. In this case, the screen and central wires are carefully insulated from each other.
Wiring via splitter
A splitter is a metal box with one “IN” input and two or more “OUT” outputs.
An external cable is suitable for the input, which should not have any splices. The splitter is attached to the wall or floor so that there is no danger of tearing out the cabling. The connector comes with butt nuts. They should be screwed onto the pre-prepared ends of the cables and then connected to the plugs. Next, the input is finally connected to an external cable, and the outputs are connected to television receivers.
TV cable splitter
If the number of TVs in the house exceeds two, instead of the usual one, install an active splitter containing a video signal amplifier. It is placed as close to the receiver as possible. This splitter is connected to the mains power supply.
With any method of connecting cables, easy access must be provided in case of repair.
Cable laying rules
- Away from electrical wiring and powerful electrical appliances.
- Minimum number of connections.
- Use only factory splitters and connectors.
- Intersection with power contours is allowed only at right angles.
- It is not allowed to twist the cable into turns or bend it at an acute angle.
- In the panel box, the connection is created only by soldering and with minimal exposure of the cable.
Cable preparation. Video
The video below will tell you how to prepare a TV or satellite antenna cable for use.
You can extend and branch a television cable with your own hands if you follow the rules described in the article.
Often due to unforeseen circumstances, such as during cleaning or repairs, the antenna shell is damaged and the shield braid is damaged. In most cases, damage requires the time-consuming and costly process of completely replacing the cable. And sometimes a rearrangement occurs, the TV ends up in a different place and the length of the TV wire is not enough. However, it is possible to independently increase (lengthen) tv cable with a minimum of costs in a short period of time.
The structure of a television cable
The standard antenna operates at frequencies up to 2.1 GHz. Basically, all TV models and amplifiers have resistance parameters of 75 Ohms. The most common for hosting television networks is. Its design completely eliminates the influence of external sources on the transmitted signal. electromagnetic radiation and other noise generated by electrical devices.
A television wire consists of the following elements:
1. Round PVC shell.
2. Screen (braided, similar to foil).
3. Central core (copper) in the insulating element.
Standard diameters of this type range from 4 to 8 mm. The presence of foil on a braided wire means that the product is of good quality.
How to extend a TV cable using f-connectors
Due to their design features, televisions are designed in such a way that the television broadcast signal is received from an antenna or other transmitting device. The antenna is connected to the TV using a TV cable. The coaxial cable can be laid permanently and have a specified length for connecting to the TV. But sometimes the length is not enough.
The cable is often completely changed if the TV is moved to another place where the old cable does not reach. This is an unreasonably expensive process. To extend an existing cord, you can use one of the three most common methods:
- Using a TV extender.
- Using F-connectors.
- Soldering the central core and screen using a soldering iron.
Extension cords on sale range from 2 to 20 meters long. But this is not the most successful solution, since extension cords are not cheap and those of the required length are not always available.
Using an F-socket adapter is the best option for quick and inexpensive extensions. For this type of connection, you must have two F-plugs with pieces of wire of the required length. The type of plug is selected according to the diameter of the wire.
The coaxial cable is connected without soldering as follows. First you need (preferably with a sharp knife) to cut the protective shell along a centimeter. Then bend it back and remove it completely. In the same way, cut through the shielding braid (this can be foil or wire mesh). Do not remove the braid tabs, but bend them back towards the rest of the segment. Next, carefully clean the central core. When cleaning, try not to leave marks on it. The central core is copper; slight damage can lead to its mechanical failure when installing the plug.
When both ends of the section are stripped, push or screw the F-connector onto the back-curved shields. The iron base of the plug should be firmly seated on the screen shell. Cut off the excess protruding remnants of the screen. As a result, the central core will stick out from the connector. It should be shortened to 5 mm so that the plug can be screwed onto the remaining parts of the F-connector structures. Connectors for multi-core cables - connectors - are also attached without soldering.
Connecting a television cable by soldering
Soldering can be called the most convenient, reliable, inexpensive method. Using a soldering iron and solder, you can securely fasten pieces of cable of different diameters or attach (fix) an aluminum foil screen to a wire screen braid. This technology allows you to connect any shielded wires (low-frequency, high-frequency, television, etc.) without loss of the transmitted signal.
Before you start soldering the joints, you need to strip both ends of the insulation at a distance of 20 mm. Bend the screens back. Clean the central core in such a way that a small step (2-3 mm long) is formed in its insulating element. As a result, the copper core will be half stripped of its protective coating. Next, you need to separate the cut half of the insulation and the central core from each other at an angle of 45 degrees from each other.
Then both copper wires need to be tinned with tin solder (use rosin). After the ends are tinned, solder the copper wires together. At the soldering site there should be no sagging, drip formations, or icicles from leaking tin. If there are any, you need to clean them with sandpaper or a file to a smooth surface. Next, using light pressure, we bring the steps of the protective layer together and isolate the soldering area.
