Splitting OTA

[cal87]

I was told by the D* tech that my OTA feed could not be split to feed my three receivers - would lose too much signal.

I have the cheapo (Wingard Sensar I think) antenna that they installed. I am about 38 miles from the tower, and was getting signals in the 90s when hooked up to the HR10-250. I split the signal myself at the receiver to send to my TV's ATSC tuner as well, and both worked fine.

Was the tech misinformed, or should it be possible to split to 3 receivers? Would I do better with a better antenna like the CM4228? Amplifier? Any advice appreciated.

 

[damaged]

You can split OTA to 3 STBs, no problem, however, _if_ the cable runs are too long combined, you may need an amp.

 

[cal87]

Thanks.

So what you're saying - should be able to keep existing antenna, maybe add an amp. What would be considered too long a cable run? I think for me, 2 would be about 30 feet, and one about 60 feet.

 

[damaged]

Thanks.

So what you're saying - should be able to keep existing antenna, maybe add an amp. What would be considered too long a cable run? I think for me, 2 would be about 30 feet, and one about 60 feet.

No problem.

You should be fine with what you have, but, try it out without the amp,, it may be ok, if not, and if worse comes to worse, you'll just have to throw an amp(s) inline, no big deal.

Good luck.

 

[Jimbo]

Thanks.

So what you're saying - should be able to keep existing antenna, maybe add an amp. What would be considered too long a cable run? I think for me, 2 would be about 30 feet, and one about 60 feet.

You should be fine.

Jimbo

 

[cal87]

Thanks again.

One last question. If I should need an amp, any recommendations?

 

[damaged]

Thanks again.

One last question. If I should need an amp, any recommendations?

Do you mean brands? No, shouldn't matter much, just try and buy it from a place that has a good return policy, so you can take it back, in case.

And, 10db should be enough.

You will want the inline amp as close to the antenna end as possible. i.e. Antenna->AMP->splitter->STBs

 

[sreger]

Thanks again.

One last question. If I should need an amp, any recommendations?

I have a similar situation. Coax run from the chimney-mounted Winegard Squareshooter is 25 feet to the equipment rack. In the rack I have an inexpensive RadioShack one in/four out coax amplifier. Two coax outs go right into the rack (E* VIP622 & D* H20) and the third runs another 75 feet beyond to bedroom (D* HTL-HD) on opposite side of house. STB signal meters showed almost double the signal strength after inserting the amplifier--even at far end of run!