I'm hoping someone here will be able to help me. Anyway, I just bought a house. The previous owner apparently was a shortwave radio fan. There is a large rooftop antenna with RG8 wiring. I'm not sure of the type of connector but it is definitely not an F connector. The diameter is larger and the center prong is also larger. What I'm wondering is if there is a simple way to convert this equipment to connect to my TV and receive broadcast channels? I understand that RG8 is not ideal for this but I'd prefer not to rewire if possible.
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Antenna wiring
- Thread starter Barbsw
- Start date
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
Shortwave radio operates in a different frequency band than VHF or UHF television, so that existing antenna may not work very well.
shortwave and HAM are tuned to specific frequency's, and likely won't work well for tv. yes, you can get adapter's but you'd be much better off taking it down and selling it CL to someone who can use it as intended. the connector is likely a UHF connector like on an old CB radio...
kd3pc
Well-known member
radio and shortwave cable is usually 50 ohms or there about, the RG6 that most TV/cable/sat use is 75 ohms.
two different uses, two different cables and generally not interchangeable - the connector on the ham/sw cable is likely a PL239 and is specific to power and impedance requirements.
two different uses, two different cables and generally not interchangeable - the connector on the ham/sw cable is likely a PL239 and is specific to power and impedance requirements.
You can buy a PL-259 to F-connector adapter at Radio Shack (if they're still around) or on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXNG9O8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
There will be an impedance mismatch and it's likely that the antenna won't be cut for UHF reception, but it's easy to connect once you have the adapter and it will probably work well enough to get the reception that you need.
RG-8 (also Belden 9913) seems to be good in the UHF range:
http://www.w4rp.com/ref/coax.html
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXNG9O8/?tag=atomicindus08-20
There will be an impedance mismatch and it's likely that the antenna won't be cut for UHF reception, but it's easy to connect once you have the adapter and it will probably work well enough to get the reception that you need.
RG-8 (also Belden 9913) seems to be good in the UHF range:
http://www.w4rp.com/ref/coax.html
rsieracki
Well-known member
i just bought the parts cabinets and contents from my local now closed radio shack and have tons of coax type fitting and i know some RG8, SMA ham etc stuff if anyone needs anything
Ya know if you live close (within most city limits areas) you can install a small antenna in your attic and pick up all the channels. Installed a 3 footer in Mom's house and it picks up everything.
Now if your far away like I am, digital TV won't make the trip as far as analog would
Now if your far away like I am, digital TV won't make the trip as far as analog would
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Post a pic of the antennae!
I work at a radio shop and in addition to electrical i work on all sorts of radio systems. Theres many different types of anntenaes and each type is designed and tuned for specific frequencies. Theres VHF and UHF. Unless the antennae u have is setup for UHF which has a wide range of 450-890mhz, then youre not likely to receive many TV channels...
And BTW, if he was a ham radio operator, then youre gonna be out of luck, as HAM operates below the VHF band in the 1-10mhz range and the antennae are directional.
I work at a radio shop and in addition to electrical i work on all sorts of radio systems. Theres many different types of anntenaes and each type is designed and tuned for specific frequencies. Theres VHF and UHF. Unless the antennae u have is setup for UHF which has a wide range of 450-890mhz, then youre not likely to receive many TV channels...
And BTW, if he was a ham radio operator, then youre gonna be out of luck, as HAM operates below the VHF band in the 1-10mhz range and the antennae are directional.
Last edited:
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I would say that's definitely the connector. I'll pick up an adapter and see what if any reception I can get. It's at least worth trying out. Anything else will likely have to wait till the spring. Thanks all.
A properly designed antenna, "tuned" for the frequency desired, even though much smaller, might be much more effective !
Check on YouTube. There are a lot of home made HDTV antennas made out of coat hanger wire or heavy copper wire and a 2x4. These are not huge and work well.
BillK
Well-known member
There is a large rooftop antenna with RG8 wiring. .
Barb,
How about a pic of the antenna and your location ? The antenna might be worth a fair amount if it is a Ham Radio Antenna.
tncatadjuster
Well-known member
i just bought the parts cabinets and contents from my local now closed radio shack and have tons of coax type fitting and i know some rg8, sma ham etc stuff if anyone needs anything
score! How did that happen, right place right time?
volleyball
Well-known member
Since it is winter, get the adapter. Because it is reception, the length is less important than a transmitter. The advertise you will let some amateur radio operator to buy and swap in the correct antenna and wire for you once spring has come, if it ever does.
rsieracki
Well-known member
score! How did that happen, right place right time?
You betcha... actually radioshack is closing but yeah i stumbled upon the the night before the last day, asked for a price and made a counter offer then loaded my car