When the soldering point has been reliably insulated, we begin connecting the screen braid of both ends. Please note that the central core braid is made of aluminum foil, has a paper backing on one side, and paper is not a conductor of electronic signals. Therefore, it is recommended to lay the screen shell with a paper base in an insulated part of the central core, with an aluminum part on the outside. For example, when connecting two aluminum screens, the aluminum part of one screen must be in contact with the aluminum part of the other. This provides stable signal transmission and provides the required image quality for a television device.
After connecting the screens, you need to fix this place with help. At the end of the procedure, treat the joint with several layers of polyvinyl chloride insulation.
Are there any other ways to extend the TV cable?
If you do not have the necessary tool (soldering iron or crimping device) or an F-connector at hand, the TV cable is extended by twisting the central core and the screen braid together. This option is considered, although unreliable, acceptable.
How to connect the cable to the plug?
TO additional method Extending a TV cable involves using a device such as a splitter. Using this device, several pieces of wire are connected at once from one transmitting point. Many other methods have been developed for connecting cable wiring to the plugs of electronic structures, for example, a connector (plug connector) is used to connect an Internet connection. Since the Internet cable is multi-core, a plug connector of this type is connected using crimping.
Thanks to the development of modern radio electronics, there are many options for use and design features of cable connectors and plugs, so there will be no difficulties with extending the cable.
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To connect the antenna cable to the power supply unit (PSU) of the amplifier installed in the “Polish grid” antenna housing, you must carefully connect the cable to the power supply plug of the active antenna.
First you need to properly cut the cable. Move 1.5 cm from the end of the TV cable and carefully cut the insulation in a circle
The most important thing is not to damage the cable braid and screen under the insulation (wires and screen foil under the cable insulation).
remove the piece of outer insulator cut in a circle. Then slide the screen hairs and foil back. move 5 mm away from the shifted edge of the braid, and make a circular cut narrower than the inner insulating layer and remove it. Carefully insert the cable under the clamp of the power supply plug so that the metal braid and screen touch the lower tinned area and the central core is inserted into its retainer. After which the screws are clamped to sufficiently secure the contacts of the cable and the power supply.
IMPORTANT!!! the metal braid must touch the bottom tin plate power supply plug, otherwise supply voltage 12V on antenna amplifier via TV cable may not arrive. Avoid short-circuiting the braid and central core. When closed indicator lighton the power supply will go out or light dimly.
If all connections on the antenna itself and on the power supply are made correctly, the TV will start showing channels immediately after scanning and tuning them.
Moreover, if you disconnect the power supply from the power supply, the configured channels should stop working or the picture quality will deteriorate significantly.
Very often, a second TV appears in one family. In this case, there is only one antenna. The question arises: how to connect two TVs to one antenna? There are ways to use one antenna on two or more TVs.
What you need
To connect, you will need several parts:
- two-output splitter (splitter). This is a device that allows you to divide the signal from the antenna into two or more streams. It has an input on one side and two or more outputs on the other - for connecting television receivers.
- 5 connectors corresponding to the splitter;
- 2 adapter plugs;
- antenna cable.
Important: When purchasing a splitter, do not confuse the number of outputs! A three-way (three-output) splitter is used to connect three receivers, but not two! If you still have a three-output one at hand, you can solve the problem by connecting a ballast resistor (resistance 75 Ohms) to the free output. And if there is a plan in the future to install and connect several TVs to this antenna, then it is better to immediately buy a splitter with several outputs and temporarily drown out the empty outputs with the same resistance.
Work progress
We will try to talk about the connection in such a way that even someone who does not understand radio engineering at all can cope with the task. This is done step by step like this:
- Selecting details. The first thing you need to do is buy a splitter. They come in a variety of varieties, including those that require soldering and those that do not. If you know how to solder, then it is better to take those that involve soldering. This connection is always more reliable than any other, it produces less signal loss and preserves its quality.
If you do not have soldering skills, then you need to choose an appropriate splitter, as well as one suitable for a specific type of cable. A win-win option would be a splitter with built-in sockets for coaxial cables.
Having chosen a splitter, select the appropriate connectors. F-connectors are now very popular due to the fact that they are reliable and easy to install.
- Choosing a location for the splitter. It is optimal to position the device so that the antenna cable can easily reach it and, if possible, have the shortest distance to both TVs.
- Cutting the existing antenna cable. It is necessary to cut so that the cable can freely reach the splitter. The old plug is cut off along with a piece of cable.
- Cable stripping and installationF– connector.
For those who know how to solder, there is no point in telling them how to cut a cable and solder it to a splitter - they know it themselves. What follows is written for the average user who is not familiar with the radio business.
