Coaxial cables are designed to carry high-frequency signals with low interference and minimum loss of signals so that a weak signal can be transmitted in the highest possible quality. Coaxial cables are connected to the television or any other output device via a connector. These connectors are usually made from high conductivity metals to ensure that signals are not a loss while the connector is bridging between the wire and the device. The most frequently used type of fitting connector is an F-connector which connects the cable to television or LCD screen’s wall jack. There are different techniques used to install this connector at the end of the cable but all professional use the most efficient way to do the job.
A detailed guide to installing F-connector
Follow the below-given instructions for installing an F-connector:
Selecting the Connector and tools
Depending upon the tools available to use, you will have to use a slip-on connector, crimp type connector or twist-on-connector.
You will require a coaxial cable stripper to cut through all layers of the cable so you can slip the connector slip-on F-connector in the place. If you do not have a professional coaxial cable stripper, you can use a basic cable crimper and install the crimp type connector. If you do not have any special tools, use an ordinary utility knife to strip off the cable wires, then you can use manual force to instal the twist-on connector.
Stripping the cable
A professional coaxial cable stripper will do the job for you at once but if you are using a utility knife, strip 3/4 inch of the black outer jacket from the end of the coaxial cable. Cutting through the outer jacket only you will need to make a shallow cut all the way around the cable. Peel away the jacket from cable to expose the layer of fine metal shielding wires and foil.
Trimming the foil and layers
Pull backwards the shielding wires onto the protective jacket and trim them with wire strippers or scissors leaving behind only 1/8 inch length. Cut through the metal shielding foil using the knife sparing only about 1/4 inch from the cut in the cable jacket. Pull the wires back onto the jacket, leaving the foil extends 1/4 inch toward the end of the cable. This will expose the white plastic insulating layer, using knife strip it to 1/4 inch from around the copper wire core of the cable. This will expose ¼ inch of the copper wire, be very careful not to cut or nick the copper wire as that can compromise the performance of the cable.
Installing the connector
Set the crimp ring on the outer jacket (and the shielding wires), slip the other half of the connector and attach it to the ring. Now the white plastic layer makes contact with the hole inside the connector. Secure the connector by squeezing the ring with the crimping tool jaws. It is installed.
For the twist-on connector simply slip up the connector and turn it in clockwise direction until the white plastic layer contacts the hole inside the connector. At this point the copper wire will be extended about 1/16 inch beyond the front end of the connector, the connector is installed.
