Q Box f-connection problem

[AlanMcc]

Hi. I'm trying to move my Qbox across the room to place the TV in a better  viewing position. I had previously installed new cables in conduit under the floor boards to allow for this. After connecting everything up I have lost the satellite signal. Even returning the Qbox to the original position with the cables from the dish directly connected to the box there's still no signal. I have used the screw type f connectors to connect the cables to the box, which as far as I can see are properly done. I can get an intermittent signal using the bare conductor (i.e not using an f connector), but obviously this is not a solution. Any thoughts on how to solve this? Thanks

[nigea99]

hi @AlanMcc 

You need to make sure that none of the fine strands of the outer sheathing are making contact with the Central core wires - if even one touches it can cause a short circuit & the box will stop providing power to the LNB on the dish 

Also, you need to make sure that the outer sheathing copper does make contact with the outer barrel of the F connector - if not, then in this case the voltage won't be supplied to the LNB

 You might find this video useful:

Fitting an F Plug 

[AlanMcc]

Thanks for the link. I'm pretty sure my connections are all good, but I'll go back and double check. I've used the simple screw-in F connectors  and sharp cutters, although many of the videos I have watched use compression fittings and purpose made coaxial cutters. I suspect these are more for convenience than precision. Thanks again, Alan

[Godfrey]

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@AlanMcc wrote:...many of the videos I have watched use compression fittings and purpose made coaxial cutters. I suspect these are more for convenience than precision.

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The Ripley Cablematic 596 DDT Mini coaxial cable stripper provides a very high precision / repeatability, for just £17.37 plus Vat, for anybody wishing to prepare CT63 and CT100 coaxial cables for termination with high quality compression F connectors.  

An example of a typical retail source 

Godfrey.

[AlanMcc]

Thanks Godfrey. I have upgraded the F connectors to quality push fit jobs where the cable can't pull out. After a lot of trial and error I'm beginning to think the problem lies with cable from the dish. After a bit of trimming off the ends I noticed the dielectric was breaking off where I had bent the cable into the wall socket. Hopefully I've a couple of coils in the attic I'll be able to pull through.

[Godfrey]

@AlanMcc   I always prefer to use 90 degree adaptors when connecting coaxial cables that have been run down a vertical wall surface onto wall mounted panels, rather than attempting to flex the coaxial cable through 90 degrees.

Godfrey.

[AlanMcc]

Thanks Godfrey - I was actually using those until I attempted to reroute the cable using  f connectors. I now only get an intermittent signal, it works for a minute or two and drops again. I'm at a loss now....

[nigea99]

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@AlanMcc wrote:

Thanks Godfrey - I was actually using those until I attempted to reroute the cable using  f connectors. I now only get an intermittent signal, it works for a minute or two and drops again. I'm at a loss now....

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That sounds like a broken central core wire that occasionally makes contact

[AlanMcc]

That's my ccurrent line of thought. I'll let you know how I get on.

Cheers, Alan