Channel Master CM 7777 vs Channel Master CM 7778

[Dan Wilson]

I just got my AntennaCraft Deep Fringe up and running guys and it picks up everything really well ...except 3 and 5 come in and out (the last few channels I even care about pulling in)....hardly pulling in....so obviously the pre amp is needed....but if the Jackson stuff is pulling in strong will the CM 7777 knock it down? or do I need to go with the Medium 7778? and I noticed the pre amp had TWO inputs for both bands....how does that work out if the antenna only has one coax? humm ok still confused about that one....either way this is the last step here and I'm just not sure about this.......

TV Fool

http://www.antennacraft.net/pdfs/CCS1843.pdf

 

[n2rj]

The 7777 has better specs - slightly higher gain than the 7778 and lower noise. I had one, sold it to a local friend when I replaced it with a research comms (UK) PHEMT LNA. It was a really nice amp but did not play well when there were strong local signals. Fortunately those strong local signals all went away come 02/17/09.

The two inputs (one for VHF, one for UHF) are only needed when you have two antennas. If you have only one antenna, there is a switch inside of the preamp that allows you to use a combined input. The documentation that comes with the amp will tell you how to do it.

Don't use the rubber boots that come with the preamp. Don't use the connectors either. Use good quality compression connectors and some silicone self fusing tape such as Rescue Tape around the connectors. Put a layer of electrical tape over it after that and you will have an installation that will last a very long time.

 

[SWHouston]

Dan,

Have you taken a look at...
AntennaCraft 10G212: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=10G212

Using an Amp with that station (R39/FOX) so close may be problematic, but given that the 212
has a Power Adjustment, may be an advantage.

 

[Tim58hsv]

I noticed the pre amp had TWO inputs for both bands....how does that work out if the antenna only has one coax? humm ok still confused about that one.

You'll hook the antenna to the UHF port of the preamp since that port is designed for both UHF/VHF reception. The VHF port is there in case you have a VHF only antenna.
I believe the UHF port is factory set for a UHF/VHF antenna but you may want to open the preamp to be sure it's set to "combine." Easy to do too. You'll have to remove four phillips screws to open the preamp and there will a switch inside to set the amp to either UHF or combine. There's also a switch inside to filter out FM signals if you like.

 

[Dan Wilson]

Dan,

Have you taken a look at...
AntennaCraft 10G212: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=10G212

Using an Amp with that station (R39/FOX) so close may be problematic, but given that the 212
has a Power Adjustment, may be an advantage.

Well I DO like that this is also made by my antenna maker too....will it do the same job I'm wondering....and it doesn't say anything is the gain adjustable INSIDE..... and damn this is like 30 dollars cheaper......

 

[SWHouston]

Dan,

I contacted Solid Signal (EMail) concerning your question, hopefully Jerry or Mike will get back with an answer shortly.

 

[n2rj]

Dan,

Have you taken a look at...
AntennaCraft 10G212: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=10G212

Using an Amp with that station (R39/FOX) so close may be problematic, but given that the 212
has a Power Adjustment, may be an advantage.

I also bought that one and I completely agree. I have it in the closet as a "backup" preamp in case I ever need it.

While the noise factor in that preamp is higher, it tends to play better with strong nearby signals. The gain control I haven't really found useful. It may be useful if you live close to a transmitter.

 

[n2rj]

Well I DO like that this is also made by my antenna maker too....will it do the same job I'm wondering....and it doesn't say anything is the gain adjustable INSIDE..... and damn this is like 30 dollars cheaper......

The gain on the 10G212 is adjustable from inside the house. The gain control is on the power supply unit.

 

[solidsignal_tech]

The 10G212 definately has something to offer you in this situation with the adjustable gain. Many people are dealing with issues just like this, and the gain adjuster allows them to find a happy medium between too strong, and too weak.

The higher noise level of the 10G212 will not help your weakest stations. In my experience the higher the noise, the less likely your TV tuner is to hold on to a weaker station. You can also buy an adjustable attenuator to knock down the gain.

Also, there is one amp that is especially for high-input signals, (stations within 10 miles or so). It doesnt have the adjustable gain but its not a deal-breaker to me. The Winegard HDP269.

 

[SWHouston]

SolidSignal Tech,

Jerry/Mike/Moose/whoever... Thank you for your reply. Don't wait for an invitation to drop by next time, your comments are always welcome.

Thanks again,
S.W.

