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Cable Types

Repeater systems use a variety of different gauge and style cables. The correct type of cable to use varies depending on the length and application.

Cable Type
Loss per 10 ft.
Recommended Scenarios
RG6
0.7db
RG6 is used for runs 20 feet or shorter, and when the components bear a 75 ohm load.
RG8
<0.4dB
RG8 is meant to be used in runs over 30 feet; this is because of its efficiency and extremely low loss.
RG58
2dB
RG58 is designed for runs under 30 feet.
RG174
<10dB
RG174 is meant for mobile applications, or other scenarios in which less than 15 feet of cable is used.

When selecting cable to build a system, remember to choose the shortest lengths of cable possible to minimize loss. Also, keep in mind that signal is lost with EVERY BREAK IN SOLID CABLE, meaning loss should be expected when two cables are coupled as an extension, or when using splitters and other accessories.

Connectors

Different cable types come with different connectors by default, although they can be mixed and matched to suit a particular application. The following are the connectors you can most commonly expect with these cable types:

RG8- N Male
RG58- FME Male-FME Female
RG174- FME Female

To learn more about connector types, please visit the Connector Types article.

What is Impedance?

Before we can answer this question, we must learn the relationship between a few other technical terms. We'll use the classic "highway" analogy to convey a general idea of how electrical current flows. Let's review a few terms you're sure to have heard before:

Voltage- Think of voltage as the amount of lanes, or intensity of the electricity moving through the wire.
Current- Current would be relative to the speed of the cars, or electricity.

When we multiply these figures, we get a result measured in Watts, or final output.

So where does impedance factor in? In a nutshell, impedance is a figure that represents how much current applied at one end of a line will make it to the other end. Think of impedance as whatever would cause traffic to move slower on a highway; everything from potholes, to construction zones. This leads to inefficiency, which translates to excess heat in electrical terms. The lower the resistance, the more efficient it is at carrying signal; meaning in an optimal scenario, 50 ohm cable would perform better than 75 ohm.

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