OTA splitter requirements

[David MacLeod]

not sure how to ask this w/o looking too dumb :)
I run my OTA (no amplification) into a 1 to 3 splitter, which works just perfect when using OTA on the hr20.
now if I want to split it again to go to each (2) of the hr20 and to each tv separately (2 more splitters) it pixelates on some channels.
so its a 1 to 3 splitter, then two of the lines have a 1 to 2 splitter.
the splitters I have are old so I need to replace them, what should I look for spec wise?
I'd like to avoid an amp, running the 1 to 3 (present setup) my ota signals are 89 to 96 on the 2 hr20 units. the antenna is a Tandy (made by channel master) LR type thats approx 7 years old up 30 feet +/-.
but when I add the second splitter it drops 2-3 channels that usually come in well.
hope I explained that right.

[litzdog911]

Your three-output splitter cuts the OTA signal by a bit more than 1/3. Each two-output splitter cuts the OTA signal by a bit more than half. So, by combining those splitters, you're left with less than 1/6 the original signal. Unless you're currently using really cheap splitters, you won't see much difference with "better" splitters.

[David MacLeod]

well, they are REAL cheap and approx 9 years old.

[Tiger62]

Get a 0 db distribution amp and get rid of the splitters. You don't need any amplification, but you need to eliminate the losses caused by the splitters.

[David MacLeod]

with a distribution amp wouldn't I need to run a second cable up for each unit? if so thats an issue. I've never used one so I am not familiar with them.
also, can you provide an model example so I know what to look at? thanks.

[David MacLeod]

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display8.asp?PROD=SPDA3044&xzoom=Large#xview

is this an example of what you mean?
if so can this replace the 1 to 3 splitter and then could I use the 1 to 2 splitter at the tv?
thanks.

[houskamp]

old crappy cable can loose alot of signal too..

[Tiger62]

Yeah, it DOES make a difference if your lines are already run, but if the first 1-3 splitter is in the attic, a distribution amp with a little bit of gain would certainly be an improvement. The amp you referenced will work just fine.

[David MacLeod]

I'll try that then and use 2 skywalker splitters. cable is actually good shape on this, I just used some old splitters when I added runs.
mobile home on slab so some options are limited.

[Tiger62]

mobile home on slab so some options are limited.

So you probably don't have an attic? :lol:

[David MacLeod]

well, I dream of one :)

[kokishin]

I use the CM3044 to distibute my OTA signal to two HR20s and it works very well. Without it, I was getting pixelation on a couple of distant OTA signals. With the CM3044, no problem. Even though I only have two HR20's, I purchased the CM3044 to allow for the addition of two HR21/AM21's. CM also makes other versions with different number of outputs up to 8 outputs. My OTA antennal installer was going to sell me the single output CM3042 with a passive splitter but instead I went to Frys and purchased the CM3044 and did not use a splitter although you can use it in conjunction with a passive splitter at your TV's if that is more convenient. Scroll down to the bottom of the page: http://www.channelmasterintl.com/amplifiers.html

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display8.asp?PROD=SPDA3044&xzoom=Large#xview

is this an example of what you mean?
if so can this replace the 1 to 3 splitter and then could I use the 1 to 2 splitter at the tv?
thanks.

[David MacLeod]

ok, thanks all. I'll order 1 of these and a few skywalker passive splitters this week.

[David MacLeod]

sort of related, to diplex OTA is an swm unit needed or is it possible with a wb616 setup?

[Michael D'Angelo]

sort of related, to diplex OTA is an swm unit needed or is it possible with a wb616 setup?

To diplexe OTA in the SWM is the approved way. There is a non approved way that some have got to work but I am not sure how reliable it is.

It believe the setup is from the multi-switch to a cable line-->BBC-->cable line + a line from the OTA-->diplexer-->cable line-->diplexer-->SAT line and OTA line connect to the receiver.

[RobertE]

To diplexe OTA in the SWM is the approved way. There is a non approved way that some have got to work but I am not sure how reliable it is.

It believe the setup is from the multi-switch to a cable line-->BBC-->cable line + a line from the OTA-->diplexer-->cable line-->diplexer-->SAT line and OTA line connect to the receiver.

Even on SWMs diplexing is not supported by DirecTv.

[David MacLeod]

I was thinking of moving all my bbc's to the switch (prevent bending issues on the back of the units) and was wondering about this. I would think tuner 1 line would be best bet for it right?
so if I switch--bbc---diplex ota with bbc output then run that up as T1 and diplex at the unit it MIGHT work then if I understand right.

I'm going to be adding a rotator and cm3044 to my ota setup soon, not sure if I'd be better off leaving it as a separate entity or not. was just thinking about simplifying the underhouse/into wall runs.
thanks guys.

[carl6]

so if I switch--bbc---diplex ota with bbc output then run that up as T1 and diplex at the unit it MIGHT work then if I understand right.


Yes, that configuration has worked for many. It does depend on a variety of factors not the least of which is the length of coax between bbc and receiver. Try it, if it works great. If not (or if you have any problems in the future), revert to moving teh bbc back to the receiver.

If running another coax is an option (you suggest it is), that would be my preference and recommendation.

Carl

[texasbrit]

Even on SWMs diplexing is not supported by DirecTv.


?????? The SWM8 has a built-in diplexer so diplexing is certainly "supported", the SWM8 is a DirecTV product.

[David MacLeod]

Yes, that configuration has worked for many. It does depend on a variety of factors not the least of which is the length of coax between bbc and receiver. Try it, if it works great. If not (or if you have any problems in the future), revert to moving teh bbc back to the receiver.

If running another coax is an option (you suggest it is), that would be my preference and recommendation.

Carl

for the OTA I already have the lines run up in, but that puts 6 lines going up (2 walls, adjoining with 2 hr20 + ota) in a very tight location/ if I could remove the 2 OTA going up in it would be neater and easier troubleshooting. the stuff was REALLY in the way when trying to find the broken connections I had last week.
coax from bbc to unit is 25 ft bbc to wall plate, then 5 feet wall plate to units.

I can try the BBC with no money spent (always good :) ) and if it works then later look into diplexing the OTA in I guess.
I'm just looking at my options right now so that when I purchase stuff for the OTA next week I can better plan.
thanks everyone, you guys are great.

[hfgarris]

Is the SWM8 OTA input amplified to minimize internal splitting loss, or should the OTA input be routed through an external amplifier before entering the SWM?

[David MacLeod]

Is the SWM8 OTA input amplified to minimize internal splitting loss, or should the OTA input be routed through an external amplifier before entering the SWM?

I wish I could answer that for you, I don't know. I don't have an swm so I've never looked into it.