Milestek-Blog

If you need to extend the signal of your HDMI cabling, you can do so cheaply and effectively by using the HDMI Over Single Coax Bi-Directional IR Active Extender.  And yes, this product allows the signal to be extended over coaxial cable, which is also very affordable.

Before you get too excited though, make sure this IR active extender functions with the coaxial cable you are planning on using.  Here are the specs for the coaxial cabling:

• Extends HDMI 1080p up to 328 feet (100 meters) over a single dual and quad-shielded RG-6 coaxial cable
• Extends HDMI 1080p up to 164 feet (50 meters) over a single RG-59 coaxial cable
• Works with all HDMI and HDCP-compliant devices

In addition to ensuring it works with your planned choice of coaxial cable, this HDMI extender also does the following:

• Supports only 720p and 1080p HDMI resolutions
• Automatically adjusts feedback, equalization, and amplification
• Transfers bi-directional IR control signals – RX and TX in 38 KHz mode
• Includes electro-static discharge protection
• Mounting ears are included
• 5” wide x 1” height x 5” deep
•  2 5V direct-current power supply

How to Use the HDMI Over Single Coax Bi-Directional IR Active Extender

Much like all HDMI signal extenders, this product is very simple to get set up and going.  Here’s what you’ll do:

• Bring the product to the desired physical location, and make sure you do not plug in the power supply first
• Plug in all cabling first – the HDMI cable and the coaxial cable
• Make sure all cabling is plugged into the appropriate devices
• Plug the power supply into the wall
• Connect the power supply to the extender
• Check LED indicators to ensure power is being received and that a signal is being transmitted
• Check the device on the other end of the coaxial cable to ensure successful signal transmission

That’s really all you have to do!  Technology is wonderful isn’t it?  Now, all you have to rely on for your HDMI video and audio needs is a single, cost-effective coaxial cable.

Our BNC plugs are easy to use, effective, and constructed from the highest-quality material. Let’s review how they work:

How do BNC connectors work?

BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) RF connectors make it easy to connect coaxial cables with radio-frequency equipment like radios and TVs, composite video on commercial video devices, and ethernet networks. The amount of ohms indicated basically measures electrical impedance along the coaxial cable.

They’re easy to install with a simple “snap and lock” mechanism, which ensures a high-quality connection. They arrive tested to 3 GHz. And they come in handy when you need to combine them with, say, an RCA connector on the end of the coaxial cable.

All of our BNC connectors are machined from virgin brass (in accordance with MIL-C39012) and plated with bright nickels, unlike less reliable connectors made from cheaper die cast bodies.

So what’s different?

Physically, the main differences can be found in the center pins and dialectric insulators. 75-ohm BNC connectors feature Teflon as a dialectric, and surround the outer spring fingers with air. Its center pin maintains a consistent diameter in both the front and rear areas (this is important—read on to find out why). 50-ohm connectors, on the other hand, use Delrin to surround the spring fingers, and its center pin is larger in the crimp area. You’ll need different crimp tools for each type of center pin.

What’s the difference in functionality?

Both connectors can mate without damage, but you can’t really mix and match and expect to get the same video quality. For example, if you installed a traditional 50-ohm BNC connector on a 75-ohm coaxial video cable, the digital signal would be significantly distorted.

Basically, 50-ohm BNC connectors are used for older analog video applications. But for higher performance A/V applications like HDTVs, 75-ohm BNC devices are necessary. 75-ohm BNC connectors can, however, be used for analog purposes.

(Tip: The center pin MUST have the same diameter in the crimp area as the mating area in order to have true 75-ohm impedance. If a connector claims to be 75-ohm but doesn’t have a consistent pin length, it’s an inferior product that won’t give you what you need.)

Some BNCs have enclosed beryllium copper spring fingers. Is this necessary?

Unless you’re expecting your BNC connector to be subject lots of abuse (like the need for thousands of matings, or foreign objects poking into the connector interface), there’s no need for this design.

How does your cable pull strength stack up?

Our BNC plugs feature a diamond knurling for maximum cable retention. After testing thousands of cable assemblies, our BNCs recorded a pull-test performance of 49.3 inch lbs. on the 735A cable—unparalleled strength and durability. The industry minimum is just 30 lbs.

Is there anything else I need?

We can provide just about anything you need to install BNC connectors, including 75-ohm pin crimpers, universal BNC termination kits, analog video kits, center conductor trimmers, Corex coax strippers, clothespin strippers, and universal crimpers.

