The difference between RG-58 and RG-59; Covering up wood splints, scratches
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Q: What is the difference between RG-58 and RG-59 coaxial cable?
A: RG-58 is 50-ohm coaxial cable and is typically used for radio communications and thin Ethernet networks. RG-59 is 75-ohm coaxial cable for CCTV and cable TV. Some also use RG-6 for video connections.
The RG stands for Radio Guide. Remember that a coax cable is a radio frequency waveguide and the outer radius should not be distorted.
Q:Every once in a while I have a technician who will splinter or scratch a piece of wood or molding when drilling or installing contacts. It can get pretty expensive having a professional carpenter repair these mistakes. Do you have any suggestions on saving some money here?
A: First, make sure your techs are using sharp bits for clean cutting holes. This will reduce the number of splinters. Second, make yourself some wood and furniture repair kits.
This saved me one time when a tech came out of a wall in the wrong place and started to drill a wood dresser. I used to call them “bo bo” kits. This can simply be a box of kids’ wax crayons. There are also professional restoration crayon kits. A little more money, but a better quality of crayons. Make sure to have plenty of earth and wood tone colors. Check with your local distributor for these kits.
If you have any tips to share or have questions about installations or troubleshooting, E-mail Security Sales & Integration Contributing Technical Columnist Bob Dolph at [email protected]
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About the Author
Bob Dolph, SSI Contributor
Bob is currently a Security Sales & Integration "Tech Talk" columnist and a contributing technical writer. Bob installed his first DIY home intercom system at the age of 13, and formally started his technology career as a Navy communication electronics technician during the Vietnam War. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and went on to complete a Security Management program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Since 1976, Bob has served in a variety of technical, training and project management positions with organizations such ADT, Rollins, National Guardian, Lockheed Martin, American Alarm Supply, Sonitrol and Ingersoll Rand. Early in his career, Bob started and operated his own alarm dealership. He has also served as treasurer of the Wisconsin Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and on Security Industry Association (SIA) standards committees. Bob also provides media and training consulting to the security industry.
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