In-Line Amplifier Question

[freekazoid]

in-line amplifiers...do they work? I have a couple long runs of cable (100ft+) and am having some issues, of course. So I'm trying to find solutions. I've taken off as much length as possible, and have new centauri switches, and higher quality lnbs being delivered tomorrow. I only run 110/119/91 off 2 dishes and 2 switches for 2 receivers. My nfusion don't seem to have a problem, my my jynxbox and dreamlink in the other room (with longest run) both have an issue with signal from 119. I'm thinking of placing an in-line amplifier on this line but want some input as to whether or not it would be worth the effort, or could it do any damage to my system. Also, if I were to use an amplifier, where along the line would it be placed? I've read as close to the lnb as possible?

thanks for any feedback and I'll keep posting to keep others informed.

[Terryl]

In-line amps don't work on satellite systems, the higher frequency's used make them noise makers not amps, also the DC voltage required is around 12 volts DC, some receivers will put out 18 volts DC, this may burn out most in-line amps.

One thing to do is use the DP (Dish or Bell) type of LNB's, and not the old style legacy or standard LNB's, the newer DP type can work out to over 150 feet of coax or more, they use band stacking to get all the transponders down one RG-6 quad (high quality) coax, and if you use the good stuff make sure it has a pure copper center conductor, this will cut down on the DC voltage drop on long runs of coax.

It would be better to use a DPP44 switch to combine the 3 satellites, the DPP44 switch has a DC power inserter to run the switch, this way the switch can be mounted 1/2 way or 2/3'rds of the way out by the dish.

Always use RG-6 quad coax with a pure copper core, and be sure it's not the CATV or OTA type of coax, that will cause a higher then normal signal loss, the coax should be rated to 2.5 GHz or say "Swept to 3 GHz", this will cut down on signal loss to the receiver.

Also the "S" is not that important, I have an "S" of 35% on some satellites and still get a "Q" of 99%.

[ranger]

When R-11 cable is used it will also help for long distances however it's hard to work with ......... Lol

[jvvh5897]

If you peek inside an LNB you will see a chip to amplify the signal at the IF range. It is not a "noise maker", it is there to drive long lengths of cable and it does so well. External signal amps are likely to never be needed because of that in-LNB driver.

[Terryl]

And if you interested in the linear band (10.7 GHz to 12.2 GHz) they make an LNB with a fiber optic output, it can be miles away (if you have deeeep pockets) and still get one satellite's full range of transponders down to you.

They are becoming quite the thing over in Europe and the UK right now, here is some info on these hummers.

http://www.satellitesuperstore.com/optical_lnb.htm

This one will go to the 12.2 GHz to 12.7 GHz band for the Dish and BEV satellites but I don't think it is a circularly polarized LNB.