For years, our standard BNC connectors have defined the industry standard for coaxial cables. Our new mini BNC boasts all the same benefits as our standard BNC plugs, just with a smaller footprint. Designed for 735A and 734A coaxial cables, the DS3 Mini-BNC connector even uses exactly the same tool set as the standard BNC plug—making the switch to the mini-BNC as easy and painless as possible.

Let’s take a look at just a few of the benefits:

• The smaller footprint maximizes space and functionality for those using it. In fact, the connector was designed specifically for DS3 central office applications, so that companies can install as many connectors and assemblies in any given area as their operations demand. In other words, its smaller size allows for a much higher density of assemblies, saving space and improving network capabilities.
• Unlike many competitors, the BNC plug bodies are manufactured from brass, and then plated with premium bright nickel. Across the industry, many inferior brands are machined from cheaper die-cast bodies, which significantly lowers reliability and durability.
• Additionally, the BNC connector body incorporates a beryllium copper wave washer, which allows it to flex during mating and provide uninterrupted continuity of the shield signal. Teflon, the best dielectric, provides the proper 75 ohm impedance, and securely holds the captive center pin. The MilesTek BNC center pins are plated with 30 micron inches of gold for maximum contact.
• Pull strength is vital, especially on smaller cables like the 735A. At MilesTek, our BNC plugs have a diamond knurling for maximum cable retention. After testing thousands of cable assemblies, our BNCs recorded a pull-test performance of 49.3 inch lbs. on the 735A cable—unparalleled strength and reliability.

Contact one of our coaxial connector experts for more information, and check out our full catalog of connectors and adaptors.

Take a stroll through our comprehensive catalog of coaxial connectors, and you’ll find solutions for technology from aerospace, broadcast, telecommunications, networking, and security industries—and beyond.

This includes lettered connectors like BNC, DVI, FME, MCX, MMCX, MHV, RCA, SC, SMA, SSMA SMB, SSMB, SMP, TNC, and UHF connectors, plus numbered and metric coaxial connectors like 1.85 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.92 mm, 3.5 mm, and 7 mm, Type C, Type F, Type G, Type N, Triax, Twinax, mini-UHF, USB Type A, and USB Type B.

Got it?

It can be confusing, we know. Demanding industries require unique solutions, after all. But understanding the functional differences of all the different coaxial connectors basically comes down to distinguishing the two main types of connectors, and the different performance variables that apply uniquely to each one.

The Two Basic Types of Coaxial Connectors

All coaxial connectors are either male (a “plug”) or female (a “jack”) in gender, have copper, gold, nickel, or silver plating, and are either straight or right-angled. All coaxial connectors also fall into one of two categories:

Threaded: As you can probably guess, threaded connectors require rotational force to secure one connector to another—simple twisting and turning. Over-torquing—anything beyond “finger tight”— is unnecessary, does not improve performance, and could damage the connector.

Push On: Again, as the name implies, push-on connectors secure simply by being pushed together.

Performance Differences Between Coaxial Connectors

Basically, each connector features a different combination of capabilities—specs you’ll notice in the product description for each connector available. Performance specifications for coaxial connectors include impedance, frequency range, voltage rating, contact resistance, insulation resistance, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) and operating temperature.

Let’s take a look at each factor:

Impedence: Impedence is basically the ratio of voltage to current in the cable, and it’s important to match impedence with both the cable and the equipment it’s attached to in order to avoid forming standing waves. Coaxial connectors simply ensure continuation of that ratio between cord and equipment. Nominal resistance levels are usually 50 or 75 ohms.

Frequency Range: Frequency range is the span of radio frequencies over which coaxial connectors are designed to function.

Voltage rating: The maximum operating voltage. Cables and connectors must work effectively together to safely regulate and transmit the power passing through.

Contact resistance: Contact resistance is the measurement of electrical resistance of mated pairs, when assembled for typical use. Effective connectors help minimize this.

Insulation resistance: Insulation resistance is the electric resistance between two conductors separated by an insulating material. Good connectors ease the passage from one conductor to another.

Voltage standing wave ratio: VSWR is a simple ratio ranging from 1 to infinity, which expresses the amount of reflected energy at the input of the device. A value of 1:1 indicates that all the energy will pass through, while any other value indicates that a portion of the energy will be reflected, and contribute to the attenuation, or loss, of some of the signal. Connectors play an important role in making the path as clean as possible.

This is just a start, but should give you an idea of what all the specs mean when you’re looking for the right coaxial cables and connectors. Contact us—we’ll make sure you get what you need.