Using TV coax for composite video run
 

I need to run a composite video signal for about 20 - 25m for monitoring. I don't have a suitable cable but can make one up. Would it be OK to use standard 75 Ohm TV coax (I have plenty of that) with RCA phonos at the end?

Hi Colin.....
 

Can't say as I'd like to do it, but yes, it could be done.

The bugger is that Co - Ax is a sod to get into RCA plugs (and keep it there) unless you have a soldering iron (which RCA connectors require).

If you have the wherewithall to do it, go do.


CS

Coax is coax. Yeah, there are variants (RG6, RG59 etc) but essentially as long as you have 75 ohm compliant cable, you have video cable. I buy my cable for BNC runs by the 1000' case and crimp on my connectors. If you have a choice, use RG6 instead of RG59: larger core diameter means less line loss on long runs. As well, shielding varies GREATLY depending on cable stock. Some is foil shielded, some is copper braid, some has both. I try to get Mil-Spec cable when I can: >95% shielding.

You SHOULD be able to find crimp on RCA ends instead of soldering. Just watch your shield/ground doesn't come in contact with any metal parts that conduct signal at the connectors (with braided shield it is easy to miss ONE strand touching!)

You can future proof the cable by ending the cable with BNC connectors and use BNC->RCA adapters. If you ever need to connect to pro gear in the future, you'll have the right ends and for now, you'll be using solid mechanical connections and adapters that are easy to come by.

We use a variation on Ernest's suggestion to run long video cables in the theatre. You can buy inexpensive coax antenna cables at Radio Shack or "big box" stores with screw-on F connectors such as this: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=family

We have standardized our cables with BNC connectors, so this adaptor will do the trick: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=family

And if we need an RCA plug, we add one of these: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=family

No soldering or crimping needed :-)

Thanks for all the replies. I'll go with the BNC with adapter.

BTW,what's the big deal with soldering? I learned to do that when I was about 16. Back then, connections were either screwed or soldered. Crimps are for wimps :-)

Well my Dad taught me to solder when I was no older than 10, and I built plenty of electronics projects and Heathkits when I was a kid. But I would still prefer to buy cables with pre-made connectors when possible. If that makes me a wimp, so be it...

I'd have to agree with Chris that coax cable is not going to fit nicely into any RCA connectors that I've seen, soldered or otherwise. They're designed for much thinner, more flexible shielded audio cable.

Me too.

I not sure I follow that - if I need a lead, I usually buy it but if I have to make it up I prefer to solder rather than crimp for a variety of reasons.

As I said, I'll go with the BNCs, but by stripping the inner plastic insulator, sleeving the signal connector and running the braid in to the phono it would fit OK. That would not be ideal for a UHF signal but I would have tried it out for this situation.