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Antenna and RF Extension Cable - FAKRA Male to FAKRA Female Connections

Description:

These extension cables carry the RF signal between an aerial and its radio or receiver. They suit AM / FM / DAB radio aerials, GPS and GNSS aerials, digital TV aerials, and the remote aerials on cellular, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules that use FAKRA connectors. They are ideal where the aerial is located well away from the device, where the original lead is too short, or as a replacement for a damaged factory cable. Each cable has a FAKRA male (plug) connector on one end and a FAKRA female (jack) connector on the other, so it simply plugs in between an existing aerial lead and the device. They are designed for 50 Ohm RF signals. They can also extend FAKRA video and reverse camera leads on head units that have a FAKRA camera input, but they are not a plug-in solution for standard RCA reverse cameras. Available in two lengths. Please note that appearance may vary.

Key Features:

Universal Z Code Connectors: Water blue FAKRA Z code is the neutral, universal coding and is designed to mate with all other single FAKRA connector colour codes.
Male to Female: One male (plug) end and one female (jack) end, for extending an existing aerial lead.
Latching Connectors: FAKRA connectors have a locking latch, so they stay firmly connected in a vibrating vehicle.
Two Lengths: 5m or 12m, so you can choose the length that suits your installation. If you need 10m, it is better to get the lower-loss 12m cable version (see below for more information).
Carries Aerial Phantom Power: A straight extension passes the aerial signal and any power fed to an active aerial from the radio.
Many RF Uses: Suits radio, DAB, GPS, digital TV, cellular, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi aerials that use the single FAKRA connectors.

Available Options:

Option 5m:
- Length: 5 metres / 500cm / 197 inches (approx.)
- FAKRA male to FAKRA female, universal Z type
- RG174 low-loss coaxial cable, 50 Ohm
Option 12m:
- Length: 12 metres / 1200cm / 472 inches (approx.)
- FAKRA male to FAKRA female, universal Z type
- RG195 series ultra low-loss coaxial cable, 50 Ohm

Typical Uses:

Extending an aerial lead that is too short to reach the radio.
Relocating or extending AM / FM and DAB / DAB+ aerials, such as a rear window or glass-mount aerial.
Relocating or extending GPS and GNSS aerials for navigation and tracking.
Extending digital TV aerials for head units with a TV tuner.
Extending a reverse camera lead on head units that use a FAKRA camera input (please check your system first).
Extending the aerial leads on cellular (4G / LTE), Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules that use FAKRA connectors.
Replacing a damaged or missing factory aerial lead.
Long runs in vehicles, such as from a rear mounted aerial to a dash mounted radio.
Aftermarket head units where the supplied DAB or GPS aerial lead is not long enough.
Caravans, motorhomes and trailers where the aerial is a long way from the receiver.

Which End Goes Where:

FAKRA connectors only join male to female, so check the connectors on your aerial lead and on your radio before ordering. We do have a range of adaptors if required.
Check which end goes where before installing.
The male (plug) end connects to a female (jack) connector, and the female (jack) end receives a male (plug) connector.
In many vehicles the radio has a male FAKRA plug and the aerial lead ends in a female jack. In that case, plug the cable's male end into the aerial lead's female connector, and its female end onto the radio.
If your aerial lead and radio have the same gender connector, or a different connector type, you will need an adaptor. Please check with us.
A passive RF cable does not care which way the signal travels, so only the connector genders matter.
Push connectors together until the latch clicks. To disconnect, press the latch and pull on the connector housing, not the cable.

Choosing a Length:

Choose the shortest length that comfortably reaches. The longer the cable, the more signal it loses, especially at higher frequencies such as DAB and GPS.
For runs longer than 5m, choose the 12m cable instead of joining two 5m cables. It is a thicker cable with lower loss per metre, and it avoids an extra connection.
Typical RG174 cable loses roughly 1.5dB over 5m at FM, 2dB at DAB, and around 6dB at GPS frequencies, so long runs matter most for GPS.
Measure the route you intend to use, not the straight line distance, and allow some slack.
For powered (active) aerials with a built-in amplifier, the extension is best fitted between the aerial and the radio.

Running the Cable:

Keep the cable away from power wiring, the alternator, ignition parts, ECUs, LED lighting, inverters and chargers, which can cause interference. If it has to cross a power cable, cross it at right angles.
It is advisable, if possible, to test the system with the cable outside the vehicle first before installing to ensure proper operation.
Route it with the vehicle's trim and carpet rather than across open areas, for example along the sill or door trim.
Avoid sharp bends and kinks. A tight bend can damage the cable and affect reception.
Do not pinch the cable under seat rails, in door or boot seals, or under trim clips, and protect it from sharp edges with grommets or tape.
Secure it every 30 to 40cm with cable ties or cloth tape, firmly enough to hold it, but not tight enough to crush it.
Keep it away from heat sources such as the exhaust, heater ducts and the engine bay.
Support the cable near each connector so the weight does not pull on the plug.
Do not run it through airbag zones, and keep it clear of pedals and moving parts.
FAKRA connectors are not waterproof, so keep joins in a dry place such as inside the cabin.
Tuck excess cable away in a loose bundle, away from power wiring.

Testing and Troubleshooting:

Before you secure the cable, connect everything and check reception on AM, FM and DAB, or the satellite count for GPS.
If reception is poor, check that both connectors are fully latched. A half-seated FAKRA connector is a common cause.
If noise or interference appears, check the route for nearby power wiring.
If you notice a weak signal, try a shorter cable or relocate the aerial.

Please Note:

These cables are made for 50 Ohm RF signals. They can extend FAKRA reverse camera and video leads on head units with a FAKRA camera input, but results depend on the system and cannot be guaranteed. They will not connect a standard RCA reverse camera without adaptors. If you are not sure, please check with us before ordering.