Premp vs. Cable Distribution Amp

[cmeinck]

I currently have the Winegard Square Shooter and I'm using a cable distribution amp. Last night, ABC was on the edge of BAD/Normal. I need that little extra boost to ensure good reception from these channels. I'm thinking about the Channel Master pre-amps. Anyone have any experiences w/ them and how did it affect your signal? Winegard has a mount that works w/ the square shooter, but I'm leaning the way of the Channel Master preamp. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

[Ratman]

Are you using the SqS and the dist. amp?
Perhaps you are overdriving the signals or amplifing 'noise'.

What happens with the SqS directly to the TV.

Also... where is the Sqs mounted? (Indoors, outdoors, attic)
How far from the x-mitters?

Too many quetions/variables to give advice at this point.

[cmeinck]

Going direct yields no signal at all. I'm 38 miles from signals. SS is mounted outdoors with a clear path - no trees or obstruction. What is the difference between a distribution amp and a pre-amp?

[LeeS]

What is the difference between a distribution amp and a pre-amp?
Generalizing:

A preamp is mounted at the antenna and provides gain to boost the weak signal from your antenna. Lots of gain.

A distribution amp normally has only enough gain (3db or so) to overcome the losses in splitting the signal and 'distributing' it to several televisions. Its purpose is to split the signal not to amplify it.

I'm sure there are distribution amps that also perform the preamp function in addition to distribution.

Antenna Preamplifier: (http://www.starkelectronic.com/cmpreamp.htm)

Distribution Amp: (http://www.smarthome.com/7712.html)

Hope this helps a little,
Lee

[Ratman]

My thought is...
Yes... the Channel Master Titan pre-amps (7777,7775) are probably the most praised. BUT... since the SqS is a Winegard product, you may be better trying a pre-amp that is matched from the same manufacturer.

Make sure that you ask about a 'return policy' just in case things don't work out.

[cmeinck]

I think I may try the Winegard that is suited for the SS. Also, as I mentioned in a previous post, I have a splitter that I need to remove at the antenna. I split the connection because my coaxial didn't fit the SS. The ends of the coaxial have more protection I guess you could call it. The coaxial is obviously standard, but the fat ends didn't allow me to screw into the SS. I'm going to cut the plastic on the SS and go direct from set top box to SS. I'll do this in conjuction w/ setting up the preamp. Thanks for the advice and I'll keep you updated.

[cmeinck]

Guys, I've decided on the Channel Master 7777. One thing I haven't done is grounding. I never noticed anything in the Winegard directions. How do I go about this? Regarding the CM7777, it appears this will mount nicely on my SS. So, coaxial goes to CM on mount and then out to the AC unit in the house? I'm still learning, so I'm sorry about all the questions.

[LeeS]

Check the 'Antenna Preamplifier' link in my other post. Read the paragraph just above the picture. It explains clearly how the 'voltage inserter' works, the do's and don'ts. DON'T do any of the don'ts :)

For grounding, check this link to RadioShack http://www.radioshack.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F001%5F003%5F003&Page=1

Lee

[cmeinck]

Lee-
I noticed my D* ran a coaxial through a grounding block (which has a copper wire going into the ground -- I assume there is a rod there). I don't see any additional wires (ground cable) running from the roof. This whole set up is near the Telephone Interface box.

Is it sufficient for me to run the coaxial through the grounding block? It appears that is what the D* did?

[LeeS]

Is it sufficient for me to run the coaxial through the grounding block? It appears that is what the D* did?

Read this thread on antenna grounding: http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=10314&highlight=grounding

If you are in an area that a lightning strike is a good possibility, grounding the mast is also a good idea. Most people just ground the coax to protect their equipment.

Lee

[cmeinck]

I made two changes this week and I've had mixed results. First change was to remove the splitter and go direct. I also changed the angle of the dish and it was pointing almost straight up. ABC was pretty solid with this setup, but I didn't get NBC.

I received a Channel Master 7777 on Friday and just hooked it up inside the house to test. I was able to catch the end of ER on NBC -- which I never get. So, I went up yesterday and added a Channel Master 7777. With the additon of the CM, my channel signals are bouncing on ABC. They go from GOOD to NORMAL to GOOD to BAD. Bascially, the hockey game was hit or miss last night with my latest setup. I'm getting real frustrated. I'm thinking about the following:
- Adding an attenuator from Radio Shack to see if that calms down my ABC signal
- Pulling the SS off the roof and running a straight connection frm STB to my basement where I have a window outside. (at least I could make adjustments to the dish without having to scale the roof). Also thinking the long coaxial (100 ft), the cable from the grounding block, etc could be a reason.

Through all this FOX is the best of the bunch. Too bad, they don't offer true HD.

As always, I appreciate your insight and opinions. It's pouring here in NYC, so any modifications that require going to the roof will have to wait until Monday. My neighbors upstairs think I'm certified.

-Chris