[April Fain]

Several weeks ago I requested an email when available, got a polite note from Channel Master but no indication of when they would be available.

Is there another preamp that is recommended?

 

[ExDilbert]

It looks like all CM preamps are out of stock. The Amplify+/CM7778HD looks like it might be a good option for the CM7778 but it's out of stock as well.

 

[alebowgm]

Just keep in mind the original CM 7778 had separate VHF and UHF inputs. The new CM 7778 HD has one integrated input.

 

[holl_ands]

A HIGH Gain Preamp is only needed if you have a LOT of Loss in Multi-Port RF Splitter(s) and Long Cables....I prepared a Spread Sheet Calculator:
https://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/81...amps-preamps-distro-amps-183.html#post1321089

PS: Add Antenna to Preamp Loss (e.g. Balun Loss) to Y-axis value to determine "Total System Noise Figure".

Old CM7778 and "similar" old CM7777 claimed 2.2 and 2.0 dB Noise Figure respectively, as summarized in fol. Preamp Spec Comparison Table:
https://photos.imageevent.com/holl_ands/files/ota/Modifed S-S Chart Comparing Preamps - RevB.doc.pdf

But Calaveras measurements on old CM7777 only indicated NF between 2.8 and 3.4 dB (worse on higher Freqs)....so CM7778 was likely closer to NF~3.0 dB....when it was NEW.

Below is more recent Summary of ACTUAL measurements posted by Calaveras:
IF the utmost in Sensitivity is of primary importance, then either of the [pricey] Kitztech Preamps would be a good choice....but NOT if Overload from Strong Input Signals is likely.
IF the utmost in Overload Resistance is of primary importance, then Antenna-Direct [pricey] Juice Preamp would be a good choice.
IF lowest cost is of primary importance, then CM-3410 Distribution amp would be a good choice......it is weather resistant and has high Overload Resistance.

 

[rabbit73]

Just keep in mind the original CM 7778 had separate VHF and UHF inputs.

True

The new CM 7778 HD has one integrated input.

Not true
The new 7778 has one integrated input.
The new Amplify+/7778HD has separate UHF and VHF inputs.
https://www.channelmaster.com/Amplify_Plus_TV_Antenna_Preamplifier_p/cm-7778hd.htm

It would have been a lot easier if Channel Master had used new model numbers for new models.

 

[rabbit73]

My 5 year old CM7778 just died and I can't find a replacement CM preamp anywhere without paying 5 times what I did for this one.

Any suggestions?

Save and Replay?
Channel Master 7778 Titan 2 CM-7778 preamp, Mast mounted Amplifer for over the air, OTA HDTV Antennas, low noise digital off air OTA amplifer for ATSC signals

https://angelelectronics.ca/shop/ota/amplifiers-combiners-splitters/pre-amplifiers/channel-master-cm-7778

https://www.hometechexperts.ca/products/channel-master-7778-titan-2-medium-gain-preamplifier

 

[April Fain]

Thanks for your response.

This is interesting. I live in the US and generally buy online from Amazon.com or SolidSignal.com or even Channelmaster.com. I have been trying these and other online sites in the US and they are all out of stock and have been for several months. I am not sure why they are available in Canada or why they are not in the US.

https://www.channelmaster.com/Amplify_Plus_TV_Antenna_Preamplifier_p/cm-7778hd.htm

https://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=CM-7778

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013CGNGY?tag=s4343sdfd-20&th=1

Thanks for the info.

 

[rabbit73]

This is interesting. I live in the US and generally buy online from Amazon.com or SolidSignal.com or even Channelmaster.com.

Oops; sorry about that. Since this is a Canadian forum, I assumed you lived in Canada.

Several weeks ago I requested an email when available, got a polite note from Channel Master but no indication of when they would be available.

Is there another preamp that is recommended?

We don't know enough about your situation to make an accurate suggestion about another.

Walmart has it listed, but it isn't sold by them. It's sold by F.H. OUTLET with a 79% rating. I wouldn't risk it.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Channel-Master-CM-7778-TITAN-2-Medium-Gain-Preamplifier/39669405

https://www.walmart.com/reviews/seller/8861?offerId=37095150B2464401838E64B5E2057419

Newark has it backordered, available end of July:
https://www.newark.com/channel-master/7778/titan-2tm-mast-mounted-preamp/dp/96K1571?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgcj22JO34wIV2iCtBh2qPwVdEAMYASAAEgLX2_D_BwE&mckv=sRDlRcnGH_dc|pcrid|219905420326|plid||kword|+channel%20+master%20+7778|match|b|slid||product||pgrid|35701796008|ptaid|kwd-42825684766|&s_kwcid=AL!8472!3!219905420326!b!!g!!+channel%20+master%20+7778&CMP=KNC-GUSA-SKU-MDC
enter part number in search box or use Google; direct link doesn't take you all the way there for some reason that I don't understand

The Antennas Direct Juice might work, but it doesn't have an FM trap.
https://store.antennasdirect.com/JUICE.html

 

[Jorgek]

Well I just visited Angel Electronics and Save and Replay outlets. About 15 min drive from my home here in Mississauga. They all have antennas, cables, splitters, power inserters, connectors, etc. However, they do NOT have important things like FM Traps and UVSJs.
Their sources have dryed up according to them. They cannot get those parts. Suggestion was to try Amazon or Ebay.

