SenojNW Posted April 2, 2007 Posted April 2, 2007 I want to split my antenna cable in the roof to branch off into an upstairs room so I can plug into my PC TV card - will be using to receive DTV not analogue. What is the best way to do this? I have used those double adapter things and always get a loss in quality...
Anton-P. Posted April 2, 2007 Posted April 2, 2007 You will always end up with loss in signal after a split (fyi, even when one side of the split is not used). Dick Smith sells a powered splitter that amplifies to somewhat compensate for the loss.
mtv Posted April 2, 2007 Posted April 2, 2007 Best to use an 'F' type splitter, as it's fully shielded. Also, use good cable, like RG6 Quadshield and F connectors. As mentioned, splitting results in some signal loss, which if you have sufficient signal levels, shouldn't cause a problem. If your existing signal levels are low/borderline... splitting can make a huge difference and will degrade reception on all outlets. How many outlets do you currently have? eg: is there a splitter installed already?
SenojNW Posted April 2, 2007 Author Posted April 2, 2007 Thanks guys - I currently have the antenna cable coming into the ceiling and going to two points downstairs - one I am using - the other I am not. I want to hack into it to get a branch upstairs... I'm not sure what is at the junction where it branches already - I will have a look. Is it pretty easy to DIY this sort of cable and install the junctions/plugs etc? I've done speaker wire etc before but never touched antenna cable... I'm reasonably proficiant with a soldering iron etc... Should be able to get everything I need from Jaycar/Dick Smith?
madmax Posted April 2, 2007 Posted April 2, 2007 I have a similar question (sort of): I have a Pana dvd-r and plasma, both with integrated digital tuners. Is it better to daisy-chain them (as per old vcr analogue system) or put a double adaptor in the wall socket and run cables to each device in parallel?
mtv Posted April 2, 2007 Posted April 2, 2007 I have a similar question (sort of): I have a Pana dvd-r and plasma, both with integrated digital tuners. Is it better to daisy-chain them (as per old vcr analogue system) or put a double adaptor in the wall socket and run cables to each device in parallel? Definitely better to use a splitter than 'looping through' one device to another.
mtv Posted April 2, 2007 Posted April 2, 2007 Thanks guys - I currently have the antenna cable coming into the ceiling and going to two points downstairs - one I am using - the other I am not. I want to hack into it to get a branch upstairs...I'm not sure what is at the junction where it branches already - I will have a look. Is it pretty easy to DIY this sort of cable and install the junctions/plugs etc? I've done speaker wire etc before but never touched antenna cable... I'm reasonably proficiant with a soldering iron etc... Should be able to get everything I need from Jaycar/Dick Smith? Two options... replace the existing two-way splitter with a three-way splitter to connect your additional outlet to. The better option is to disconnect the outlet you don't use, then connect your new cable to the existing splitter. You won't have any additional signal loss that way, as you are just replacing one of the existing connections. Yes, DSE & Jaycar will have what you need. All F connectors are solderless. You will either need a crimping tool if you choose crimp-type connectors (the best type) or twist-on type.
SenojNW Posted April 2, 2007 Author Posted April 2, 2007 Two options... replace the existing two-way splitter with a three-way splitter to connect your additional outlet to.The better option is to disconnect the outlet you don't use, then connect your new cable to the existing splitter. You won't have any additional signal loss that way, as you are just replacing one of the existing connections. Yes, DSE & Jaycar will have what you need. All F connectors are solderless. You will either need a crimping tool if you choose crimp-type connectors (the best type) or twist-on type. Good idea - I'll take a look at the branch point that is up there and just disconnect the one I am not using and plug in at that point (probably just a plug?). Then I just need to prepare the new length of cable with F connector at one end and a wall plate plug at the other end... No cutting cables - I like!
mtv Posted April 2, 2007 Posted April 2, 2007 Depending on the type of splitter you currently have, it will either be an F type, or a screw & saddle type. Either way, you'll have to prepare the new cable for termination at both ends.
SenojNW Posted April 2, 2007 Author Posted April 2, 2007 Which involves? Sorry - never done it before...
madmax Posted April 2, 2007 Posted April 2, 2007 Which involves? Sorry - never done it before... Most likely it will be the saddle type. Just copy what they did with the existing cable, it might involve stripping the end a little but should be easy enough with a razor blade and a screwdriver.
fawlty99 Posted April 2, 2007 Posted April 2, 2007 http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtop...mp;#entry499055 Might give you a few clues.
mtv Posted April 3, 2007 Posted April 3, 2007 Alternatively, if you are unsure, you could have a pro installer do the job for you. At the same time, he could check your antenna and signal levels/quality to ensure you are recieving adequate and reliable digital signals.
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