So, we cut the cut end of the wire as shown in the figure: we strip the edge and wrap the braid. The middle core insulator should protrude slightly, and the middle core itself should protrude by at least 5 mm. The tool for removing insulation from a coaxial cable at home is an ordinary kitchen knife.
Important: The cable must be standard; DG 113 or SAT 703B are more often used. Under no circumstances should the cable braid be connected to the central core, otherwise the signal will not pass through at all.
Install the F-connector. It is also called wrap-on because the connector is wound onto a soft wire. The connector for connecting the cable and splitter is ready.
- Cut two pieces of wire with the expectation that the length would be enough for each TV.
- We mountF- connectors similarly for connecting TV cables and splitter outputs. We do the same at the other ends of the cables.
As a result, we use all five connectors, including:
- one from the antenna, to enter the splitter;
- two televisions, for exiting from it;
- two televisions free.
- We connect the connectors to the splitter.
- We connect two free connectors with adapters. An adapter is a device with an F-connector attached at one end and a coaxial plug at the other for connecting to television receivers. Typically this device is generally referred to as a plug.
- We turn on the television receivers. Let's check how both receivers work. If everything is done correctly, the image should be normal. Now you can easily enjoy an excellent picture on two receivers at once, without interfering with each other.
Using the diagram below you can see the path along which you need to connect 2 TVs to one antenna:
How to install an antenna with an amplifier
But what if after connecting the splitter the image quality deteriorates? This may mean that the antenna on two TVs does not provide the required signal, while the separating device also takes over some of its share. The solution can be an antenna with an amplifier, it is also called a Polish one. Such an antenna for two TV receivers connected to the device will improve the signal quality in both TVs. To do this you need:
- In an existing circuit with a splitter put awayF- connector from the entrance to it.
- In his place connect the plug to the power supply from the antenna kit with amplifier.
- At the entrance install an adapter with an antenna socket(the so-called “mother”) and insert the plug from the antenna with an amplifier there.
This should improve the signal quality.
Splitter with amplifier
There is a second option - look for a splitter with a built-in signal amplifier. This method is good when the TV initially showed well and new antenna not required. However, before purchasing a new device, discuss your specific case with a specialist.
Amplifiers, including those on the antenna, have different gains, and too much signal is just as bad as a weak one, and can also cause distortion. The telemaster will measure the signal level and give advice on purchasing an amplifier.
By the way, the problem with signal attenuation can even arise if you connect several TVs to one antenna. The more receivers, the more the signal attenuates. Therefore, when planning to connect several television receivers, weigh all the pros and cons.
Below are video instructions for connecting an antenna to two television receivers:
In contact with
Installation (sharing my experience).
Have you met various types television terrestrial antennas. You can independently choose the antenna that best suits your conditions for receiving a television signal. Remainsinstall antenna and you need to do this correctly, because otherwise all your efforts may be in vain. The antenna installation process will include several steps:
Antenna assembly.
When purchasing an over-the-air antenna, you will receive the manufacturer's instructions, which describe the assembly process, connecting the antenna and installing the antenna. Typically, antenna assembly does not cause any problems. But let's pay attention to some points. Many antennas are made using plastic elements; these elements can be attached either using latches or screw connections. Therefore, you should assemble carefully so as not to break the plastic fasteners or crush the fastener due to over-tightening the threads.If there are exposed contact connections on the antenna, seal them with caulk or play dough (I usually use automotive grade play dough). Carefully inspect all fastening connections. If the antenna is active (with a television signal amplifier), you need to check the qualityamplifier connections . If there is any damage or poor quality of assembly, if necessary, eliminate any defects noticed,this will help you avoid problems during further operation.
On some active antennas, amplifiers are not installed directly by the manufacturer, so we install it ourselves. For example, such antennas are common-mode antennas, popularly known as “Polish antenna ”, “ antenna Array" The antennas are equipped with an amplifier-various modifications.The amplifier installation process itself S.W.A. simple to the point of impossibility, but I have repeatedly had to (when calling a client who was tryinginstall the antenna yourself and failed to cope with this seemingly simple task) to encounter incorrect installation of such amplifiers.
Antenna connection
The photo shows an option,when the amplifier is installed correctly, and the option is incorrect
SWA installations.
Wrong Correct
The amplifier has contact pads to which the antenna waveguides are connected. If the amplifier is installed incorrectly, its input remains unconnected; naturally, the signal from the antenna does not reach the amplifier input,antenna doesn't work . You can spend time installing the antenna, but the result will be negative, you will have to redo the work, and you may need to replace the amplifier, since very often when the amplifiers are connected incorrectly S.W.A. fail. We will assume that the antenna assembly has been completed and everything has been done correctly.
Antenna cable connection
When describing methods for connecting an antenna cable, I take examples of connecting antennas that are mass-produced.For various small-scale and homemade antennas connections may be completely different.
