2/pk Screw Terminal Coax Cat5 to BNC Male Video Balun Connectors CCTV Camera Adapter

2/pk Screw Terminal Coax Cat5 to BNC Male Video Balun Connectors CCTV Camera Adapter” refers to a pair of passive video balun connectors designed to convert impedance and signal type, primarily for CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) camera installations. These adapters facilitate the transmission of analog video signals over unshielded twisted pair (UTP) Cat5/5e/6 Ethernet cable instead of traditional coaxial cable. Each unit features a BNC male connector on one end, which directly plugs into a CCTV camera or a DVR/monitor’s BNC input/output. On the other end, it provides screw terminals, allowing individual wires from a Cat5 (or similar UTP) cable to be directly connected without the need for specialized crimping tools. By converting the 75-ohm coaxial signal to a balanced 100-ohm UTP signal and back, these baluns enable longer transmission distances for video (often several hundred meters) with reduced signal degradation and cost savings compared to long coaxial runs. The “2/pk” indicates they are sold as a pair, typically with one unit used at the camera end and the other at the DVR/monitor end, forming a complete video transmission link.

Technical Specification

1. Video Signal Compatibility:

Video Formats: Supports common analog video standards such as NTSC, PAL, and SECAM.
Resolution: Designed for standard definition (SD) composite video signals. While they might pass higher resolution signals, optimal performance is typically for SD.

2. Impedance Matching:

Coaxial Side (BNC): 75 Ohm (unbalanced). This matches the standard impedance of coaxial video cables and equipment.
UTP Side (Screw Terminal): 100 Ohm (balanced). This matches the characteristic impedance of standard Cat5/5e/6 UTP cables.

3. Transmission Distance:

Black & White Video: Typically supports transmission distances up to 300-600 meters (1000-2000 feet) over Cat5/5e/6 UTP cable.
Color Video: Generally supports shorter distances for color video, typically up to 200-400 meters (650-1300 feet) over Cat5/5e/6 UTP cable, due to higher frequency components in color signals being more susceptible to attenuation.
Note: Actual distance can vary significantly based on the quality of the UTP cable, environmental interference, and the specific balun design.

4. Electrical Performance:

Frequency Response/Bandwidth: Typically ranges from DC to 6 MHz or 8 MHz. This range is sufficient for standard analog video signals.
Insertion Loss: Measures signal power loss through the balun. Passive baluns will have some loss.
- Typically < 0.5 dB to 2 dB over the specified frequency range and distance. Lower values indicate better performance.
Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) / Interference Rejection: This is a crucial specification for baluns, indicating their ability to reject noise picked up by the UTP cable.
- Typically > 40 dB to 60 dB (or higher) over the video frequency range. Higher values mean better noise immunity, leading to cleaner video.
Return Loss: Less critical for passive baluns, but indicates how well the balun matches the impedance of the cable.
- Generally > 15 dB at low frequencies.

5. Connectivity:

Video Input/Output: BNC Male connector (for direct plug-in to camera or DVR/monitor).
UTP Connection: Screw terminals (typically 2 terminals per balun for one twisted pair).
- Wiring: Connects one twisted pair (e.g., Orange/White & Orange, or Green/White & Green) from the Cat5 cable to the screw terminals.
Cable Compatibility: Designed for use with Cat5, Cat5e, or Cat6 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables.

6. Physical & Mechanical:

Housing: Compact plastic (e.g., ABS) housing, often black.
Durability: Designed for a reasonable number of connections. The BNC connector is robust.
Operating Temperature: Typically -10°C to +50°C (14°F to 122°F).
Dimensions: Small and compact, designed to fit easily behind equipment. Specific dimensions vary by manufacturer.

7. Environmental:

Indoor Use: Most passive screw-terminal baluns are intended for indoor use. Outdoor applications may require weatherproof housings or specialized outdoor-rated baluns.

8. Packaging: