Quad Shield vs. Single Shield RG-6

[vachief]

I have a corroded connector on one of my cables. I figured it would be easier just to fix this myself instead of dealing with DirecTV techs... So, I am looking into tools/parts, and I see that are different RG-6 F type compression style connectors for single shield and quad shield RG-6. The problem is that I have no idea if my RG-6 is single shield or quad shield. It is whatever the DirecTV installers used... So, is there a way I can tell by looking at the cable which type I have? Are these connectors interchangeable (would a quad shield connector work on a single shield cable)?

[Mertzen]

It's very unlikely that any D* tech in the recent years installed quad shield.
You would have to strip and prep the wire to see if it's QS unless the jacket says QS or Quad or something to the like.

Go for PPC EX6XL connector, it's the ones D* requires and will actually work over a well prepped QS as well.

[hobie346]

The cable should have some markings on it including the manufacture and type of cable. Quad shield "usually" says quad shield or QS.

You can't mix quad shield connectors on non-quad shield cable. You can mix standard RG-6 and QS RG-6 cables in the system.

It's not normally required to use QS RG-6 unless you have long cable runs (> 100').

How old is the cable? If the connector has corroded the cable may have to be replaced also.

[vachief]

Mertzen - Thanks for the tip on the PPC EX6XL connectors. Do you recommend a particular supplier? I was buying the tools I need for the job from Monoprice, but they don't seem to carry the PPC EX6XL connectors.

hobie346 - The cable is probably around 3 years old. So, not too old...hopefully switching out the connectors will do the trick.

Much thanks to both of you for your quick replies and help!

[BattleZone]

You can't mix quad shield connectors on non-quad shield cable.

Several manufacturers of compression F-connectors make a "universal" connector designed to work with both standard dual-shield as well as quad-shield. The PPC EX6-XL, which is the connector DirecTV has standardized on, is designed to work with both. It is true that connectors specifically designed for one type don't work well with the other.

It's not normally required to use QS RG-6 unless you have long cable runs (> 100').

Quad-shield has nothing to do with length. Quad-shield is designed to be used in areas with high levels of RF interference. The additional layers of shield help reduce signal bleed into the center conductor.

For longer lengths, you use either solid-copper center conductor RG6 or step up to RG11.

[dishrich]

Quad-shield has nothing to do with length. Quad-shield is designed to be used in areas with high levels of RF interference. The additional layers of shield help reduce signal bleed into the center conductor.

Correct on the length part, but "RF ingress" is NOT normally an issue on cables carrying DBS signals - hence why it's VERY rare to see DBS installers use quad coax.
Now, CATV/OTA signals are a different issue...

[carl6]

Correct on the length part, but "RF ingress" is NOT normally an issue on cables carrying DBS signals - hence why it's VERY rare to see DBS installers use quad coax.
Now, CATV/OTA signals are a different issue...

Agreed that it has not normally been a problem. With the broader bandwidths now being used by satellite service, it is certainly a possibility that a strong local rf signal could interfere with satellite service. However, I am not aware of anyone using or requiring quad shield for satellite (yet).

[Canis Lupus]

It's always good to point out to DIYers as well that attaching F connectors using QS is a bit more work than regular RG6 (again for DIYers - i'm sure the Pros here have no issues ;) ).

Seems like the "highly rated" tool suggestions would be effective - just keep in mind if you go for a cheaper compression tool, it can make the connecting job harder with QS.