Signal Amplifiers (Amps, Preamps, Distro Amps) - See Chart in Post #1

[intravino]

What do you mean by that - you "reboot" the Kitz once a week?

It's connected to a Sanyo 19'' LCD, the Kitz power injector is plugged on a power bar. I turn-on the TV once a week.

Also - how does this senstivity to static appear? I've never noticed an issue with my Kitz, then again, not sure what I'd be looking for.

For me, it's was lost of gain but big time lost of gain. You only get the strong channels. At the end you get nothing.

[byebye_cable]

And then how do you fix it - just unplug & plug back in?

[intravino]

And then how do you fix it - just unplug & plug back in?

Yes, but after while it's does not fix the problem. I guess a FET or something get toasted.

It was sent to Kitz for warranty repair. Quick turnaround to get the new one.

[frontpl8]

Has any one tried the Tin Lee pre amps? If so how are they?

[stampeder]

Yep, see Post #2130. Unfortunately our site's search tool doesn't work well with short terms like Tin and Lee.

[FiguredMaple]

Hello everyone
I am using a 7777 and was wondering how much power its power supply (CM-0747) would draw when my TV is off?

Thanks!

[ota_canuck]

The CM7777 Model 0747power supply uses 6watts while plugged in. The usage doesn't change whether the tv is on or off.

[FiguredMaple]

Perfect, thanks for the prompt response!!

[Schmerpy]

I have an attic mount of a Clearstream2 C2 in the Yonge/Finch area. It is connected directly to my television with a 50 foot run of RG6 and the antenna is pointed towards buffalo. I live in a four storey townhome, so the elevation of the attic is fair.

Reception is good with some buffalo stations dropping out from day to day. Results vary depending on placement of the antenna.

I'm thinking of trying a pre-amp. Do I need to care about analog station power or just the digital station powers in determining if overload will be an issue?

TV fools says my most powerful digital stations is 5.1 at -34.6 DBm followed by 9.1 at -39 DBm. The most powerful analog station is 5 at -14.5 DBm.

Will a Channel Master 7777 cause problems? Keep in mind this is an attic mount, so the actual received power would be less than indicated.

What level of gain should I be looking for in a pre-amp?

[DdDave]

Schmerpy, the rule of thumb is 10dB over your losses. If you only have 50 ft of cable with no splitters, then you will only have about 3db of loss, so 13dB would be sufficient. Let me be the first to suggest that you move the antenna out of the attic before trying the pre-amp, you will get much better results with minimal cost and may find a pre-amp is not required.

[Schmerpy]

Indeed, I would love to put it outdoors. But this is a townhome development and people are picky and are in close proximity.

As it is, I only need to clear up some intermittent blockiness on 4.1 and 29.1 and bring it 7.1, which has been lost in my current antenna position (although, overall, this seems to be the best and most consistent position for the antenna). Weird thing is, this is the first position that lost 7.1.

If I can clear up those three stations, I'm a happy man. 2.1 comes in with 5 bars and all Toronto stations are rock solid. 17.1 is also reliable in this position.

EDIT: just checked, and 7.1 is back with 4/5 bars. WEIRD.

So, does everyone else think that a 13dB amp is more than enough?

[ota_canuck]

Schmerpy;

Before you invest in a $100 preamp, go to canadian tire a get a $30 signal booster amp to try out first. It may be all you need to avhieve your goal. It simply connects at the bottom end of your 50ft downlead cable and then use a short cable from the booster to the TV's antenna input. If that is not enough, then return the booster amp to Canadian Tire within 2 weeks and then look into a 13-17db preamp. You don't want a preamp too strong being that you're in the powerhouse area under the CN tower broadcasts. With any amplification, you may find that your antenna aim will have to be a little more to the westerly direction to avoid tuner overload from the Toronto stations. Aiming more west with an amp may also pull in CHCH from Hamilton. Again, if you do try a preamp, make sure the store has a return policy just in case it creates more problems than it solves.

[Schmerpy]

Thanks. I tried one from The Source and it did absolutely nothing - no increase in signal quality whatsoever on any channel.

I have gotten the Hamilton channels depending on antenna placement.

[ota_canuck]

Originally Posted by Schmerpy

Thanks. I tried one from The Source and it did absolutely nothing - no increase in signal quality whatsoever on any channel.

I have gotten the Hamilton channels depending on antenna placement.

I have a feeling that a preamp will do more harm than good, but there's nothing to lose by trying one and then returning it if it doesn't work for your situation. The C2 already has a strong 10db UHF and some local VHF capability, so those very local Toronto signals could be giving you problems even without amplification. If the preamp doesn't work, then maybe using a big 4ftx4ft deflector placed near the Toronto side of the antenna to reduce the strength of the Toronto signals might help.

[stampeder]

Also pick up some inexpensive coax-type attenuators from The Source or an electronics supply outfit as cheap overload insurance. If you pick up three 3dB attenuators you can test with 3, 6, or 9 dB to see which level works best, and if there is no joy you still have them around for the future while returning the amp.