What Is the Signal Strength on an RG6 Cable Over 100 Feet?

Satellite-grade cable

RG6 coaxial cable meets the requirements for use in digital or analog satellite dishes. RG6 has the correct 75 ohm impedance and acceptable signal loss for this application. Cable lengths can effect performance in both satellite and antenna applications.

Acceptable Installation Use

The Dish Network DishPro installation guide states that an RG6 cable must be within 200 feet from its LNBF (eye) to its nearest receiver. Runs of 100 feet are the recommended for maximum performance. Signal loss over this distance may be a factor, but voltage loss due to resistance is the root cause.

Signal Loss

Expect a signal loss of 1.6 decibels at 55 MHz, 6.5 decibels at 1000MHz and 10 decibels at 2250MHz per 100 feet of cable. Resistance increases with length as well, requiring more voltage to adequately carry and produce a signal.

Solution

Installing a signal amplifier correctly will improve the signal on an antenna utilizing RG6 coax. On a digital satellite, inline satellite signal boosters, installed at the halfway point of the cable, promise a signal boost without increasing the DC power or changing the 22kHz tone the receiver uses. Always use the best shielding you can afford in this application to reduce interference.

References

• DirecTV: DirecTV Installation Using Existing Cables
• Dish Network: DISHPro Installation Considerations (PDF)
• DBS Install: Coax Cable Basics
• HDTV Primer: In-line Amplifier

Resources

• DirecTV: Home Page
• Dish Network: Home Page