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Old 24-Apr-2014, 5:33 PM   #5
GroundUrMast
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Greater Seattle Area
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Are you saying that I should disconnect both antennas (one at a time) from the AC7 combiner and run a coaxial cable from that antenna to a TV that has only a single tuner bypassing the CM3414 amp that is currently installed?
Yes. The goal is to prove the antenna, by itself, is receiving a reliable signal. By using a short section (50' or less) of known good coax and a known good receiver, the antenna is the only variable left. Once the antenna has been proven to produce reliable reception of the desired signals, you can turn your attention to troubleshooting other parts of the system.

Here is a source for attenuators: http://www.3starinc.com/drop_in-line_attenuator.html The exact value is not critical in most cases. You don't want to add too much loss though. The goal is to isolate the imperfect input impedance of the filter from the imperfect impedance of the cable and connector from the antenna. The resistor network in the attenuator is likely closer to 75Ω than either. Try one 3 dB attenuator and if needed, experiment with two 3dB attenuators stacked end to end. The attenuator should be installed on the AC7 with no cable in between.

Be open to the idea that AC7 can be located near the antennas... Or not. If it's more convenient to run each antenna lead into a protected location and the combine, that's fine. I'm thinking of situations with a preamp at the antenna and power inserter inside the house. In these cases, I'm prone to place the combiner downstream of the preamp power insertion block. This also keeps the combiner protected from the weather while also making future service access much easier.

An FM trap needs to be between the antenna and preamp. The TVPRAMP1R has an FM trap built in... Simply verify the switch is set correctly.
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If the well is dry and you don't see rain on the horizon, you'll need to dig the hole deeper. (If the antenna can't get the job done, an amp won't fix it.)

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