DSS signal amplifier

[Willow]

does any one use a singnal amplifier for their sat systems


edit : also if I was to add a signal amp, would it go on before the surge bar protection and filter or after ?

the reason I ask is cause we are getting sat system tonight

thanks
JF

[Willow]

any one ?please help

[phoneisbusy]

Hi Willow,

My friend installs them for a living. I'll ask him for you today.

Dave

[Willow]

thank you we are having ours done on Sunday

[HBombToo]

I have direct TV and do not need an amp. If your installer sets everything up correctly you should not need an amp. Just make sure when he sets up his signal meter he sweeps the antenna through the verticle and horizontal planes to acquire the greatest signal level. After hooking up your receiver there should be a signal level meter that can be viewed on screen. Just ensure you are at least 3/4 through normal so you can overcome normal-heavy rain fade. If you are less that 1/2 normal then you will be effected most by weather.

BTW, Make sure you get the high def package! you'll love it...

HBomb

[phoneisbusy]

Hi Willow,

My friend said that it'll depend somewhat on your provider. If it's Bell you're probably okay if the run is less then 125 ft. If it's Starchoice, you may need it if it's around the 100' area or more. Something about the difference in the type of equipment used.

A signal booster is typically installed inline from where the cable/signal enters your house. So I guess it'd be before your surge protector.

You shouldn't have problems if your signal is 70% or better (a bigger dish help here too).

He also mentioned that www.kusat.com has a good forum for your question.

Good luck

Dave

[polkatese]

Originally posted by HBombToo
I have direct TV and do not need an amp. If your installer sets everything up correctly you should not need an amp. Just make sure when he sets up his signal meter he sweeps the antenna through the verticle and horizontal planes to acquire the greatest signal level. After hooking up your receiver there should be a signal level meter that can be viewed on screen. Just ensure you are at least 3/4 through normal so you can overcome normal-heavy rain fade. If you are less that 1/2 normal then you will be effected most by weather.

BTW, Make sure you get the high def package! you'll love it...

HBomb

I seconded Henry's advice, it's all or nothing, in terms of DSS signal. If it weak, then you will get stuttered, pixelation, froze, and black screen. The key is to tweak the angle of the dish, as to maximise and balance SAT A/SAT B/ and SAT C (high-def) to the proper longitudes (depending on where you are located at, relative to the satellite orbit).

Have fun!

[Willow]

thanks for all the info....and do you guys use RG6 or rg59( I think thats what reg cable is ) does it really make a dif ?

[polkatese]

RG6 is the one that rated to carry hi-def signal.

[HBombToo]

RG6 here also.

[Grimster74]

It clearly states when installing a satellite system, ONLY use RG-6 cable. Better shielding.

[Willow]

doesnt state jack !! Im not installing it the company is, so I would have never read about what to use outside. The recever came with a coax not sure if it's rg6...well looks like I have to go out and buy some more runs....from wall to surge/filter then out to receiver...hope it's cheap

[Grimster74]

Not sure if this link will help, but give it a try.

http://www.directv.com/learn/pdf/12429_00_AntennaManual_1D.pdf

[Grimster74]

Here is a even better one.

http://www.directv.com/learn/pdf/12429_00_AntennaManual_1D.pdf

page 11, right hand column, second and third one down.

[Grimster74]

Just in case it doesn't work for you for some reason, this is what it states...

-RG 6 cable with solid copper center conductor is highly recommended because it has much lower DC voltage drop compared to RG 6 cable with a copper-coated, steel center conductor.

-Standard RG 59 cable causes too much DC drop and signal drop; it CAN NOT be used to pass the satellite signal. RG 6 coaxial cable MUST BE USED.

Not trying to be a a$$, just trying to help out a fellow forum member.

[Willow]

thanks..

they said they may use the existing cable in the house, what do they normaly use in wall would it be rg6..the reason I ask is I don't know how buddy is gonna run the cable to the tv outlet with proper cable

[Grimster74]

I know that typically, at least with my house, they ran RG-6. My house was built 2.5 years ago.

[Willow]

mine is 13 yrs old. hmmmm not sure, if it's not then I will not be getting the full benefits of sat TV.. I know I was looking up my surge /filter bar and it can hadle DSS signal without degrading the quality....

[Willow]

spoke to cable company they said I should not connect the RG6 from the wall plate to my surge/filter "we do not recommend this"

what do you guys think of that ?? and why not into it...my surge bar says it's made for both tv and DSS coax.

[HBombToo]

I have no idea why they would make that statement... unless the person you were speaking with is just plain IGNANT.
HBomb