satellite installation, sattelite installation, tripod, flat flexible cable, in-line amp, booster, cable weather boot, flex clips, nail clips, cable clips, feed-thru wall bushings

Should I use F Terminators?

Q. - I've heard I should use "terminators" on my video connections.  What are they and why should I use them?

A. - 75-Ohm f terminators are one of the most overlooked, yet essential items.

• When you set-up your video distribution system, you'll often have locations that have video distributed to them but nothing connected to the system. This is usually the case when you've run the cable thinking that you might use the connection in the future.

• Open cable ends (or connectors) can cause deterioration and degradation of the video signal. In the simplest terms, your system will tend to have poorer signals if these ends are left open.  A 75-Ohm terminator simply screws onto a standard F-connector, and presents a "load" to the system, as if a component were connected there.

"F" series terminators utilize passive electronic circuitry designed to block 60 cycle interference (generated by electric lines) and terminate RF signals on unused equipment ports. They are necessary to prevent impedance mismatches and minimize RF reflections and echoes. Unused active ports should always be terminated to:

1.  prevent signal leakage

2.  prevent extraneous signals from entering the system, and

3.  prevent water and moisture damage if the unit is located outside.

"F" Bottom Line: All open or unused ports on signal splitters, LNBF's, MultiSwitches, etc. should be terminated.  By doing so, you are decreasing signal leakage, increasing signal strength and protecting the port from water-damage and corrosion.