Coaxial cable, also known as coax, is an electrical signal cable used to carry signals that are sensitive to noise. To protect the wanted signal, the main conductor in the coaxial cable is wrapped in a tube of metal foil and mesh. This tubing runs in alignment with the main signal conductor and requires special crimping techniques at the ends. Use these tips to learn how to connect a coaxial cable.
Steps
Step 1. Prepare the ends
- Cut the ends of the coaxial cable you want to connect. Use a small wire cutter. The ends should be straight, not beveled.
- Use your fingers to re-shape the cable ends. Return the ends of the cables to the shape of a cylinder. When pruned under pressure, they are more likely to change their shape.
Step 2. Insert the cables one at a time into the coaxial cable stripper
You can buy strippers at radio supply stores. When inserting the cable, make sure it sits against the wall or the stripper rail. This ensures the correct stripping length.
Step 3. Clamp the stripper around the cable
Once you have clamped the cable with the stripper, simply rotate the stripper 4-5 times around the cable. Rotate the stripper only one place on each cable. Do not use force to "pull together" the cable sheathing.
Step 4. After finishing stripping, remove the stripper
The stripper makes 2 cuts at the same time. Use your fingers to gently peel the material from the ends of the cable. This will expose the center conductor of each cable.
Step 5. Remove the outer insulation that was separated from each cable by the second notch of the stripper
Pull gently with your fingers. This will expose the foil layer on each cable.
Step 6. Tear off the foil on each cable
This will expose the metal mesh on the cables.
Step 7. Use your fingers to wrap the metal mesh on each cable
Do not tear off the foil underneath the metal mesh. This foil layer protects the inner insulation. Wrap the metal mesh at the ends so that it runs outside the outer insulation of each cable.
Step 8. Clamp the end of each cable into an F-type connector
Make sure the center cable insulator is visible on the inside of the F-connector. You may need to slide on the connector with a little force and wiggle to properly shrink the connector. Only press straight on the connector. Do not twist the cable inside the connector.
Step 9. Crimp the connection
Place each F-type connector in a crimp tool available from radio supply stores. Crimp by fully squeezing the handle of the crimp tool. Release the handle and open the crimping tool. Remove the finished crimp joint from the crimp tool.
Step 10. Finish the connection process
Connect the 2 cables to the female-to-female BNC ends. You can buy them at radio parts stores.