How to Check for a Signal on a Coax Cable (6 Steps)

In this article, I will teach you how to check the signals in coaxial cables.

In my job, I had to frequently check if the coax signal was working optimally or not to ensure good internet speed and connection. When the coaxial cable wears out, the performance of both television and computer systems decreases, which can lead to their failure.

In general, it is not difficult to check the signal of a coaxial cable. Follow these steps:

• Examine the signal level at the source
• Notice the strength of the original signal as the basic strength of the signal
• Reconnect the original cable to the cable box
• Connect cable to signal meter
• Pay attention to the value of the signal level on the signal indicator.
• Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each length of coax cable on your network.

I will explore more below.

Coaxial Cable Testing

These detailed steps will help you test the signal strength of your coax cable.

Step 1: Source Level

Check the source signal level.

Trace your cable system to the point where it connects to your local network. Disconnect the coax cable from the network side of the box and connect it to a cable signal meter or coax tester.

Step 2. Mark the strength of the original signal as the base signal strength.

Record the level of the source signal as the base level.

Your meter displays the signal level in decibel millivolts (dbmV). Digital meters can automatically switch between orders of magnitude, reporting hundreds or thousands of dBmV at the same output level, so pay attention to the scale the meter measures.

Step 3: Reconnect the original cable to the cable box.

Reconnect the original cable to the cable box and follow it to the first end end. This can happen at a junction, intersection, TV or modem.

Step 4 Connect the cable to a signal meter or coaxial cable tester.

Disconnect the cable from the terminal it is connected to and connect it to the signal strength meter.

Step 5: Pay Attention to the Signal Strength Value

Measure the signal level.

Even though slight signal degradation is expected along the cable, your signal strength should be roughly comparable to your baseline readings. Otherwise, the coaxial cable must be replaced.

Red light means the cable is ok.

Step 6. Repeat steps two through five for each length of coax cable on your network.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each length of coaxial cable on your network to isolate the remaining cable network.

The signal strength degrades with each hop and cable length, but any significant degradation indicates a splitter or cable failure. To maintain signal integrity, these faulty cables and splitters must be replaced. (1)

The Best Trick for Tracing and Testing Coax Cable

For tracing and testing coaxial cable, you can use a proprietary and standard tool that will simplify and speed up your work. I have included some information about the best coax cable tester and explorer to make things easier.

Klein Tools Coaxial cable explorer and tester VDV512-058

VDV512-058 Klein instruments

• It can check the continuity of the coaxial cable and display the cable in four different places at the same time.
• It comes with a color-coded remote control for easy identification.
• LED indicators indicate the presence of a short circuit, breakage or health of the coaxial cable.
• It has a lightweight and compact design that fits easily in your pocket.
• The convenient handle facilitates carrying and operation.

Summing up

I hope this guide will help you monitor and test the signal quality of your coax cable for optimal internet speed and strength. The process is quite simple and does not require a specialist to perform it; just follow the steps i have given. (2)

Take a look at some of our articles below.

• Kohler Voltage Regulator Testing
• How to check the signal of a coaxial cable with a multimeter
• How to test a network cable with a multimeter

Recommendations

(1) signal integrity - https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/signal-integrity

(2) internet speed - https://www.verizon.com/info/internet-speed-classifications/

Video link

Coaxial Cable Tester