[TonyJA]


I am planning on adding a cable TV and cable modem amplifier and as I see it I have two options.

The cable feed length inside the house is a total of 65 feet with a connector 25 feet in.  I have a 3-way splitter at the 65 foot point and my signal is rather weak at the modem that comes off the spitter -18 dbm.  My options are to install a one port bidirectional (active return) at the 25 foot connector and keep the splitter at the 65 ft or to install a four port bidirectional/active return amp at the 65 foot point replacing the splitter.  Any suggestions on this would be appreciated.  

 

[Ratman]

Amp at the 25' point. Or... use an amp where the cable feed enters the premises.

 

[olyteddy]

I'd suggest finding out why the signal is so low. 100' of cable and 7dB of splitter loss should get you better than -18dB at the modem. I have 11dB of splitters and 80' of cable and still get -7dB at my modem.

 

[TonyJA]


Thanks for the suggestion.  Actually last night we were getting tons of pixelation  on some of the channels and I ended up tightening the connector at the 25 foot point.  They weren't loose so I didn't think much about it but later checked the power again and it was -2 dbm.  I checked the channels I was having trouble with and they were fine. I would be surprised if the tiny bit of tightening would fix the problem or perhaps I have a bad connector.

 

[TonyJA]


Another update.  Last night it was back down even further at the modem to -20 dbm from -2 the night before.  I went to the connection outside the house and jostled it a bit (got through the protective cover, into the goop (silicone ?) ).

The signal level went back up to -2.  Although the connection looks clean under the silicone or whatever they put on it, I'm wondering if the very cold winter affects the connection over time.

 

[Ratman]

Seems like every connection you fiddle with alters the signal quality.


You may want to consider having your cable provider replace the outside fittings. You should and probably can replace the inside fittings yourself.


If you don't have the tools, this is probably a good kit to consider:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Paladin-DataShark-Cable-Television-Satellite-Compression-Crimp-Kit-PA70019/100574595