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

[majortom]

rfdude,

Look up post # 2492, and read post #1. U can use the info from Post#1's Preamp chart to help
populate that CGI script to do your own analysis of various scenarios.

Ben,
May not be suitable to your situation, because I think your also using your antenna system
for FM reception? Or are you using separate antennas?

But for me the VHF Hi high pass filter I made at home is doing wonders here
(I know, can probably buy one for 5 bux but that's no fun for me),
with an FM transmitter just down the road from me, within a 1/2 mile.
CBC and CHCH are now rock solid while keeping all the local Buf stations in check,
without any noticable multipath issues. Still waiting for some warm weather/tropo events
to see how it compares to last year without the filter.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...postcount=1222

I wonder if you might benefit by running seperate antennas
for FM and TV. Then filter out what ya don't want from each one.
i.e - for a dedicated FM antenna system, use an FM Band Pass. For a dedicated
OTA TV system, filter out the FM.

edit: sorry Ben, just reread ur other post where ur sayin ya do use separate antennas for FM and TV.
in that case i'd say yeah, you should be able to make urself a 1/4 wave balun cut for WNED FM,
might still wanna consider an fm bandpass filter for the dedicated fm antenna though???

[xilbus]

Hi guys,

the CH 7778 has two imputs a combined and a ufh. Would i be able plug in two antennas or just 1 ?

[flavoie]

It's usually a UHF/combined input for putting a single antenna, or the other input (VHF/separates) which is used as the 2nd input when you have 1 UHF and 1 VHF antenna. you'd also have to change the setting inside if you plan on using both inputs.

Only use when you have 2 different UHF and VHF antennas. The separates inputs are not meant for joining 2 UHF antennas...

[freeloader2k]

Just connected my new KT-200. I am
very happy with it. .40 nf, 24 db gain.
Well worth the money.

[byebye_cable]

Anyone order the 9263 preamp from Research Communications yet? It's the new 7-51 version for USA & Canada. Thinking I'll pick one up.

Also, was thinking I'd hide it under my roof, this would mean a ten foot RG6 run from the antenna (above the roof) to the pre-amp (under the roof). Worth it for longevity - is there negligible loss over ten feet?

[GeoStar]

Hi I'm thinking of getting the 9262 7-51 pre amp ---

but seeing I'll need a channel 6 , 7 and 66 may be the older 9360 7-69 is more likley

I have the KT-200 in operation right now and it's working great!! having increased my channels by pbs 18 and 57 . I have not as yet gone round the rotator to see if any other channels are there.


Seeing that the kt-200 using non gaas chips can do such a great job at pulling in channels I though that I could emulate PanaMark's setup and get even more distance at
100 miles + reception..

[PanaMark]

Also, was thinking I'd hide it under my roof, this would mean a ten foot RG6 run from the antenna (above the roof) to the pre-amp (under the roof). Worth it for longevity - is there negligible loss over ten feet?

Funny you say this. I recently tried my RC in my attic, some 12ft run from the antenna's. I notice no difference from it being mast mounted. 12 tf run of rg6, hmmm must not pic up to much noise I guess.

Moisture is your enemy. The drier the place the better.

Just connected my new KT-200. I am
very happy with it. .40 nf, 24 db gain.
Well worth the money.

I like both models of these little amps. They do provide the low noise factor as advertised, and are a great product in a high signal area. At least the indoor version is.

[intravino]

Just beware that Kitz and RC products are very sensitive to static. I replaced my Kitz after 1 year of use and a RC became defective with just a few months of usage. Everything was grounded as specified.

My CM7777 in 3 years has never failed me. My Winegard looks pretty solid also.

[Jase88]

That's my concern as well regarding RC & Kitztech. It's not even summer in Southern Ontario as yet, and already we've had several lightning storms. My CM7777 is also going strong after several years...

[Jase88]

Originally Posted by byebye_cable

Anyone order the 9263 preamp from Research Communications yet? It's the new 7-51 version for USA & Canada. Thinking I'll pick one up.

Also, was thinking I'd hide it under my roof, this would mean a ten foot RG6 run from the antenna (above the roof) to the pre-amp (under the roof). Worth it for longevity - is there negligible loss over ten feet?

23dB of gain is likely too much for Toronto. Either way, there absolutely wouldn't be a problem with mounting this amp 10' from your antenna.

If you're going to split to several sets, I'd probably consider a distribution amp instead (if you're in Toronto).

[byebye_cable]

This will be attached to an antenna pointed at Buffalo - I have a separate antenna/cable run/tuner for Toronto.

I pulled the trigger & ordered, sans the weatherproof box. I also have the Kitz (old 1db noise factor model) but, hey, nothing's to good for me I'm sure a friend will appreciate the Kitz.

If I'm ever feel ambitious enough, I'll take you up on that VHF monster test and see if we can pull in WNGS (with the RC). I've got some trees in the way though, not an optimal site.

[stampeder]

majortom's "Braid Breaker" question is about a device that is not common in consumer OTA gear, so it has been relocated to it's own thread in the Antenna R&D forum where our horde of research gurus can evaluate the info:

"Braid Breaker" for fighting VHF Interference?

[DdDave]

Originally Posted by Jase88

That's my concern as well regarding RC & Kitztech. It's not even summer in Southern Ontario as yet, and already we've had several lightning storms. My CM7777 is also going strong after several years...

I've had my KT200 up for just shy of a year now with no issues, and there have been some pretty nasty electrical storms that passed right overhead. I'm happy with the build quality so far.

[jrmclean]

I bought my KT200 late last summer and it was for my attic mount gear. Lasted a couple months and was dead. Returned to Kitztech for warranty repair. While it was gone, I picked up a 7777. I did notice the 7777 was not quite as good for very weak signals, but having the FM trap was a bigger benefit. The KT200 returned in a short while, but I haven't switched back to it. Kitztech returned it with a note about failure due to ESD...??? Not too much static or lightening in my attic, but whatever...

[jrmclean]

What do you guys think about the "abilityhdtv ulna" pre-amp?

here are their posted specs:
AbilityHDTV ULNA/EXT SPECIFICATIONS:
* Frequency Range: 50 - 900 MHz (covering all bands: VHF-Low, VHF-High, & UHF)
* Noise Figure (N.F.): 0.8 dB nominal (0.7 - 0.9 dB)
* Gain: 20 dB
* Return Loss: -18 dB
* Power (P1): 14 dBm
* OIP3: 27 dBm (third-order intercept)
* Connectors: Input, "F" plug for direct attachment to antenna terminal; Output, "F" receptacle for connection to receiver(television) downlead coaxial cable for connection to "DCI" (DC Injector)
* Characteristic Impedance: 75 ohms
* Power Requirements: 3 - 5 volts DC (integral voltage regulation), 40 mA nominal
* MMIC MTBF: 68 years (Mean Time Between Failure)
* All Surface Mount Technology and Hermetic Weatherproof Construction
* AbilityHDTV/AbilityAMP Proprietary Design

there's more info on their site...