What kind of wire should I use for a dipole antenna?
The dipole gives much better performance than you may expect from such a simple antenna. To construct a dipole, use 10- to 18-gauge copper wire. It can be stranded or solid, bare or insulated.
Which TV antenna cable is best?
RG6 coaxial cable
An RG6 coaxial cable is best used for connecting a TV set or set top box to a TV aerial, satellite dish or satellite receiver. It is also used for the internet and digital video. RG-6 cables are made with a different kind of shielding and have a 75-ohm impedance, making them more effective for carrying GHz signals.
What type of connector is commonly used to terminate coaxial cables?
F connector
The F connector (also F-type connector) is a coaxial RF connector commonly used for “over the air” terrestrial television, cable television and universally for satellite television and cable modems, usually with RG-6/U cable or with RG-59/U cable.
Are coax caps necessary?
It is essential to use a coax terminator as it makes a significant difference. A coaxial connector left without a terminator is just like leaving a water tap running off. We can classify a free or open coaxial connection the same way, although on a smaller scale.
Can I use insulated wire for an antenna?
The short answer to the question as to whether or not you can use insulated wire for an antenna is “Yes you can”. Insulated wire will make your antenna appear physically shorter at the resonant point, but the difference is slight (estimated to be about 2%).
Can a coaxial cable act as an antenna?
Yes, you can connect your TV antenna to your cable TV wiring system. If your home is wired for cable TV and you want to cut the cord and drop cable in favor of a TV antenna the same coax cable can be used for the TV antenna.
What kind of wire do you use for an antenna?
In the past at home I have used (ex military) bare, stranded copper wire – but it would always fatigue at the joints after a year or so in the air (to be fair, the military only used these antennas for a portable (temporary) use. For my portable random length antennas I use (ex military) stranded copper wire that is woven with some form of fibre.
How many strands are in an antenna wire?
Alloy type was unknown but at least mildly ferromagnetic, hence likely to be the less expensive 304 grade. Construction appeared to be 6 strands, each of 7 wires, wound around a single strand core of 7 wires (6/1) in standard right hand lay at approximately 20º lay (twist) angle.
How does a ground wire connect to an antenna?
The block will have two female coaxial connectors and a slot to connect your ground wire. The picture below illustrates what this looks like. The left coaxial connector connects to my antenna on the roof, while the right coaxial enters my house and goes to my digital tuner. Your coaxial is now grounded.
Which is better for an antenna copper or stainless steel?
Basically the skin effect of a ferromagnetic material is greatly magnified, leading to a *much* greater RF resistance (as opposed to say copper wire). […] stainless is not recommended for a “low impedance” antenna (such as a simple dipole).