tv reception

I have a question about TV reception.

I don't get cable, but the wire for cable TV is there and can be used as an antenna.

This is what I don't understand: If I plug the cable in all the way, there is no reception. If I barely plug it in, with the wire connecting, but the outer part not touching, it works as an antenna.

Why?

 

Good evening, Mickeydog:

The reason you are receiving cable is because the Cable Guy made a mistake and that makes you lucky.

At the point where the cable is disconnected, the Cable Guy is supposed to put a 75 ohm shunt on the line to block the signal. When he connects your cable, he removes this shunt and installs a "pass-thru" connection that puts your cable on an active link to the system.

What has happened is that he may not have had the correct 75 ohm shunt and decided to just leave it off. Therefore the connection in the cable box is still radiating. Your cable is within this same box, hanging free, and about an inch away from this radiating source. So you have a signal.

At your end, you can get the signal as long as you don't push the connection completely together. Reason, the signal is radiated and not direct connected. When you plug the jack completely in, you provide a ground and a 75 ohm load on the line. That load is enough to shut down the signal.

So, as long as you do not put a ground (shield) on the line, it will continue to provide you with cable signals.

As I said, you got lucky. You are somewhere on the cable line where the signal is stronger and the radiation from the open port at the cable box is high.

Go ahead and enjoy the signals while you have them. This is not a case of cable theft since it was the cable company that made the error. One day they will make an inspection tour of the line and discover the missing 75 ohm shunt. They will put it on and you will suddenly go to snow.

Smokey

 

I was not clear in my original message.

I am not receiving cable stations. The reception i speak of is that of broadcast stations.

But I think your answer still applies: When I plug it in completely, the "antenna" goes to ground.

 

Good evening, mickeydog:

Understand. The cable going out to the the cable box hook up on the pole is acting as an antenna. When you push the connector all the way in, it connects the shield ground and shorts out the signal.

Smokey