Decibels (dB) are a unit of measurement used in determining signal strength, either for sound or for other electromagnetic impulses. The signal that is carried in a coaxial cable transmission line, like that used for television, is measured in decibels. Measuring the signal in your coaxial cable will give you an indication of signal strength going to your TV, helping you diagnose issues with picture quality.
Instructions
1. Disconnect the coaxial cable at the spot you want to test the coaxial cable's decibel reading. For example, if you want to measure the signal at your television, unplug the coaxial cable plugged into the back of the set. If you want to measure the signal at a splitter or junction box, unplug the cable at that point.
2. Plug the cable into your signal strength meter. The meter will have a connector that's identical to the one on your television or splitter, so connection is made in exactly the same way. There are many brands and models of signal strength meters, so consult your meter's manual if you're not sure which input to use.
3. Turn the meter on and check the reading on the display. Note that a good strength for a signal is in the 60 to 100 dB range.
Tags: signal strength, coaxial cable, coaxial cable, measure signal, signal your