RF Distribution ?

[RonnieT]

I have too many splits on my cable.
Can someone tell me the difference between a RF distribution amp ( 2 F connectors , one in and one out and a 110 volt cord) and an isolation amp?
The type that goes on the incoming cable and has several f connectors one of which is passive for the modem and one for a DC volt source.
can the cable company detect an amp of and RF distribution and does it cause trouble for them?
Thanks

[satchick]

Can someone tell me the difference between a RF distribution amp ( 2 F connectors , one in and one out and a 110 volt cord)
That would be a single outlet distribution amp. You need a distribution amp with enough outputs for each outlet that you want to install. There should only be one splitter/distribution amp in a system, each time you split the signal or add a component you introduce loss.


can the cable company detect an amp of and RF distribution and does it cause trouble for them?
Not sure if they can detect an amp specifically but they can certainly detect how many outlets you have, whether they're in use or not. Depending on what kind of amp it is, it's possible that it can cause trouble and interfere with other customers. The cable company needs to be involved when adding any kind of amplifier to the system to ensure that other customers aren't affected.

[RonnieT]

Is there a meter that I could use to find out the incoming DB and what it is at each set?
Also , what do you think the incoming should be ( just a 1 story home) and what does a TV need to produce a good signal?
The cable company only provides analog , no HD.

[Terryl]

The cable company will get a notice from the node controller that something has been added to the block, (if it causes a problem, like too much drop or feed back) you have to use their equipment (they have to install it) or it will cause problems up or down the line for others, if you have a cable modem then it is digital, the TV signals can be analog (but why?) and feed directly to the TV set, (no cable box) or to a set top cable box and then sent to your TV set.

If you add something to the system, that the tech has not notified to the engineering console and it causes a drop in signal to the node controller or interference to the system (people on your block calling in with problems) they will send out a tech looking for the problem, if they trace it to your drop, then they will knock on your door.

Cable systems now days are very sensitive to anything that is not added by one of their tech's or engineers, this is to cut down on the "do it your self" and "pirate connections".


The incoming line drop level to your first connection (ground block) is around 5 to 10 mV RMS into a 75 ohm load, after any splitters this will be about 1/2 to 1/4 of the input level.

In dBM this is a -34 to a -28 dBM, in dBuV it is about 74 to 80 dBuV, and every two way split cuts this signal in half.

Add in the coax cable loss to the TV set and your looking at about a 3/4 input range on the TV sets RF module, normal TV sets can take a -20 to a -65 dBM input, this is the AGC* swing on the RF modules input.


* AGC= Automatic Gain Control, this is an electronic circuit used to keep the TV sets RF input to it's internal receiver at a safe fixed level, if the incoming signal is too high, it will turn it down, if too low it will turn it up, if way too high it will shut it off to keep the input from being burned out.

[RonnieT]

Is there a meter that I could use to find out the incoming DB and what it is at each set?
Also , what do you think the incoming should be ( just a 1 story home) and what does a TV need to produce a good signal?


After some checking I believe it in not a fault on my end but a serious loss of signal on the incoming signal strength.
Again is there an economical way to check the strength on the incoming and at each set?
The meters I have seen are very expensive , designed only for the professional.
Thanks

[RonnieT]

After checking all connection/cables I find that the fault is with the Cable coming in or on the companies side.
I ran a single cable into the modem and still have to reset the router several times a day.
Changed out the router for a new Linksys and same story.
Took a small TV set to the roof installed it on the incoming cable, ghosting pictures almost on every channel.(only meter I had was the TV.)
Changed out incoming cable end, ditto, ran new all copper ground, same.
Talked to the cable technician, said "maybe have time to check it in a few days, maybe be next week ,maybe in 2 weeks" he said.
He was working to disconnect cable customers in my neighborhood on the same day?
Maybe for poor service?
This is the service you get and for paying outrageous cable bills.

[Terryl]

What you can do is send in less money for the payment owed.

Take your bill and divide by 30, then deduct that amount from the bill (with a note saying it's for loss of service) from the day you contacted the customer service rep, (get his or her name) they will get right on it.