Extension Cable for Philips/Zenith HD Antenna

[twodaend]

I was wondering how can I extend the cable length for my Philips/Zenith HD Antenna. I was thinking of just replacing the cable, but the end connected to the antenna is not detachable.

I was wondering if I could buy a coax coupler and a 10' coax cable to extend the length to be able to place the antenna where I think it needs to be. However, is there a cable length limit for proper HD signals, thus the reason the antenna only has a 6' cable?

My PVR is on the floor so I need to get the antenna up higher to get a better signal. If I put it on 1 of my speakers, the signal is better, but this is not an ideal location. With the extension I can have a shelf for it to be placed on.

[Rich A]

Originally Posted by twodaend

I was wondering how can I extend the cable length for my Philips/Zenith HD Antenna. I was thinking of just replacing the cable, but the end connected to the antenna is not detachable.

I was wondering if I could buy a coax coupler and a 10' coax cable to extend the length to be able to place the antenna where I think it needs to be. However, is there a cable length limit for proper HD signals, thus the reason the antenna only has a 6' cable?

My PVR is on the floor so I need to get the antenna up higher to get a better signal. If I put it on 1 of my speakers, the signal is better, but this is not an ideal location. With the extension I can have a shelf for it to be placed on.

Every coupler or other coaxial device (including the connectors themselves) will cause some addition loss to the signal. Also even good RG-6 has considerable loss when you get to higher frequencies and longer runs.

BUT the amount of loss YOU are looking at should be minimal. I would say adding one barrel connector and an additional 10 feet of coaxial cable would be okay. Now if you were thinking of putting that antenna say way up in the attic and running 50 ft or more of feed line, then the additional gain you would get (from the added height) could be negated by the additional loss due to the extra coax length.

If at all possible you would be best off to replace the entire cable with a longer one and use no "barrel connector coupler". That would be ideal. But for the short 10 foot additional length ... I'd say go for it. Get some "good" RG-6 cable .. not RG-59. If you don't have the equipment to properly attach the F-Fitting connectors, then see if you can buy one via the Internet pre-made. A poorly assemble or fit coax connector could negate all your work. Check various local TV stores and you may find various good quality RG-6 cables available in 6, 10 or what-ever lengths.

One thing though. OTA reception of digital signals can be very iffy. SOMETIMES more height is not optimum. Sometimes you will find a "magic sweet spot" that is lower than your available maximum height. It all depends on terrain, distance to your signal source and a ton of other things. Good luck ..