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david90
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Can pigtail cable be substitute with coaxial cable?
Pigtail Antenna Cable: Can It Be Substituted With Coaxial?
In summary, pigtail cables are a descriptive term for a short length of any type of cable, while coaxial cables come in various specifications and are suitable for RF applications. It is important to consider factors such as impedance and velocity factor when choosing a coaxial cable, and using a cable with a different impedance can result in decreased range. It is also recommended to use less lossy connectors such as N-type for better performance.
- #2
Ouabache
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Not sure what application you have in mind. Are you feeding an antenna? to an rf transmitter or reciever? 
In my experience a pigtail cable, is a more of a descriptive term for a "short length" of almost any kind of cable and not necessaily coaxial.
Coaxial cable comes in many specifications depending on your application, things like nominal impedance, type of dielectric material, center wire may be solid or stranded, attenuation - dB signal loss, which is dependent on frequency of signal you may be using, etc.
here is an example of a few coaxial cable specifications:
http://www.rfcafe.com/references/electrical/coax_chart.htm
In my experience a pigtail cable, is a more of a descriptive term for a "short length" of almost any kind of cable and not necessaily coaxial.
Coaxial cable comes in many specifications depending on your application, things like nominal impedance, type of dielectric material, center wire may be solid or stranded, attenuation - dB signal loss, which is dependent on frequency of signal you may be using, etc.
here is an example of a few coaxial cable specifications:
http://www.rfcafe.com/references/electrical/coax_chart.htm
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- #3
david90
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WiFi application
Pigtail is a skinny cable that connects an antenna to wireless PCI card.
Pigtail is a skinny cable that connects an antenna to wireless PCI card.
- #4
Ouabache
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david90 said:
Okay, the pigtail as I mentioned above, describes a short length of wire, which can be of any type..
Your application is definitely RF, so I would investigate using one of the coaxial cables. Do a little web search for that cable spec. You may actually find a better cable (less lossy) to use, than that which come with those cards
- #5
GENIERE
david90 said:
“Pigtail” is a term I’ve often used and often heard but it has no technical significance.
What you are describing is likely to be a short coaxial conductor with a nominal impedance of 50ohms.
Using a cable of different impedance will lessen the range.
- #6
Ouabache
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It generally is a descriptive term, referring to a short length of cabling.
(no doubt coming from idea that a pig's tail coils and is fairly short)
Choice of 50 [tex] \Omega [/tex] characteristic impedance is a reasonable starting point. However that impedance is not useful for all RF applications, so careful choice should be made in each case. Another useful parameter to consider is velocity factor.
Though the application in the following URL, is for CCTV (closed circuit television), here is an excellent primer for learning about coaxial cable parameters. http://www.pfm.howard.edu/infosys/choosing_correct_cable.pdf
Also try to choose connectors that are less lossy, such as N-type. The PCI cards vary as to which connector is needed for that end of the cable, so be sure to find out what end-connector your card uses.
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FAQ: Pigtail Antenna Cable: Can It Be Substituted With Coaxial?
What is a pigtail antenna cable and how does it differ from a coaxial cable?
A pigtail antenna cable is a type of cable used to connect an antenna to a radio or TV. It is typically shorter than a coaxial cable and has a single connector on one end and multiple connectors on the other end. A coaxial cable, on the other hand, has a single connector at each end and is typically longer in length.
Can a pigtail antenna cable be substituted with a coaxial cable?
Yes, a pigtail antenna cable can be substituted with a coaxial cable in certain situations. Both cables serve the same purpose of connecting an antenna to a device, but they differ in terms of length and connectors. If the length of the coaxial cable is sufficient and the connectors are compatible with the antenna and device, then it can be used as a substitute for a pigtail antenna cable.
Are there any advantages to using a pigtail antenna cable over a coaxial cable?
There are a few advantages to using a pigtail antenna cable over a coaxial cable. One advantage is that it is shorter and therefore, there is less signal loss. It also allows for a more direct connection between the antenna and the device, which can result in better signal quality. Additionally, pigtail antenna cables are more flexible and easier to maneuver compared to coaxial cables.
Can a pigtail antenna cable improve signal reception?
In most cases, using a pigtail antenna cable will not improve signal reception. The main factor that affects signal reception is the quality and placement of the antenna. However, if the pigtail antenna cable is shorter and has better connectors than the coaxial cable being used, it may result in slightly better signal reception.
Are there any compatibility issues when substituting a pigtail antenna cable with a coaxial cable?
Compatibility issues may arise when substituting a pigtail antenna cable with a coaxial cable. The main concern is that the connectors may not be compatible with the antenna and the device being used. It is important to check the specifications of both cables to ensure that they are compatible before making a substitution.