Help with reception loss with splitter (Antennae Direct DB4e)

JRWNewTO · 5-Jan-2016, 12:38 AM

My TVFool Report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...b97d59f373632b

I have purchased and attic mounted an Antennae Direct DB4e. I have two tvs. When did initial testing, cable direct from antennae to one tv, signal strengths for Toronto stns @ 98%, Buffalo WNED Ch 43 (PBS) and WUTV Ch 14 (Fox) area 55% - all very clear and would be happy with this reception.

Problem occurred when then set up with 2 way splitter to view on both tvs. Toronto stns maintained 98% strength yet WNED Ch 43 (PBS) and WUTV Ch 14 (Fox) dropped to approx. 25% and I lost reception.

I'm looking at the following amplifier ....if that's a solve:
CHANNEL MASTER 2-PORT ULTRA MINI 2 DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER
http://www.channelmaster.com/Antenna..._p/cm-3412.htm

Question - am I on the right track? Any other suggestions re: recovering the Buffalo stns?
Thanks

ADTech · 5-Jan-2016, 11:32 AM

How close to the antenna are you able to mount the amp?

JRWNewTO · 5-Jan-2016, 11:39 AM

Quite close, within 2- 4 feet. To confirm - would I need a power source for the amp and / or can I use a "power inserter"?

rabbit73 · 5-Jan-2016, 11:49 AM

Quote:

can I use a "power inserter"?

yes

JRWNewTO · 5-Jan-2016, 11:54 AM

Thanks so much rabbit73 for the detailed information. Appreciate the images to complete my "project". Quite satisfied when returned my cable equipment to provider yesterday

rabbit73 · 5-Jan-2016, 12:05 PM

If you are going to split in the attic, use the 3412. If you are going to split down below after the power inserter, consider the 3410 which has a little more gain but only one output.

JRWNewTO · 5-Jan-2016, 12:24 PM

So is it optimal to to split as close to antennae as possible? I have 2 tv's so limited to the 3410. thanks

rabbit73 · 5-Jan-2016, 1:34 PM

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse you with too much information.

Either the 3410 or 3412 amp will work for you if you split down below, and you can split in either place. There is no advantage to splitting near the antenna after the amp, except for the convenience of coax runs.

The closer the amp is to the antenna the better the results, because the coax loss between the antenna and the amp input subtracts from the antenna gain.

Using a preamp with an indoor antenna can receive signals that are about 5 dB weaker than without a preamp, and the signals are made stronger for distribution, which is the part you need.

ADTech · 5-Jan-2016, 2:24 PM

The 3410 and 3412 have the same gain (it's the same amplifier inside all the CM34XX amps). The difference in published gain is due to the insertion loss of the internal splitter which is then subtracted from the gain of the amp for those models with an integral splitter.

Quote:

There is no advantage to splitting near the antenna after the amp, except for the convenience of coax runs.

The closer the amp is to the antenna the better the results, because the coax loss between the antenna and the amp input subtracts from the antenna gain.

These two factors are key to your making your decision.

Selecting the distribution amp with the internal splitter does simplify your cabling and makes long term reliability a little (very little, if done properly) more likely as compared to using the external splitter.

JRWNewTO · 5-Jan-2016, 2:34 PM

thanks, I will review and "digest" your latest image! Very much appreciate the support.
Joe

JRWNewTO · 11-Jan-2016, 12:55 AM

Thanks again to the support. Antennae set up in attic with the Channel Master amp + power inserter set up. Pulling in all LOS stns + others, 23 total. I aimed more to Buffalo and this allowed for add'l channels without loss of Toronto stns.
I just wish I did this years and many cable bills ago!