Cable TV Amplifier

[twoseas]

I'm running coaxial burried in conduit out to my workshop that is approximately 180 feet from where the cable enters the house. I've been told that I will need a signal amplifier.

Where does this amplifier hook up to ?? At the beginning of the run or can it be installed at the end ?? Does this amplifier need to be plugged into an outlet ?? If this needs to go at the beginning of the run and powered up, how can I do this if the splitter is mounted to the fascia on the outside of the house ??

Thanks,

[Ron]

Non-amplified RG59 without any upstream splitters can go for about 600'.
I will assume that you are splitting the incoming Cable TV service cable, then running 160', so be sure your splitter is a high quality one. If you can run RG6 instead of RG59, for reduced attenuation.
If you need an amplifier, the amp goes on the source side of the 160', and requires power. I haven't seen amplifiers that can be mounted outdoors, so you may need to enter the house first, install the amp, then run 160' outside.

[jdcableguy]

600' might have worked 25 years ago when there was only 12 channels in a Cable Tv spectrum. Todays broadband systems are typically 750 Mhz - 860Mhz, with a tap output level of 15-20Dbmv at the highest frequency.
A 600 foot piece of RG-59 would lose 41.82 Dbmv(6.97per 100') at 750 Mhz
if this same piece was RG-6 the lose would be 33.9Dbmv (5.65per 100')
Using a larger coax such as RG-11 would create a lose 21.9 or (3.65per 100')

Amplifiers need to be placed to accurately function. Not enough signal on the input will only amplify the noise(snow) . While to much signal on the input will create distortions in the pictures. Also if you plan on using a cable modem it may need to have an active return amplifier to push your data back through the network, and if that is not correct your local cable guys will find it real quick and be visiting your home.

[mdshunk]

OR, Just do like the DIY's in my area do... run the cable as you wish, then call Comcast and complain that your picture sucks. :D

(kidding)

[Unregistered]

You definitely want to put the amp at the start of the run. If you put it at the end, you will be amplifying the noise picked up along the run. Also, use RG6 for that long of a run.

[twoseas]

Thanks to all for your advice. I tested the run without an amplifier and I'm getting clear channels at the other end. I'm using RG-6.

Ray

[mdshunk]

I tested the run without an amplifier and I'm getting clear channels at the other end.
That's really all that matters. Often, that's what I do. Test the channels first without and amp and see how it is. I did order a signal level meter finally, but it has not arrived yet. Don't know how long it will be until I can try it out.