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Never remove aluminum braid or foil from the coax when installing connector.
Replace all non-compression “F” connectors. They are the leading cause of issues.
Ensure the right type of connector is used – RG59 or RG6.
Connectors with significant ‘air-gaps’ should be changed.
Connectors should be wrench-tight everywhere in home (except customer’s equipment).
The F-81 splice (or barrel connector) should never be “spun” on to connector; the connector
should be threaded on to the F81 splice to prevent the center conductor from being
scratched.
The signal is transported on the outside of the center conductor. If scratched, it can cause
significant signal degradation and will cause some of the signal to reflect back on itself.
Replace suspect barrel connectors at wall plates. Most are worn out after years of use.
Ensure length of center conductor is neither too long nor too short. It should be approx.
1/8”-1/4 past the end of the connector.
Figure 94: COAX examples
Coax Ends
Ensure the ends are fully compressed. If the connector isn’t compressed enough, the coax cable is free to
move around inside the connector resulting in a loose connection and pixelization.
Figure 95: COAX Compressions
Coax Splitters / Splices
Check for hidden splitters and splices. Investigations into attics and crawlspaces may be necessary.
Trace the coax from the modem to the jack (if possible) and look for splices.
A mismatch in cable color/type (ie. white/black, RG59/RG6) between the modem and the jack is a
clear indication that there is a splice or a splitter somewhere.
Avoid secondary splitters. If a secondary splitter is necessary, don’t install any more than 2 splitters
between the STB and the gateway.
You must use Holland HPNA splitters.
Use the smallest splitter possible.
Coax Cable
Consumer/Retail, coax without compression connectors or coax with a clear nylon core should be
replaced with anRG-6 foam core.
Any other coax type is not usable: antenna wire is RG11 w/ 50-ohm impedance.