BNC Cable- The Ultimate Guide You Need To Know

Choosing the proper BNC connector to suit the cable for your project usually comes with a price. The price typically needs to be an appropriate assessment of the intended line. A significant issue plaguing most corporate organizations and teams is choosing the suitable cable. BNC cables remain one of the most used cable types across different industries.

This article presents all you need to know about the BNC cable. You will learn about Siamese cables, connectors, benefits, and applications of other types of lines.

BNC Connectors

What is a BNC Cable?

A BNC cable is a coaxial cable that utilizes the BNC connector, a type of RF connector.

You can use a BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) cable to connect various devices such as televisions, radios, and other radio frequency devices.

A notable difference between BNC cables and other regular cables is that BNC cables use a coupling nut to fit the cable into devices.

BNC cables were once very popular and extensively used as computer network cables. Over time, they lost their touch due to the introduction of various forms of digital technology that limit all cable types to certain devices.

Caption: BNC Cables

BNC Cable Types

Like other video cables, resistance or impedance is the core feature of BNC cables. Unlike S-video, composite, or component cables, BNC cables offer an impedance of about 50 – 75 Ohms. Luckily, BNC connectors are compatible with several coaxial cables, such as RG-6, RG-11, and RG-59.

BNC Cable Uses

BNC cables are popular among radio and video frequency applications lower than 3 GHz. The BNC connectors use small amounts of plastic dielectric on every connector with a slotted conductor on the outside. 

As the frequency increases, so does the signal loss. Radio frequencies that are slightly higher than 3 GHz could generate a signal. 

As the frequency increases, the signal isn’t that constant. So, you can use BNC cables for various signal connections, such as aerospace electronics, amateur radio antennas, serial analog and digital interface video signals, and electronic test equipment.

For commercial video devices, you can use a BNC connector for composite video signals, and you can use it instead of using an RCA connector. Most electronic devices that use an RCA connector can use a BNC cable with a simple adapter. Plus, you can find BNC cables at various recording studios. Different instruments synchronize, enabling the digital recording equipment to easily work with timing signals.

What is a BNC Connector?

A BNC connector is normally used with a coaxial cable designed to facilitate the transmission of high-frequency signals over a long distance with minimal signal loss.

Often, BNC connectors are used in networking and video applications via a rotating ring that securely connects the two cables. 

Each cable’s inner conductor connects to a pin inserted in the opposing connector. Then, to secure the connection, all you have to do is twist the rotating ring.

There are several advantages to using BNC connectors, such as

• BNC connectors are easy to use
• BNC connectors are compatible with a wide variety of devices
• BNC connectors are capable of providing a secure and low-loss connection

BNC Connector Uses

You can use BNC connectors with both digital and analog signals. However, they’re mostly used in digital video applications requiring low signal loss and high bandwidth. As previously mentioned, BNC connectors enable easy and simple synchronization of different components. So, they are popular with video surveillance, especially in instances where they are analog cameras.

Furthermore, if you want to upgrade and update your system, BNC connectors make it much more feasible. The BNC connector connects your analog video components from the cameras to your DVR or TV monitor. It firmly snaps into place to provide a secure and quality connection.

BNC Connector Types

Below are the various types of BNC connectors.

Twist-On BNC Connector

This connector is easy to use as you don’t need any tools to attach it; all you need to do is twist the connector onto your cable, as the name suggests. However, you might need a few tools if your cable wasn’t already stripped. 

Some people claim that twist-on BNC connectors are unreliable because they don’t provide a secure connection as compression or crimp connectors. However, if you properly prep your cable, a twist-on BNC connector should provide a secure enough connection.

BNC twist-on connectors

Crimp-On BNC Connector

Crimp-on BNC connectors are available in two styles: 3-piece and 2-piece. However, people rarely use the 3 piece. To install cables using a 2 piece crimp-on connector, you’ll need a cable stripper and a crimping tool. 

Although the connection process takes longer than the other connectors, the result is worth it. You get a secure connection and a guarantee that your cables won’t get loose anytime soon.

F-Compression BNC Connector

You can install F-compression BNC connectors by attaching a compression connector to your coax cable, then screwing on the BNC connector.

Most installers prefer the method because you don’t guess the length of your coax core, which can be seen; therefore, there’s minimal room for error.

F-Crimp BNC Connector

The crimp connector is similar to the compression; the only difference is that the crimp connector uses a crimp-on connector.

Like the above method, the crimp connector is first attached to a cable, then a screw-on BNC connector.

BNC crimp-on connectors

BNC wiring

There are different types of coaxial cables with their associated BNC connectors, and it is advisable to read the manufacturer’s instructions before starting the attachment task. Nevertheless, here are the steps you should follow for attaching BNC connectors. 

How to connect BNC Twist-on Connectors:

• Use a coaxial cable stripper tool to cut the ends of the coaxial cable. In our testing, the exact length of the cut was 9/16 inches. Be careful not to cut the copper braid on the cable.
• Test the length by inserting the cable into the connector. Press on the cable so that you feel the inner opening of the connector grasping the core of the cable.
• Turn the connector clockwise. Turn until the connector is snug, but do not overtighten or it will bend the coax core.
• Pull on the end of the BNC connector to confirm that it is securely connected to the cable.

How to connect BNC Crimp-on Connectors:

• Prepare the cable and ensure the cable ends are flush.
• Insert the coax cable into the cavity of the cable stripper with a notch for the cable conductor.
• Align the blade 1/4 inch from the cable flush end.
• Rotate the stripper around the cable in a circular motion.
• The outer jacket, braid, foil shield, and dielectric insulator will come off easily after a few turns.
• Now, use another cavity to peel off the outer jacket only 1/4 inch from where the conductor is exposed.
• Fold the braided shield over the outer jacket.
• Install the center pin or “male contact.” The center conductor must be long enough to go all the way inside the pin, but the open end of the pin must be against the white dielectric.
• Use crimping pliers to tighten the pins.
• Slide the sleeve over the end and down so it doesn’t get in the way of the cable.
• Leave the ends of the braid slightly open and ensure there aren’t any stray wires flowing toward the tip that might come into contact with the center conductor.
• Then, slide the body of the connector over the dielectric underneath the braid. Again, make sure there aren’t any stray wires underneath the knurled section.
• Slide the sleeve back toward the ends and slip it over the braid.
• Using a crimping tool, crimp the sleeve onto the cable and connector.
• It must crimp onto the open braided part for electrical connection and the bits of the outer protector for mechanical connection.
• As a final step, when there is continuity on both ends, use an ohmmeter to make sure the electrical connection is correct.
• Ensure the center pin is not shorted to the case and that both ends are electrically connected.

Installing a crimp-on BNC connector on a rg6 cable

Conclusion

This article has provided all you need to know about these cables. Nevertheless, if you need custom BNC cables with a perfect connector, you must choose a reliable manufacturer.

Wiringo is the best place to get quality cable solutions, and our products meet international standards for quality, durability, and performance. It would help to contact us for a quality BNC cable connector matching your design and specifications.