Coax Connectors

What types of coax connectors are available?

There are a wide range of coax connectors, from BNC and RCA to couplers and reducers. Each type is built for a specific type of coax cable. Pacer Group knows that different jobs require specific connectors and as such has focused on cultivating a line of coax connectors to handle the vast range of applications that coax cable is known for. Below we will take a look at some of the more popular types of coax connectors that we carry.

BNC series connectors

BNC connectors are built the idea of quick connection and disconnection. They achieve this by utilizing a positive locking mechanism. All you need to do is to give the coupling nut a quarter rotation turn and you can either lock or unlock the BNC connector body. BNC connectors are known for their bayonet style connection method which many professionals choose to use for its simplicity. The contact is made from gold and carries a plating made of brass and zinc. These connectors are for use with 75 Ohm cables. We cover Ohm further down this page.

Female connectors

Female connectors are for use with either RG6 cable or RG59 coax cable depending on the connector that you choose. Regardless of which you choose, they both come with an integral crimp sleeve which makes termination a simple task. Pacer Group female connectors are nickel plated and are designed around the ideas of ease of installation and longevity. Female connectors also carry a screw coupling and the center of the cable is used as the center contact. Commonly, these connectors are used with low-power video as well as radio frequency signal connections. To make these connectors even better, they are available as plug type connectors or twist type connectors.

Couplers

Couplers are designed to connect two female ends together. In this way, they “couple” the cable together and create a single transmission line. Most frequently they are used to extend the overall length of a cable by allowing an operator to connect an additional cable to the end of the first. One advantage that these connectors have over other types is their ease of use. All you need to do to use one is to screw the coupler into the female end of an existing cable and then connect the other cable into the opposite end of the cable. It really is that simple.

Reducers

Reducers are used to, well, reduce, the distance between the two connection points. That that means is that the diameters of the connector on you cable and the diameter of the connector you are connecting to may be too different. When the diameters are very different, they will not mate. It is a situation like this where you would want to use a reducer. Reducers are designed to work with RG59, RG58, RG62,RG8x, and LMR240. Most commonly, these connectors are used with ham radios. Reducers are available in either nickel or silver depending on your need. They are designed to handle a frequency of DC-500MHz and a voltage peak of 500V.

Where would I use coax connectors?

Coax connectors are ideal is applications where data transmission for radio frequency signals need a high degree of flexibility and protection. Coax connectors are often used in transmission lines, digital audio, radio receivers, computer networking and more. They are even used in television distribution. Basically, you would use coax connectors in any application where you have any of a number of coax cables running. You might use coax connectors to connect your cable box to your television or you might use them to connect your modem to your computer or network. The bottom line is that coax connectors offer a high degree of versatility and durability in even the toughest of conditions.

What is the difference between 50 Ohm and 75 Ohm connectors?

50 Ohm and 75 Ohm connectors are very different but to understand that difference, you need to understand what “Ohms” are. Cables are measured by calculating the amount of resistance that they offer in relation to the flow of electrical energy. This resistance is referred to as impedance. Impedance is measured using Ohms. That is all to say that Ohms represent how much impedance, or resistance a particular cable will offer. The lower the Ohms, the lower the resistance, the better the performance. So, a 50 Ohm connector offers less resistance than a 75 Ohm connector. Now it is important to note that certain situations may require a specific Ohm based on the equipment being used. Make sure that you are aware of the requirements of your project. The Ohms will likely be determined by the type of coax cable you are using. It is also a good idea to be aware of which tools to use.

What tools should I use with coax connectors?

Coax connectors require specific tools in order to get the proper crimp. For most of our coax connectors, our VTCL-4080 is the ideal tool to get the job done. This ratcheting compression tool creates the perfect amount of pressure and, in turn, crimps the connectors properly creating perfect seals from the connector bodies. The VTCL-4080 is ideal for use with R/A type connectors, F type connectors, and RCA length connectors. One thing that makes coax connectors advantageous is the fact that they are field serviceable just like the VTCL-4080. This is why these connectors and this tool are found in so many industries.

What industries use coax connectors?

Coax connectors are found in use in a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. As we said before, they are frequently used as connectors for transmission lines for radio frequency signals. Coax connectors are also commonly found in computer networks, digital audio signals, radio receivers, as well as cable television distribution. If you have ever looked at your cable box, then you have likely seen coax cable and coax connectors. Same thing with your modem as many companies use coax cable and coax connectors for internet hook up. To summarize, coax connectors are used anywhere high-frequency electrical signals need to be sent with low losses.