View source for RG-59

{{short description|Type of coaxial cable}}
{{Refimprove|date=August 2016}}
[[File:RG-59.jpg|thumb|A section of RG-59 cable with its end stripped.
{{Ordered list|list-style-type=upper-latin
|Outer plastic sheath
|Copper braid shield
|Inner dielectric insulator
|Copper-plated core (sometimes solid core)
}}]]
'''RG-59/U''' is a specific type of [[coaxial cable]], often used for low-power [[video]] and [[Radio frequency|RF]] signal connections. The cable has a [[characteristic impedance]] of 75 [[Ohm (unit)|ohms]], and a capacitance of around 20pF/ft (60pF/m).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://objects.eanixter.com/PD361313.PDF |title=Product Specifications : 8261303/10 & 5571 WHRL RG59 40 1000 |website=Objects.eanixter.com |accessdate=2016-08-03}}</ref> The 75&nbsp;ohm impedance matches a [[dipole antenna]] in free space. ''RG''  (for ''radio guide'') was originally a unit indicator for bulk radio frequency (RF) cable in the U.S. military's [[Joint Electronics Type Designation System]]. The suffix ''/U'' means ''for general utility use''. The number ''59'' was assigned sequentially. The ''RG'' unit indicator is no longer part of the JETDS system (MIL-STD-196E) and cable sold today under the RG-59 label does not necessarily meet military specifications.
RG-59 is often used at [[baseband]] video frequencies, such as [[composite video]].  It may also be used for broadcast frequencies, but its high-frequency losses are too high to allow its use over long distances; in these applications, [[RG-6]] or [[RG-11]] are used instead.  In cases where the transmission distance is too long for these media, such options as UTP ([[unshielded twisted pair]]) or [[Optical fiber|fiber optic]] can be used.
RG-59 coaxial cable is commonly packed with consumer equipment, such as [[VCR]]s or digital cable/satellite receivers. Manufacturers tend to include only RG-59 cables because it costs less than [[RG-6]] does. However, given the short lengths provided (usually {{convert|4|-|6|ft|m|abbr=on|disp=or}}), this is generally sufficient for its typical use.
RG-59 is frequently used to [[synchronization|synchronize]] two [[digital audio]] devices, such as [[ADAT]] optical devices.  This is called [[word clock]].
==See also==
* [[BNC connector]]
* [[Coaxial cable]]
* [[RG-58]] – A similar cable but with an impedance of 50 or 52 ohms
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==Bibliography==
* {{cite book |title=The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications 2006 |publisher=American Radio Relay League |location=Newington, CT |last=Straw |first=Dean |edition=83rd |isbn=0-87259-949-3 |oclc=62026192}}
[[Category:Signal cables]]
[[Category:Transmission lines]]
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