How to Convert RCA Cables Into Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cables and RCA cables share many attributes. At the heart of it, they're both two-conductor cables with connectors on the ends. Although the connectors differ, it's easy to convert an RCA cable to a coaxial cable through the use of special cable connector adapters. This could be useful if you want to take advantage of the signal transfer and electronic shielding of a high-quality RCA-style cable for an application that requires coaxial-style connectors.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• RCA cable
• 2 RCA-to-coaxial cable adapters

1. Make sure that the RCA cable you'll be converting is long enough to make the connections between the electronic components you want to hook up. It won't do you any good to convert the cable if it's not long enough for the job!

2. 
   RCA-to-coaxial adapter

   Purchase adapters. You'll want adapters that convert a male RCA connector into a male "F type" coaxial connector. The F type is the most common coaxial connector and is invariably the type of connector that is used on coaxial cables in home video applications. You can find these at electronics supply stores, like Radio Shack. They are also available online (see Resources).

3. Connect one adapter to each end of the RCA cable. The adapters will slip snugly onto the cable's RCA connectors; no tools are required. Your cable is complete.

Resources

• A1 Tool Store: RCA-to-coaxial adapter