6 replies to this topic

[glitch]

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum. And even more so if this seems a stupid question.

I had a question regarding the Coaxial (F-Type) to Female RCA Adapter sold in the AA store. Is this just a simple adaptor or does it modify the impedance somehow. I'm trying to re-organize my setup and went to Radio Shack earlier today where they had them but the guy there kept insisting that they would not work properly since they don't change the impedance or ohm rating and that I should get the slide switches. When I stated that the computer switch boxes were little more than just a switch he said that the ferrite loop & the resistence of the switch change the signal to the proper values. Is he correct or should a simple F-Type to Coax adapter work?

[-^Cro§Bow^-]

Let me put it this way...the guy at Radio Shack doesn't get paid enough to know what he is talking about. If he did, he wouldn't be working at RS. Anyway, what the switch box does is just SWITCH the signal so that your game system is the primary signal source and not the antenna. It is literally, just a switch. The other crap was tossed into the boxes to probably filter some EMI from outside and such to help with a better pictures. However, the Coax-F adapters provide a direct link to the TV from the game system, there isn't much risk of EMI interference, and so in short...the Coax-F adapter will provide you with a much better picture quality wise than those switch boxes were ever able to produce.

Trust in the Coax-F adapter....

[Ze_ro]

From what I can tell, RCA cables are designed to present a 75 ohm input impedance (although I found one document that claims that most RCA cables are quite imperfect, since they weren't originally designed for video signals). Coaxial cables are also 75 ohms, so (theoretically) there shouldn't be any reflections at the connection. You'll be safe.

--Zero

[glitch]

Cool, Thanks. That is basically what I was figuring. I'll go pick a couple up today.

[Rob Mitchell]

Radio Shack: You've got questions .. They've got answers. Save time .. Don't ask them questions .. unless of course you want to have some fun!

And when you give a Radio Shack employee a part number .. and he goes to his computer terminal to look it up .. do remind him to put in the $#^$#^* hyphen!

Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, GA

[glitch]

I picked up 4 of the adapters and the reception is perfect. A lot better than I was getting w/ the switch boxes (of course my switch boxes are all pretty old).

Thanks for the help.

[chadtower]

Of course, Radio Shack charges you $4 each when they can be had for $0.75...