Many RG6 To can or not to can?

[tpboyce]

When I finished my basement, I ran a bundle of 2 cat5 and 2 RG6 Quad Shield to every location. Currently, I have all of these coming into my 42" Leviton Can. Only 6 of 20 or so are terminated, and the reality is, only 2 are active. There is a ton of wiring in the can that is not used. I am about to install a drop amp. I could install another can in the adjacent stud space (although it would require some manipulation, as that one is slightly too narrow for a can) or I am thinking of just mounting the drop amp on a sheet of MDF next to the can. If I did put a can next to the existing one, I could put the cable modem, HDHomeRun and drop amp in that can. If I use Plywood, I would keep the HDHR and cable modem in the existing can which has my terminations for CAT5, HAI OMNI.

If I do use a can, and even if I do not, any suggestions on what to do with the unused, unterminated cables? Just label them and leave them hanging?

Reality is, if/when the Ceton MOCUR tuner comes out, I will likely only need one terminated cable running remotely. I may keep the HDHR, but may not, in which case, the drop amp could likely go as well until we go to SDV.

 

[mustangcoupe]

In the end Tom, that is your decision, but I have seen photos of a few real nice plywood installs.

I myself like cans

 

[pete_c]

Initially was going to use 42" can for mine. Later the 42" can become filled with network / telco only "stuff". I ended up with just using plywood for the RG-6. With the quad shield going into can - it would have looked nicer. I have multiple runs of RG-6 going to 4 bedrooms, kitchen and media family room. I also ran CAT5, RG6 (simese) for security. These are currently being used for OTA, BB, some security, internal and DTV. My plywood board is divided into sections / amps based on source. I use an "old" RS OTA amplifier in the attic (near antenna), Motorola amp for internal, DTV Multiplexers and a Leviton distribution amp for BB. (Leviton does satellite also - but not being used for that). On the same board I also have the security cams PS.

I terminated and labeled my unused cables when they were installed and currently using most of them. Figured while I was terminating (I was on a role) might as well do all of them. I am helping a friend in the process of building a home. We doubled up a bit on the RG-6 not knowing specfically where what was going to be in certain rooms in the home. I did the same for FL setting up both CAT5/RG6 on autonomous walls in many rooms. In FL all of the cables are going to a can and currently terminated; not using more than 50% of them at this time. The can in FL is a combo with video, audio and cat5. The FIOS router and drop amp are inside of the can. A second AP/Switch/FW is outside of the can. HAI can is above this can with runs between the two.