There are mainly two connection methods used to connect the antenna cable.
1. Clamped.
2. Special Fconnector
Let's consider both connections.
Clamped.
This type of connection is found on antennas where an amplifier is used S.W.A. . The cable in the antennas is connected to the clamp“Delta” made in St. Petersburg andRostov on Don. Therefore, let's consider this connection method using these antennas as an example.On antennas from other manufacturers, the clamp connection will be little different.
Clamp connection with spaced contacts.
This connection is typical for an antenna"Delta".
To connect the cable, you need to remove the top layer of insulation from it.
Under the insulation is the cable braid and foil.The foil must be removed and the braid twisted into a flagellum. 
If the cable is of high quality and the braid is made of copper, tin the cable with tin solder to make it easier to crimp it with a contact clamp when connecting.The central core of the cable can be crimped with a terminal clamp without modification. If you are “friendly” with a soldering iron, I advise you to additionally solder the cable braid and the central core to the contact clamps, this will be more reliable.
If the cable braid is made of steel, there is no need to tin it; for ease of connection, crimp it with a sleeve for a stranded electrical wire. 
Connecting the cable to type terminals S.W.A..
Personally, I like this method of connecting the cable much more than the previous one. There is no need to worry about maintaining polarity; with this connection it is impossible to make a mistake. The cable is securely crimped with a fastening bracket, which gives additional strength to the mechanical connection of the cable to the antenna. The photo shows how to prepare a cable for connection to terminals of the type S.W.A. 
I would like to draw your attention to connecting the braid. The contact pad to which the cable braid is connected is located under the mounting bracket; the bracket itself is not a contact, and therefore it is necessary to ensure a reliable connection between the cable braid and the amplifier. Also, when connecting, you need to make sure that there is no short circuit between the braiding and the central core of the cable, since their contact clamps are located very close.
Connection with special F connector.
Most convenient way connecting the antenna cable. Reversing the polarity or connecting incorrectly requires effort. The main thing is to prepare the cable correctly. The photo shows how to do this. It is necessary to remove the top layer of insulation. 
P connecting the antenna power supply
For active antenna or plug for passive (). The antenna plug is simple in design and I will not consider it; we will consider connecting a special antenna power supply.For all types of active antennas, in which the amplifier is located on the antenna itself, exactly the same power supplies are used.
Before installing the antenna, I strongly recommend checking that all connections are connected correctly. Make sure the amplifier and power supply are working.To do this, you need to plug in the power supply. The control LED on the power supply case indicates that everything is fine, there is no short circuit in the cable connection, otherwise you will have to check your operation.If you plan to install the antenna on a high mast, check the functionality of the amplifier. Try to tune in to the television channel before installing the antenna; if the signal passes through, even with fading, this indicates that the amplifier is working. To be sure of this, you need to turn off the power supply from the outlet; the television signal should disappear and when you turn on the power supply, it should appear again.
Installing the antenna on a wall bracket or mast.
After assembling and checking the functionality of the antenna, all that remains is to fix it on a bracket or install it on an antenna mast; the antenna is adjusted to the maximum signal level. Installing an antenna is a responsible job, especially when the antenna is installed on a mast. Always try to complete the job safely for yourself and others. Consider all options for attaching the mast and guy wires. on a mast or bracket, I will not describe in detail, since there are too many options for one article.
I will pay special attention to this issue -“
Grounding the TV antenna.”
Television terrestrial antennamust be grounded.
Each commercially produced antenna has a special clamp for grounding. 
Why do you need to ground the antenna?There is only one answer: for a thunderstorm - safety. Of course, if lightning strikes an antenna, there is no guarantee that grounding the antenna will save your property.I personally saw what was left of the TV after a lightning discharge hit its antenna, which was installed on a steel mast. The charge passed through the antenna cable, literally turning it into a thin sintered cord. It pierced the body of the TV, incinerating the radio components in it and passing through the bedside table, went into the floor. Not a single living creature was harmed.Of course, most of the discharge energy was absorbed by the antenna and the metal mast, through which all the energy went into the ground. It is unknown what would have happened if the antenna was mounted on a wooden pole and had no grounding.Another important function of antenna grounding is electromagnetic pulse protection. A television signal amplifier installed directly on the antenna may fail during a thunderstorm, even if the storm front goes sideways. Very powerful electromagnetic pulses from lightning discharges damage the semiconductor radio components of the antenna amplifier.In this case antenna grounding very effective.If the antenna is installed on a wooden pole, be sure to ground it with any wire (copper, steel, aluminum). It is not necessary to arrange a thorough grounding by burying metal strips in the ground or arranging a grounding loop.It is enough to drive a metal pin approximately 70 cm into the ground.This is quite enough to protect against electromagnetic pulses, and will save you from the need to dismantle the antenna and replace the amplifier.
If you have any questions, ask them.
