[DirecTVChicago]

This question may be somewhat basic, but I would appreciate it if someone could shed some light on it.

In an earlier post, I wrote that I would receive a 771 error when switching from an HD channel to a non-HD channel. Basically, I could watch two SD channel with no problem or two HD channel with no problem, but when I wanted to watch one of each, I would receive an error.

Could this be due to the fact that I am running two RG59 cables from the HR20 to the wall plate (which in turn is connected to RG6 cable that run to the dish)? Would RG59 cable be doing something negative to the signal?

I appreciate your assistance.

 

[Earl Bonovich]

It shouldn't... make a difference for a very short run (like less then 6ft)

Where are you in Chicago? I can make you two short RG-6 runs if you want.

 

[DirecTVChicago]

Thanks for the quick reply. I wouldn't think it would make much of a difference. However, when I brought the HR20 box upstairs and plugged the two cables that come directly off the dish, I didn't get any 771 error messages. So, this led me to believe that there is a problem with the wiring. And, since the short run I have is the only RG59 cable, I was trying to determine if that is the culprit.

I live in Wrigleyville, but work downtown. If you don't mind, I would love to take you up on your offer. Are you anywhere nearby?

 

[SFS97]

Are you using a splitter in your cable run?

 

[Stuart Sweet]

You know, RG6 cables aren't so expensive, I say run down to Rat Shack and get a couple.

 

[DirecTVChicago]

Are you using a splitter in your cable run?

No, I'm not using any splitter. Just a clean run from the dish to the wall plate.

 

[veryoldschool]

No, I'm not using any splitter. Just a clean run from the dish to the wall plate.

And what does the barrel in the wall plate look like?

 

[Earl Bonovich]

I live in Wrigleyville, but work downtown. If you don't mind, I would love to take you up on your offer. Are you anywhere nearby?

Sadly... no, not any more... I used to work downtown... now I work 10 minutes from home, down here in Tinley Park.

 

[DirecTVChicago]

And what does the barrel in the wall plate look like?

Good question. I don't know what it looks like; I can look at it when I get back home tonight.

Dumb question, but is there a different type of barrel connector for RG6 vs. RG59 cable?

 

[veryoldschool]

Good question. I don't know what it looks like; I can look at it when I get back home tonight.
Dumb question, but is there a different type of barrel connector for RG6 vs. RG59 cable?

Not dumb & no, but dirt, loose connection, damaged, etc. could be the problem [more than 6' of RG59]. That "little center pin".

 

[kaminsco]

Not dumb & no, but dirt, loose connection, damaged, etc. could be the problem [more than 6' of RG59]. That "little center pin".

Also, you may want to check the connections on the back of the wall plate, they be loose...

 

[veryoldschool]

Also, you may want to check the connections on the back of the wall plate, they be loose...

Yes, I didn't say "both sides". You got me there:lol: :lol:

 

[spidey]

Are you using a splitter in your cable run?

i use splitters and seems to affect each machine differently for OTAs

 

[Scrapper]

Also if there is enough slack in the RG6 cable coming from the antenna I would just run it straight out of the wall to the back of the HR20. If your wall connection is out in the open you can make it look "nice" with a single hole plate and run the cables through it. Any time you make a break in a run it will lose some signal, but how much is very dependant on the type of wire/connections be used. Also elements and weather will play a factor long term. Good luck.

 

[SFS97]

i use splitters and seems to affect each machine differently for OTAs

I meant splitters in his sat cable runs, that could cause problems.

I use splitters for OTA also.

 

[wmschultz]

RG-59 and RG-6 are both 75ohm cables and are both intended for similar applications. In fact most CATV companies used RG-59 until the last 5 years or so. Here is the scoop:

RG-59 has a 22 gauge center conductor and is available with a CCS (copper clad steel) OR SCCC (solid copper center conductor) that is 22 gauge in size. The dielectric (the white foam/plastic that insulates and isolates the center conductor from the shield) is also a set size as this help determine it's impedance. RG-6 is available the same way but uses a larger, 18 gauge center conductor and of course a larger dielectric to maintain the 75ohm impedance. The combination of a larger center conductor and dielectric gives RG-6 the advantage of higher bandwidth, the reason why most cable companies have switched to it for broadband!

Shielding is to minimize/eliminate interference. RG-59 or RG-6 can have a single (rare), dual or quad shield that is usually either steel, aluminum or copper. Copper is the best and most expensive. Single shields can be a braid or foil. Dual is usually one foil, surrounded by a braid. Quad is usually one foil, one braid, another foil then another braid. The tightness of the foil and braid and the number of layers determine the % shielding NOT whether it is RG-59 or RG-6 as a previous post stated. There are 50% shielded all the way up to 100% shielded versions of both!

Which is better? All other things being equal, obviously the RG-6 is superior for it's bandwidth.

 

[veryoldschool]

RG-59 and RG-6 are both 75ohm cables and are both intended for similar applications. In fact most CATV companies used RG-59 until the last 5 years or so. Here is the scoop:

RG-59 has a 22 gauge center conductor and is available with a CCS (copper clad steel) OR SCCC (solid copper center conductor) that is 22 gauge in size. The dielectric (the white foam/plastic that insulates and isolates the center conductor from the shield) is also a set size as this help determine it's impedance. RG-6 is available the same way but uses a larger, 18 gauge center conductor and of course a larger dielectric to maintain the 75ohm impedance. The combination of a larger center conductor and dielectric gives RG-6 the advantage of higher bandwidth, the reason why most cable companies have switched to it for broadband!

Shielding is to minimize/eliminate interference. RG-59 or RG-6 can have a single (rare), dual or quad shield that is usually either steel, aluminum or copper. Copper is the best and most expensive. Single shields can be a braid or foil. Dual is usually one foil, surrounded by a braid. Quad is usually one foil, one braid, another foil then another braid. The tightness of the foil and braid and the number of layers determine the % shielding NOT whether it is RG-59 or RG-6 as a previous post stated. There are 50% shielded all the way up to 100% shielded versions of both!

Which is better? All other things being equal, obviously the RG-6 is superior for it's bandwidth.

And with the DC the LNBs need RG6 is a must for long runs to the dish [which CATV don't].

 

[sraider]

Are all barrel connectors the same? Or do you need ones that are rated higher ghz for the 5 lnb?

 

[veryoldschool]

Are all barrel connectors the same? Or do you need ones that are rated higher ghz for the 5 lnb?

Good luck finding anything "rated" over 1 GHz with an "F type" connector. IMO

 

[harsh]

Good luck finding anything "rated" over 1 GHz with an "F type" connector. IMO

Huh? Are you talking F type push-on or thread-on? Most conventional F connectors (either crimped or compression) are rated "up to" 3GHz (note that return loss is typically measured at 1GHz).

Or are you just one of those insufferable BNC weenies?