There was a time when those parts were locally available. A lot of those shops have disappeared as have FTA suppliers.

 

[April Fain]

Thanks for the reply and suggestions. I may be in the US but I have been following this forum for 5+ years. I built one of the McClapp antennas 5 years ago and am still using it. I appreciate all the help this forum has been. I may give the Juice a try.

 

[Burette]

Mont-St-Hilaire : Replacement preamp needed ? If yes, which one?

Dear All,

I have an Antennas Direct DB8 with a Channel Master CM-7777 30 dB, 1 input, 15V
Inside the condo, the signal is split to three receivers through an Extreme Broadband BDS103HB -5.5dB

Problem
I believe the preamp has died on me because I can't get any signal as of a few days ago.
I checked the PSU and it is reading 14,6V
I checked the current draw and it is reading around 185 mA.

https://www.rabbitears.info/searchmap.php?request=result&study_id=29107

I am not the one who installed the rig on the roof. A professionnal (???) did it as membrane roof, side flashing and bricks were involved.

The antenna is pointed toward 165° (true azimuth) for maximum signals for the channels at about 75 miles from my location (Burlington's towers). Also, the closest channels are at about 20 miles (Montreal's Mont-Royal's towers) and located at 259° (true azimuth).

I used to get those channels: 2.1, 10.1, 6.1, 12.1, 17.1, 15.1, 3.1 (real 20 WCAX), 62.1, 5.1, 33.1, 44.1
I never got WVNY (22.1) but would be happy to.

First
Apart from the PSU voltage reading and the current draw reading, should I do anything else to confirm the CM7777 is dead?

Second
If the CM7777 is dead indeed, can anyone point me at a replacement?

Thanks

 

[cuivreux]

I have both CM7777, the old beige brick power supply model with separate VHF/UHF inputs and RCA TVPRAMP1E. They are very similar. For the price, the TVPRAMP1E is not a mistake.

 

[Jase88]

If these preamps fail or aren't receiving power, they effectively become a strong signal attenuator. Check all of your connections and connectors. The preamp requires continuity on both the centre conductor and the braid which covers the dielectric and runs below the coaxial outer skin. Ensure this braid is making good contact with all F connectors.

 

[abnutcracker]

At this point Channel Master Preamps are backlogged into the new year due to the production move and the release of the V3

An alternate might be the Winegard ANLNA200 if you need something immediate

 

[Ken Adams]

Motorola BDA-K1-RA

Hey guys,

Once again, still new to the world of OTA.

I found this at Value Village for $5 I figure eh, let's see what it does. Would this help boost OTA signal in any way or is it more for Broadband internet. I haven't hooked it up yet as it's missing it's power supply but I have access to another one of these shortly. My goal is to pick up a tower 60 miles away. I'm 12 stories up, not very much in my way of line of sight. Any feedback would be great. Thanks!

 

[Dr.Dave]

@Ken Adams I moved your post to this thread. The previous discussion of this amp may help:

https://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/81...amps-preamps-distro-amps-289.html#post3068077

 

[Jorgek]

Have you tried receiving the 60 mile station? You are 12 stories up, 60 miles line of sight should be an easy catch without a preamp.

 

[Ken Adams]

Sadly no. Like Dr. Dave mentioned, getting KNRR is a task here in Winnipeg. When the weather starts warming up a little more I'll try some other ideas.

 

[rabbit73]

I found this at Value Village for $5 I figure eh, let's see what it does. Would this help boost OTA signal in any way or is it more for Broadband internet. I haven't hooked it up yet as it's missing it's power supply but I have access to another one of these shortly. My goal is to pick up a tower 60 miles away. I'm 12 stories up, not very much in my way of line of sight. Any feedback would be great. Thanks!

Hello, Ken; welcome to the forum.

Your image doesn't show; this is what it looks like:

The amp is designed for cable use. It will amplify antenna signals by 15 dB, but it has an amplified return path of 10 db for any signals in the range of 5 to 42 MHz that it will send back to your antenna.

What is your postal code in Winnipeg? I can run a signal report for you.

Some locations in Winnipeg are able to receive KNRR, some are not. Being 12 stories up helps. Where will your antenna be located? It needs to face south for KNRR.

coverage map from rabbitears.info:

 

[Ken Adams]

R3T 3N8

I'm assuming you're speaking of TVFool? I've read that and it's 58 miles from here. My antenna is up to 60 miles. I know it would never get that far but I figure if I maybe purchase a booster or something it may help.

I am currently using this -

There was a website I found with a nice antenna that goes 70 plus miles but I forgot to bookmark it before the power went out. LOL