 

[solidsignal_tech]

SolidSignal Tech,

Jerry/Mike/Moose/whoever... Thank you for your reply. Don't wait for an invitation to drop by next time, your comments are always welcome.

Thanks again,
S.W.

Always a pleasure S.W. It's Mike this time but I have reserved this user name for any Solid Signal Tech to respond from. Very nice forum here, we will be hanging around.

 

[SWHouston]

HELLO Mike !, good to hear from you again !

Yes, this is a great Forum, very nice people who are well informed and very helpful.
It doesn't matter which one of you posts, we're very glad to keep in touch.

My best to you and all there at SSig for 2012 and beyond.

S.W.

 

[Dan Wilson]

Using an Amp with that station (R39/FOX) so close may be problematic, but given that the 212
has a Power Adjustment, may be an advantage.

yeah that was the channel I was worried about i can SEE the freaking tower from here actually....and I DO LOVE MY FOX...but while tweaking the "bird" during my last scan 13 showed up and showed up good and it's a FOX to ...so I'm good all the way around...but I'm just going to go with the 212 with the adjustable gain because 3 and 5 ARE almost coming in they just need that boost....just cross your fingers that maybe that will pull in the ION too...which would put the icing on the cake ....funny thing is IT's JUST about as close too maybe the pre amp will read that too..................well see......guys like always your wonderful thanks for getting me past yet another hump.

 

[SWHouston]

WHBQ showed up !, that's at over 70 miles !, WOW, what ever you're doing, DON'T STOP ! :thumb:

 

[Dan Wilson]

and BOOM....with another tweak 24 pulled in too.....my line up is pretty damn good right now ...well see what the booster does.....I've decided to go with the 212 and just see what happens and finally get all the elements in place an this new entertainment mecca in place.....

 

[SWHouston]

Dan,

Keep in mind, though the 212's adjustability is a very nice feature, you also have options to insert individual "Set" and "Adjustable" attenuators on separate Antennas to get a more balanced collective signal.

And, to consider the next possibility...
You don't have to "Amp" all your antennas.
You can put the Amp before the Combiner, and just do one.

 

[n2rj]

And, to consider the next possibility...
You don't have to "Amp" all your antennas.
You can put the Amp before the Combiner, and just do one.

With just one catch... make sure the combiner/splitter has "DC pass through" otherwise the amp won't work.

 

[SWHouston]

Ryan,
HA yea, thanks for the reminder, good catch ! :thumb:

Dan,
Just to add to Ryan's comment...
His suggestion applies to an Amp, which is powered via the Coaxial Cable.
Amps which have their own Power Cable, do not need Splitter/Combiners with the pass-through.

Now, it's a good idea to always buy a Pass-through type, you never know when that will come in handy, and save you an additional trip to the store.

 

[Dan Wilson]

ok.....had the day off so i spent it putting the final touches on the outside set-up before making up my mind exactly which of these pre amps I should get....(I'm using a heavy duty military grade (adjustable) tent pole I found at the local surplus which turned out perfect) I added the last length which put me about 25 foot)and then screwed the different sections down so they wouldn't move) ...cold crisp clean night I decided this is it....my final scan tweak before I decided on a pre amp....and ok I'm KNOCKED OUT....

in addition to my regular Jackson stations 7 (ABC/ABC/CBS) 11(PBS,CREATE,WORLD) and 16(FOX/COOL) and the Memphis stations I was already picking up 13(FOX), 24(ABC/COOL), 30 (CW/ME)
I also picked up the following Memphis stations 3 (CBS/ANTENNA), 5 (NBC/BOUNCE/THIS), 50 (ION/ION LITE/QUBO) SO....the BAD news...I they faded with Sunrise like a vampire scared of the light...with the exception of 13 AND 24 which I can see but are pixaled to hell......NOW...with all this new information ...suggestions....that's ALOT of channels isn't it....

 

[Dan Wilson]

ok after my last exciting post....and almost falling sleeping a few times watching ION and Qubo my two lastest (almost additions LOL) I read about what u guys we're saying about multiple antenna and attenuators .....right now...as I learn more my skill level stops here....if I can pull this stuff in with what I got (and obviously a good pre amp which I'll be ordering later today) I think I'm gonna be good .....isn't all this about a good as it's gonna get per say? this is just about ONE each of everything listed on the broadcaster page line up.....except a few odd things like the Man Channel or whatever it is and PB and J....which isn't even around here anywhere.....