MuxLab 500302 - CATV Balun II - RF and cable TV signal extender over Cat5e/6
The MuxLab 500302 CATV Balun II is an advanced and efficient solution for distributing television and broadband signals within modern structured cabling infrastructures. Designed to overcome the limitations of traditional coaxial cabling, this device allows the transmission of conventional RF signals (CATV, VHF, FM) using UTP twisted-pair cable (Cat 5e or Cat 6), facilitating seamless integration in residential, commercial, and institutional environments.
Unlike basic extenders, the "II" version of this balun has been optimized to support an extended bandwidth of up to 900 MHz . This capability is crucial for ensuring compatibility not only with analog and digital television channels, but also with broadband internet services and digital cable television , while maintaining low insertion loss and excellent signal quality. Its bidirectional passive design ensures that both the downstream (TV/Data) and downstream (for cable modems or interactive set-top boxes) signals flow without interruption.
The device acts as a high-performance impedance adapter, converting the 75-ohm signal from the coaxial cable (F connector) to the 100-ohm impedance of the network cable (RJ45 connector). This eliminates the need to run expensive and rigid RG6 coaxial cable parallel to the data network, allowing all communication services to be unified under a single structured cabling standard. It is the ideal tool for installers seeking flexibility, enabling them to make changes, add items, or move equipment (such as set-top boxes or modems) by connecting them to any available modular wall outlet.
Main features
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Higher bandwidth: Supports frequencies from 5 MHz to 900 MHz, covering the entire spectrum of CATV, VHF and FM.
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Passive Design: It does not require an external power supply, which simplifies installation and reduces points of failure.
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Long-distance transmission: Capable of sending signals up to 100 meters through UTP cable, depending on the channel frequency.
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High compatibility: Works with standard Cat5e and Cat6 UTP cabling, using pins 7 and 8 of the RJ45 connector.
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Compact housing: Made of high-strength, flame-retardant ABS, its small design allows it to be installed discreetly behind televisions or inside junction boxes.
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Low return loss: Optimized for digital signals, eliminating the "ghosting" effect in the image and ensuring data integrity.
Benefits for the installation
Implementing the MuxLab 500302 transforms cable management in any building. By utilizing existing network infrastructure to distribute television, it achieves significant savings in material and labor costs by eliminating cable duplication. Furthermore, it offers a much cleaner and more organized aesthetic, removing the tangles of black coaxial cables behind furniture. For system administrators, it provides the freedom to relocate televisions or network equipment simply by patching the control panel, without the need for construction work or running new cabling.
Typical use cases
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Hotels and Hospitality: Distribution of cable television to guest rooms using the same network as the internet or telephone service.
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Educational Environments: Sending educational TV signals or internal announcements to classrooms and auditoriums via the campus network.
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Smart Buildings and Offices: Integration of television and data services in offices and meeting rooms without additional cabling.
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Residential: Connecting cable decoders or modems in rooms where coaxial cable does not reach, using RJ45 network sockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this balun suitable for satellite television?
No. This model operates up to 900 MHz. Satellite television uses L-band frequencies (generally up to 2150 MHz), so you would need a specific satellite model. This device is ideal for cable TV, DTT (antenna), and FM radio.
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Do I need two units for it to work?
Yes. Baluns work in pairs: one is placed at the source (headend or splitter) to convert from coaxial to UTP, and another at the destination (behind the TV or modem) to convert back from UTP to coaxial. Alternatively, a balun hub can be used at the source and individual units at the destinations.
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Does the device require electrical power?
No, it's a completely passive device. It works using the energy from the RF signal itself, so it doesn't need plugs or batteries.
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Which pins on the RJ45 connector does it use?
The MuxLab 500302 uses pins 7 and 8 of the network cable for RF signal transmission. Ensure your cable is properly crimped (T568A or T568B standard) and that this pair is intact.
Project description
Passive CATV video balun for transmitting RF broadband signals over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling. The device must support a bandwidth of 5 MHz to 900 MHz, allowing the passage of cable television channels, VHF, FM, and broadband internet. Impedance conversion will be from 75 ohms (male F connector) to 100 ohms (female RJ45 connector). The unit must have a flame-retardant ABS plastic housing and allow transmission distances of up to 100 meters, depending on the frequency. The active pin configuration will be 7 and 8. It must guarantee low insertion and return loss to support digital signals without degradation.
