JJJatAVS
11-02-08, 06:59 PM
My current setup is:
Cable signal in -> Motorola Cable Booster -> 4 way splitter: 1 to HDTV, 1 to old tube TV, 2 to HDHomerun.
I want to add another old tube TV which currently is OTA.
How can I do this: Split 1 signal after the 4 way splitter with a 2 way splitter? or a 5-way splitter (have not found one) or 6 way splitter:n What is the best choice?
mjones73
11-02-08, 08:00 PM
Splitting one of the feeds off the 4 way would probably work unless your signal is marginal to begin with.
JJJatAVS
11-02-08, 08:20 PM
if it's marginal, could I add another booster or not?
JHBrandt
11-02-08, 08:47 PM
if it's marginal, could I add another booster or not?
Most likely your signal's strong enough as things are. If not, try using a 6-way splitter (screw a 75-ohm terminator into the unused output) instead of a 4-way and 2-way. That should save about 1.5 dB of signal strength.
You could use a second booster, although that'll cost more unless you already have one lying around. To reduce the risk of overload, try putting it between the 4-way and 2-way splitters.
if it's marginal, could I add another booster or not?
No. Drop amps (includes that Motorola) have an input threshold of 10-15dBmV (depends on how many channels there are). With 10dBmV gong into it, 15dB gain has it's output at 25dBmV. Even after a 4-way splitter, there would be 18dBmV going into a second one. Too much.
With input levels of 10dBmV, a drop amp can easily feed 24 outlets.
Rick0725
11-03-08, 09:59 AM
My current setup is:
Cable signal in -> Motorola Cable Booster -> 4 way splitter: 1 to HDTV, 1 to old tube TV, 2 to HDHomerun.
I want to add another old tube TV which currently is OTA.
How can I do this: Split 1 signal after the 4 way splitter with a 2 way splitter? or a 5-way splitter (have not found one) or 6 way splitter:n What is the best choice?
In general, I tend to divide the setup between long run and short run with a two way splitter then split from there. (this allows more flexibility)
I also like to try to even the losses mathematically. draw the system on paper and calculate the losses on each run including the losses from the splitters and length of coax.
depending on how the system is laid out...you may get away with only amplifying the long runs and leave the short runs not amped, for example. you need to calculate losses none the less.
2 way -3.7
3 way -5.5
4 way -7.5
6 way -11
18' rg 6 coax -1