OK, got a question about coaxial cable.

Jstas
Jstas Posts: 14,842
edited February 2005 in Basic Hookup/Wiring Questions
Most cable companies use RG-6 coax cable. I have, sitting around, some lengths of RG-59 coax cable. It's free so I was wondering what the differences would be. I need some longer lengths of cable at home and if this RG-59 will work in place of RG-6 I'll use it.

So far, all I can tell is that RG-6 is 75 ohms, max voltage is 2700 and it's about .35 inches thick. RG-59 is also 75 ohms but max voltage is only 2300 and it's size is about .242 inches. Otherwise, they seem very similar.

Any ideas?
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Comments

  • bknauss
    bknauss Posts: 1,441
    edited February 2005
    I know there's some issues with satellites and RG-59, but not with RG-6. My thought is there is an issue with bandwidth on the RG-59... but I could be completely wrong.
    Brian Knauss
    ex-Electrical Engineer for Polk
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited February 2005
    RG-6 is for satelllite systems, RG-59for catv and OTA antennas.
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited February 2005
    So I couldn't use RG-59 for wall to TV cable hookup? It's just basic cable. No satellite, no broadband.
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited February 2005
    Yes you can, shoulda clarified. RG6 will work for DBS, CATV & OTA Antennas, RG-59 for CATV & OTA Antennas
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • wlrandall
    wlrandall Posts: 440
    edited February 2005
    Originally posted by Frank Z
    RG-59 is for satelllite systems, RG-6 for catv and OTA antennas.

    Actually, the opposite is true. RG-59 cannot transmit the higher frequencies required for satellite, use RG6.
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  • Frank Z
    Frank Z Posts: 5,860
    edited February 2005
    D'oh!!!!!!!
    You are absolutely correct....gotta get my edit on!!
    9/11 - WE WILL NEVER FORGET!! (<---<<click)
    2005-06 Club Polk Football Pool Champion!! :D
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited February 2005
    If I remember right RG-59 has higher loss over RG-6, so I think (have before used) RG-6 can be used for everything, OTA and or Satellite.

    I would use the RG-59 for some RF patch cables only, using RG-6 for any runs in the house.

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  • HBombToo
    HBombToo Posts: 5,256
    edited February 2005
    Originally posted by Frank Z
    D'oh!!!!!!!
    You are absolutely correct....gotta get my edit on!!

    Love ya Frank... you make me laugh***:D ***

    IMHO as an engineer it is... gulp:p... the 6 series is more rigid than the 59 and holds its 75 Ohm characteristic longer but is a pain to work with. Its heavey stuff and if not ran correctly could damage the connectors on the electrics.


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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2005
    RG-6. Why was there ever a doubt? Oh, nevermind.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited February 2005
    Originally posted by dorokusai
    RG-6. Why was there ever a doubt? Oh, nevermind.

    I don't think anyone doubted anything. All I asked was in RG-59 was good for cable TV use 'cause it looks very similar to RG-6 with similar attributes.
    Expert Moron Extraordinaire

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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited February 2005
    Originally posted by Jstas
    I don't think anyone doubted anything. All I asked was in RG-59 was good for cable TV use 'cause it looks very similar to RG-6 with similar attributes.

    Just my input.

    Never install RG-59 in walls / attic / or whatever, it's cheaper by what $.10 a foot. I seen many RG-59 installations pulled out reran RG-6 cable so install it right the first time.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2005
    Originally posted by Jstas
    I don't think anyone doubted anything. All I asked was in RG-59 was good for cable TV use 'cause it looks very similar to RG-6 with similar attributes.

    John - It wasn't meant in a particular way, just knowing what I know....I thought at this point, this type of coaxial was a given by now. Sorry.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited February 2005
    I'm running RG59 inside to my HDTV. Are you guys saying the R6 will give a better picture? Anybody make the switch and really see a difference?

    If it will make the picture look better I'm all for rewiring it, but I don't want to waste my time if you know what I mean.

    Doh! One more thing to obsess over.:)
    Never Forget
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited February 2005
    depends on your length of run, too.... If in doubt use rg-6, but if it won't be a pain to replace later, might as well try the rg-59. I had a mess of rg-59 wasting space, so I tried some fairly long runs on digital cable, HDTV, cable modem & satellite and it worked great- but I wasn't going past any flourescent lights, power lines, etc.
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  • Jstas
    Jstas Posts: 14,842
    edited February 2005
    Originally posted by disneyjoe7
    Just my input.

    Never install RG-59 in walls / attic / or whatever, it's cheaper by what $.10 a foot. I seen many RG-59 installations pulled out reran RG-6 cable so install it right the first time.

    The RG-59 I have is FREE so it's considerably cheaper per foot.
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2005
    LOL
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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