Connecting the TV to an external signal on your own will be easy if you deal with the antenna plug. It is with the help of this device that the receiver socket is connected to a TV cable that transmits high-frequency current from the dashboard on the landing or the antenna in the attic to the apartment. It is important to choose the correct ratio of diameters and technical characteristics of the conductor, unmistakably cut the end of the cable and screw on the plug.
Content
- Signal conductor selection and installation
- Connector types
- Attaching the plug to the antenna cable
Signal conductor selection and installation
Before connecting the cable to the TV, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work, purchase some materials and technical devices. Mentally plot a route for the conductor of a television signal, determine its length, the number of branches and special devices.
An antenna cable is a complex wire that can transmit a reliable signal without interference. The cord contains the following elements:
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central copper core - a minimum high-frequency current flows through it; - dense plastic insulation, which gives rigidity and reliably protects the core from mechanical damage;
- aluminum foil is the second conductor that protects the transmitted signal from interference;
- shielding braid made of thin wires, which improves the quality of reception and removes electromagnetic influences;
- external insulation protects the entire structure from moisture and destruction of conductors.
The TV cable must be marked on the outer surface. For household receivers, products with the COAXIL CABLE 75 OHM symbols are more often used, where the first combination indicates the presence of the shielding (coaxial) layer, and the number 75 is the characteristic impedance in Ohms at a frequency of 2.15 GHz, adopted for most TVs.
Laying the cable around the apartment, take into account several important points. The route is planned at a distance from the electrical wiring, and telephone and Internet channels do not create interference, they fit into a single gutter. Pull the cord in a whole piece and without twists, if necessary, cross the live network, do it at an angle of 90º. If it is necessary to distribute the cable in different rooms, use splitters, placing the devices in convenient places for maintenance.
Connector types
A device that provides a quick connection of the cable to the signal receiver, called antenna plug for TV. It allows you to release the device from communication with communications without any special actions by simply pulling the TV cable out of the socket of the device. This is necessary in the event of a thunderstorm or when the TV is moved to a new installation location.
The first antenna plugs were soldered to the conductors, but later designs appeared that made it possible to connect without special devices: first by means of fastening screws, and today - due to pressure when screwing a special sleeve onto the end cable. Television plugs are made according to the international model F: two cylindrical metal parts are screwed onto the antenna conductors in a certain way and tightly crimp the contact point.
Such a connection does not require special knowledge and skills from the installer, but the procedure for carrying out manipulations must be observed so as not to receive a signal loss at the output and low-quality image. To strip the cable yourself and connect the plug to it, you need tools:
- pliers for cutting conductors;
- a knife to cut insulation;
- screwdriver if the connector is old and screw-fastened.
The shape of the plugs for the TV antenna is straight in the form of a pin and curved, like the letter G. The latter configuration allows the receiver to be moved closer to the wall without interference from the cable side.
According to the connection figure, two types of connectors are made: a boy and a girl. Most often, plugs of the first version are used on television devices, others are used to connect to amplifiers, network headend stations and sockets.
Attaching the plug to the antenna cable
The cable is connected to the antenna by means of screws located on it. In multi-storey buildings, the signal is output to a collective panel available in each entrance, and in this case, the connection is made from one of the terminals of the common antenna bus. After laying the cable along the planned route, proceed to cutting the free end for reinforcement with its plug. The sequence of operations is as follows:
- Cut the outer sheath, stepping back from the edge of the conductor 1.0―1.5 cm. The task is not to damage the braid and foil, which go deeper.
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Remove the cut piece of plastic and screw the wire mesh and aluminum paper onto the cable. After that, access to the insulator of the central core is opened. - Make a circular cut in the polymer core with an indent from the end by 0.7 - 1.0 cm, taking care not to damage the copper wire. Remove the plastic cylinder from the rod and discard.
- Strip the open sections of the core and screens with a knife, screw the first part of the connector onto the foil so that the copper wire gets into the rod of the plug. Shorten the center wire with pliers so that the distance to the union nut is 4―6 mm.
- Screw on the remaining part until it stops - the connector is ready for use.
It happens that the internal dimension of the plug thread is larger than the antenna cable. Then, before the bend of the screen, an insulating tape is wound up until the connector is firmly seated on the conductor cord. During installation, it is necessary to ensure that the foil and braid do not touch the central core - this will affect the quality of the TV signal transmission.
Sometimes it becomes necessary to connect two pieces of cable in order to lengthen it. The scheme of the operation remains the same, with the only difference that an adapter sleeve is used instead of a plug.
