Extending Sky cable

Careful_with_that_Axe

I want to move my TV and sky box and the existing sky lead is too short, so I purchased two additional lengths of cable and teo F conectors.

When I started attaching the cable, I realised that the original sky cable has been very badly cut with excess cable strings bunching around the existing connector and the connector so lose that a breath would blow it off.

I managed to connect the new cable, but the signal is not sustainable; it will work initially but then drop off and the only way to restore it is to take out the next extension cable and revert to the original sky cable.

I am using the correct cable and tightening the F connector as much as I can to maintain the integrity of the signal. Is there anything I am doing wrong?

Would it be wrong to call Sky to get them to come out and stabilise "their" cable connections and try again?
Or
Any idea how much it would cost to get someone in myself just to do the connections for me?

Any ideas/solutions would be apprciated.
Thanks.

stephen25uk

how are you connecting the the existing cable and new extension cable together?are you using something like this http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/5984093/F-Plug-Satellite-TV-Connector-Female-Female-Coupler-x-5/Product.html?_%24ja=tsid:11518%7Ccat:5984093%7Cprd:5984093

if so you should connect the old cable to one end and the new cable to the other end,you extension piece will need and f-connector at each end,one end to the coupler and one end to the back of your sky box...do this for both cables if you have sky plus.

to be honest if you can get to the dish it would be easier and better to run a new cable from the dish to the new box position...very easy to do

Careful_with_that_Axe

Thank you for your answer. I am doing exactly what you are describing. Frustrating as, at the time of installation, I indicated the final position for the TV and they said they would leave a long enough cable for it to be re-positioned.

Unfortunately, I am disabled and cannot access the dish so that is not an option.

macman

Sky will charge you £65 for s service call regardless of whether it takes 30 mins or 5 mins. An independent local engineer would be cheaper than that.

spike7451

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

I want to move my TV and sky box and the existing sky lead is too short, so I purchased two additional lengths of cable and teo F conectors.

When I started attaching the cable, I realised that the original sky cable has been very badly cut with excess cable strings bunching around the existing connector and the connector so lose that a breath would blow it off.


I am using the correct cable and tightening the F connector as much as I can to maintain the integrity of the signal. Is there anything I am doing wrong?

Would it be wrong to call Sky to get them to come out and stabilise "their" cable connections and try again?
Or
Any idea how much it would cost to get someone in myself just to do the connections for me?

Any ideas/solutions would be apprciated.
Thanks.

The cable is cut using an specialised tool that cuts it to length & the copper braiding is a vital part of that .If you have cut that off completely,then that is your problem.It's also very important to ensure that none of the outer copper braid touches the middle stinger or it'll short out the LNB.

Here's a basic guide to fitting an F-Connector;

http://mediacables.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=page&id=8&chapter=0&zenid=195525438ea9991ee9bb55cc0f5c70ad


CoAx stripper;(the one I use)
http://www.networktoolkits.com/coax-stripper-3-blade-model.html


And Sky will charge you around £65 to extend the cable.

brewerdave

If you are still within the first year I would call them out,act dumb, hide the extension cable and make sure that you have "loosened" the connection to the box so that you haven't got a signal -when the fitter arrives,explain that this was only a temporary position and that you want to reposition the box -with any luck he will sort the cabling out for you for nowt!!
If you are beyond the first year then the other suggestions apply.

Careful_with_that_Axe

spike I haven't cut anything - I was describing how the cable was left by the installer. The F connector seems to be only pushed on the end and the cable wires exposed when the F connector is off look soldered.

brewerdave Unfortunately, I am well out of the first year, but moved to this house 6 months ago and the Sky dish and cable was fitted then as there wasn't a dish here previously.
I don't think I have the front to do what you suggest!

Will get in touch with handyman to see if it's something he's prepared to do for me.

Thank you for the suggestions.

macman

Does not a Home Move start a new 12m minimum term?-in which case the equipment is still under warranty.