jimbo
07-19-2009, 05:12 AM
We are located at a very wooded seasonal site and with new digital tv we are on the fringe of all the stations. We are considering direct tv and found a area that we could mount a dish on the back side of some woods. The only thing it would be a long run for a cable. What I would like to know is how long of a cable run would be realistic without affecting the signal from the dish? Some one told a friend that it doesn't matter how far you run the cable but it doesn't seem right to me. Also I have been told you can purchase signal boosters for inline to boost the signal from your dish. Is this possible?:confused:
whodo
07-19-2009, 10:22 AM
As a basic rule of thumb:
From outside the RV to the "Dish" RG6 is preferred for distances up to around 100 feet.
For runs longer than 100 feet, you may want to start using a VERY low loss cable like RG-11. (Belden 7731) this will allow you runs in the neighborhood of 250 feet plus before the current/voltage to the dish and the 'sense' voltage/current it needs from the receiver(s) drops below acceptable level.
The big thing is, if one can virtually eliminate the voltage/current drop in the cable (remember the sat LNB needs 13v & 18V signal to operate). The trick to do this, is to either (or both) eliminate the problem by going to a VERY low loss (for both the current/voltage drop AND the RF L-Band loss) by going with RG11 cable, {solid copper RG-11. (Belden 7731)} or by being able to put a powered {SWM8 'cable' type two-way amplifier} {Sonora HRPID1422 } for instance at the dish.
Doing that 'virtually' eliminates the 'drop' in the cable as a problem, as the unit provides the 'good' current/voltage to the dish and the 'sense' voltage/current it needs from the receiver(s) in measured (for the current) in micro-amps/watts. I have seen several systems that exceed 400' in distance.
Here is a couple of web links that you can contact for getting a in-line amp like the (Sonora HRPID 1422) or similar. Personally I would contact them an ask for a recommendation on what is available TODAY and what is working the best.
http://www.sadoun.com/
http://www.solidsignal.com/