Antenna question???????????

HiDeffjeff · Post by **HiDeffjeff** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 6:13 am

I need an immediate answer to a question. Can I use a pre-amp on an OTA antenna if I'm running it through one cable along with a sat signal via a diplexer? I have a diplexer on my roof with the sat cable and OTA cable going through the diplexer and then down 1 cable to my sat in on the reciever where I get both Directv and OTA. I want to try a CM-3043 (22db) gain pre-amp to see if it picks up my locals better and I was wondering if this will effect the sat signal? or overload the receiver? I have the CM 4228 and it does pretty well, but I'm thinking it may help to use a pre-amp? Thanks in advance. --------Also, will the OTA signal be cleaner or stronger if I run it through a dedicated separate cable to the "antenna in" on the sat receiver instead of running both signals through the sat in on the sat receiver?

akirby · Post by **akirby** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 8:23 am

Jeff - That is a distribution amplifier, not an antenna pre-amp. Get the CM 7777 pre-amp. It's the best. $60 online.

Not sure if it will work with the diplexor - I think it will. You might see improvement switching to a separate cable. Diplexors are similar to splitters and splitters do reduce the signal by a few db, so it's possible.

kq6qv · Post by **kq6qv** » Wed Jan 26, 2005 2:52 pm

Jeff- A 7777 takes its power through the coaxial cable. But the satellite system uses the coax for other voltages, so a 7777 is not compatible with a diplexored satellite system.

The amplifier you want is the Channel Master Spartan 0065 or 0265. These are made to run off the power the satellite receiver supplies to its dish. (You are responsible for determining if the satellite box provides enough power for the additional amplifier.) These amps have 300-ohm inputs, which is OK. Just connect the amp directly to the antenna without a balun. Use large gauge wire, #18 or larger. Mount the amplifier on the back of the screen so that the new antenna wires are less than 10 inches long.

I generally advise people to use a separate cable for the OTA antennas because of some unusual complications that sometimes arise. But if that is not an option then go with the diplexors.

One OTA amplifier will rarely overload the receiver. Exception: the HR10-250. -Ken

HiDeffjeff · Post by **HiDeffjeff** » Thu Jan 27, 2005 6:41 am

Thanks guys------ Because of the combination of signals via diplexer, The Spartan 0065 is indeed what I need.===== Thank you.

akirby · Post by **akirby** » Thu Jan 27, 2005 8:34 am

Once again I've learned something new. Thanks Ken!