Coaxial ("Coax") Cable Answers

Question: What does this cable look like?

Bulk Cable

Pre-made Cable

Standard Cable

Premium Cable

Coaxial cable consists of a center wire surrounded by insulation and then a grounded shield of thin metal and braided wire to minimize electrical and radio frequency interference.

The maximum length before signal degradation is 100 feet.

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Question: What variations of this cable are available?

Answer: Coax cable comes in various impedances and ratings, indicated by the RG (Radio Guide) number. Pre-made cables come in standard and Premium.

Cables carried by RadioShack
93-ohm Cables: RG-62, RG-62U
75-ohm Cables: RG-11, RG-11U, RG-59, RG-59U, RG-6, RG-6U, RG-6QS
51-ohm Cables: RG-9, RG-9U
50-ohm Cables: RG-58, RG-58U, RG-8, RG-8U, RG-8M, RG-8X

Cables Commonly used in Consumer Audio/Video

RG-#	Acronym	Ohms	General Info
RG-6/U	(/Universal)	75	Used for video connections.
RG-6QS	Quad-Shielded	75	Provides higher protection against radio interference and loss.
RG-11/U	(/Universal)	75	Used to minimize signal loss, such as due to low signal or a long cable run.
RG-58/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for CB, Ham, shortwave and scanner antenna hookups.
RG-59/U	(/Universal)	75	Used in place of RG-6 for some applications.
RG-8/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for CB, Ham, shortwave and scanner antenna hookups.
RG-8M	Mini	50	Has a smaller diameter than RG-8, but a larger diameter than RG-8/X. Used for CB, Ham, shortwave and scanner antenna hookups.
RG-8X	eXtra-mini	50	Has a very small diameter. Used for CB, Ham, shortwave and scanner antenna hookups.
RG-9/U	(/Universal)	51	Used with communications equipment.

Cables Not Commonly used for Consumer Audio/Video

RG-#	Acronym	Ohms	General Info
RG-62/U	(/Universal)	93	Used for Arcnet networking.
RG-63/U	(/Universal)	125	Used for specialized applications.
RG-71/U	(/Universal)	93	Used for Arcnet networking.
RG-122/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-141/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-142/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-174/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-178/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-179/U	(/Universal)	75	Used for specialized applications.
RG-180/U	(/Universal)	95	Can be used for Arcnet networking.
RG-187/U	(/Universal)	75	Used for specialized applications.
RG-188/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-212/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-213/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-214/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-216/U	(/Universal)	75	Used for specialized applications.
RG-223/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-303/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-316/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-402/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.
RG-405/U	(/Universal)	50	Used for specialized applications.

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Question: What is this cable used for?

Answer: 93-ohm cables are used for connections in Arcnet networks.

75-ohm coax cables (with an F connector on each end) are used to connect satellite and local broadcast antennas to receivers, monitors or televisions.

50-ohm and 51-ohm coax cables are used with test equipment and to connect radio communications equipment and antennas.

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Question: What connector or connectors are used with this cable?

Answer: 75-ohm coax cables generally use an F connector on each end. 93-ohm and 50-ohm coax cables generally have either a BNC or TNC connector on each end.

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Question: How is this cable attached to the connector?

Answer: The coax cable is stripped as shown under Bulk Cable (above). The connector is fitted onto the center conductor and shielding. Exact methods will vary depending on the connector. You should use a coax stripper (Cat. No. 278-0248) to strip the cable properly.

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Question: Where can I get this type of cable?

Answer: 50-Ohm coaxial cables, 75-Ohm coaxial cables and Premium coaxial cables can be ordered on-line, through your local RadioShack store, or by calling our order center at 800-241-8742.

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