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Re: [RFI] Mast-mount TV Pre-Amp -- Avoiding RFI & Overload?

To: doc@kd4e.com
Subject: Re: [RFI] Mast-mount TV Pre-Amp -- Avoiding RFI & Overload?
From: "Roger (K8RI)" <k8ri@rogerhalstead.com>
Date: Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:37:06 -0400
List-post: <rfi@contesting.com">mailto:rfi@contesting.com>
I've been following this thread for a while plus one contribution...so...

kd4e wrote:
> We are out in the woods and I need a mast-mount pre-amp for 
> TV signals.
>   
When you say "out int he woods", are the stations close (strong 
signals), far, (weak signals) or a mix?
Are they all (more or less) in one direction?
What distance ranges and headings (or bearings) are we looking at?
> This one is only $26. but I worry that it is junk which will 
> fail early
For that price it *might* be a concern.
>  and may
> distort signals
Which *might* be a concern if you have any super strong signals.  Most 
remote amps including the moderate priced ones have variable gain.
>  and fail to exclude Ham signals below 6M as 
> well as 6M, 2, &
> 440.
>   
Which may or may not be a problem.
Some have filters, some have a filter for the FM and 2 meter band and 
some don't.  HOWEVER unless you have some really strong TV stations, or 
the 50, 144, and 440 antennas are going to be very close and of the same 
polarization I wouldn't be overly concerned to the point of losing 
sleep.  I would get a bit better remote preamp though
> http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?ref=7&products_id=5741
> AntennaCraft 10G212 Antenna Pre Amplifier 30 dB UHF / VHF / FM
>
> Has anyone used one of these?
>
>   
I've not used one of those particular remote amps, but I do have two of 
the Radio Shack models up which are not noted for greatness.
> Can anyone recommend a better device?
>
> Since using a mast-mount pre-amp will eliminate the need for 
> a rotator
>   
What makes you think it will eliminate the need for a rotator?  I'm not 
saying it wont, but if the stations are at a reasonable distance then 
you may not even need a preamp.  If the stations are mostly in one 
direction and the antenna is a relatively simple one like a corner 
reflector of dual bow tie with a screen reflector then it's likely you 
can get away without a rotator. 

I get away with out a rotator or even VHF antenna and we in lower 
Michigan are keeping lots of VHF channels, both low and high band.  The 
UHF are generally in two directions so I get away with two fixed mounted 
UHF antennas while the VHF stations are strong enough I don't need a 
directive VHF antenna.  It took a little adjusting of the beam headings 
but not a lot.  It takes very little signal for a beautiful image, but 
it also takes very little of a multi path signal to cause the loss of 
sync, but you'll never complain about ghosting<:-))
> it is worth the investment of a few extra dollars.
>
>   
I would go with a better amp, but I think many get overly concerned 
about possible problems.If it's a simple system, put it up, try it and 
modify it if necessary.


73

Roger (K8RI)
> WDYT?
>
>   
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