What cable can you use, or not use.

[awblackmon]

I know directv has approved cable lists. In our area we are encouraged, no more than encouraged, to use 100 percent copper only, or we can face discipline which could include being let go. In your shops do you use only copper coax, or can you use copper clad steel. I know others do use it, and really wonder why we are restricted when others aren't?

I have done some research and the reasons for copper only are plentiful, but not definitive. It is claimed that there will be tuning problems using clad steel. I installed my personal system years ago, before I was an installer for Directv, and I have never had a problem in ten years with any receiver I have had using copper clad steel cables.

I know that some of my install times could be cut in half if I was able to use the cable that is there as long as it was in good shape, which often it is. I roll up to new homes pre wired with copper clad steel to all the rooms, but I cannot use it. It is very frustrating to a customer when I tell them I have to put in new wires, new holes in their house when there is brand new wire already there. It creates some bad moments for the customer to be told I can't use the pre wired stuff.

Anyway, I ask because I am curious about other areas and policies.

Thanks, Alan

[veryoldschool]

The 5 LNB dish can draw about 400 milliamps.
Steel core isn't a good conductor for DC, so you have a resistive voltage drop with it that you don't have with copper core.
Using powered multi-switches will reduce the "DC run", so steel core "can work", but copper core is just better.

[Mertzen]

I've only used copper clad as existing runs, though never had problems with it.

It seems that E* doesn't care about SCC but D* does.
I would say that for longer runs to the ODU or complicated setups double dish [ ka/ku, wordirect and WB^* to be powered by IRD] SCC is a better option.

For inside runs under 100ft I wouldn't be all too worried. I don't think I ever failed a tech on a QC because of CCS.

[awblackmon]

I've only used copper clad as existing runs, though never had problems with it.

It seems that E* doesn't care about SCC but D* does.
I would say that for longer runs to the ODU or complicated setups double dish [ ka/ku, wordirect and WB^* to be powered by IRD] SCC is a better option.

For inside runs under 100ft I wouldn't be all too worried. I don't think I ever failed a tech on a QC because of CCS.

Yeah, that is what my net research came across. Small distance runs are not a problem. Locally I know that some retail installers do use it. I cannot as a sub contract installer. Other areas, sub contractors do use it. It just seems there needs to be consensus on using it or not using it for everyone.

I do like what you say about inside runs though. It does make sense to run copper up to the pre wired ccs going into the house. Then I am running my line, to the house line, and everyone wins. I get lower install time, the customer gets existing lines used. Usually this would result in using ccs under a hundred feet. I know that some homes are so large, that they could be longer, but most homes I install that isn't an issue. The coax is recently installed, is inside protected from the elements, and not hooked onto the exterior for the last five years and looking like it couldn't carry any type of signals any more.

You did say "powered by IRD..." Does this mean SWM could use copper clad steel with less problems due to higher voltages being put out by the power inserter? Alan

[Mertzen]

You did say "powered by IRD..." Does this mean SWM could use copper clad steel with less problems due to higher voltages being put out by the power inserter? Alan
I've had SWM work on a RG59 run. I think it is more solid then legacy systems. But it really is a YMMV.

On anything critical I prefer going SCC.

[awblackmon]

I've had SWM work on a RG59 run. I think it is more solid then legacy systems. But it really is a YMMV.

On anything critical I prefer going SCC.

I have heard about using RG59 when in a pinch with good luck. That seems to back up what you say that SWM is more solid than legacy systems. So I am hoping that some day the local rule gets relaxed some, and I can get home faster at the end of the day. But I hope I never have to use RG59. I think I would want to run a new line under that condition and not risk problems. Alan

[evan_s]

The reason Copper clad steel is not up to quality checks is because DirecTV uses the voltage powering the LNB as part of the signaling for the stack plan. The Steel core isn't a very good conductor and over long runs can cause a loss in voltage. The loss in voltage if significant enough can cause the 17volt signal to drop down to the point where it is mistaken for the 13volt signal and causes the receiver to be unable to find a channel because the LNB is sending out the wrong part of the stacking plan.

For SWM this only matters between the SWM8 and the LNB because this is the only point where this signaling is used and in most situations it probably wouldn't be a problem anyways since the run is likely to be shorter in length and the SWM8 has external power so should have an easier time maintaining the proper voltage for signaling. For a SWMlnb or after the SWM8 it really doesn't matter because you aren't using the voltage for signaling anymore. It isn't a bad idea to use it for the leg that has the power inserter but shouldn't be required because once again the voltage drop isn't going to cause a problem because it isn't used for signaling.

It isn't an issue for Dish because starting with the Dish Pro switches and receivers it just provides a continuous 18volt power and uses DiSEqC signaling to select the stats it needs. So a voltage drop doesn't matter as long as it still provides enough power to run the lnb/switches.

[CCarncross]

While it can be important to use SCC, especially for the longer runs as has been pointed out, with the stacking scheme in place today, I think the more critical spec is the 2.5-3Ghz rating. Yeah, I'm pretty sure there is plenty of underspec'd cable still available to purchase.

[veryoldschool]

While it can be important to use SCC, especially for the longer runs as has been pointed out, with the stacking scheme in place today, I think the more critical spec is the 2.5-3Ghz rating. Yeah, I'm pretty sure there is plenty of underspec'd cable still available to purchase.
You can't really improve RG-6 for "high Frequencies". It is what it is:
18737
Bending it too tight will degrade it, but short of using RG-11, there isn't "3 GHz" RG-6.