Channel Master CM 7777 vs Channel Master CM 7778

[SWHouston]

Dan,

It's SO much fun playing around with this stuff. Most all of us have at one time, Rotated, Amped and installed more than one Antenna, some with the intent to "get it all".

However, when the dust settles, though I have OTA, Comcast and personal Satellite, I watch about 10 stations, and most of them are on OTA.

BUT, I really enjoyed doing all that work, and spending all that money. :dizzy:

 

[Dan Wilson]

OK you guys will kill me after all this but.....(head flies off from a blade from SWHouston) lol but when the Solid Signal guy started preaching about Noise Levels...I did a extensive search for low noise amps and came across a this Antra AT-PAU18 Low Noise Pre-Amplifier HDTV Pre-amp for UHF Antenna 28dB Gain Amazon.com: Antra AT-PAU18 Low Noise Pre-Amplifier HDTV Pre-amp for UHF Antenna 28dB Gain: Electronics
It's got a just slightly lower 26dB Gain and just a 2.0dB Noise Level....it's ordered and if it happens to KNOCK out 16 (FOX) there's also 13 still which I pick up and sure that'll compensate for the lose...I'll keep u guys posted on how it goes....

 

[n2rj]

Antra? Never heard of them.

 

[SWHouston]

I never herd of that brand either, but 28db is about what you'll need.

However, I read the specs, unfortunate that it is UHF only, and I couldn't find where they said just what noise level it had.

 

[Dan Wilson]

It's specs are a 26dB Gain and just a 2.0dB Noise Level.

VHF ummmm....well I think other than WMC 5 outta Memphis (which is actually a VHF LOW) it's not a total deal breaker...cause it might come in anyway since I'm High/Low (duel banded) well see...I've already done a pre scan...which is pretty much bringing in what I GET and the STATION IDS on stations which I ALMOST PICK UP....I'm crossing my fingers maybe the simple power of the amp might go ahead and bring it in and the Loise Noise hopefully hold them better.....cause when i get these here....I GET them STRONG...so well see......

 

[Dan Wilson]

ok while this THING is on the way.......yet another stoopid question for my experts....if I have my coax running directly from my antenna into my splitter....(which I used cause they we're each already run from my old DirecTV connection convenently) ummmm where in this set up (or how) does this pre amp come in IF...it's gotta be plugged into the inside.....????

 

[dkreichen1968]

ok while this THING is on the way.......yet another stoopid question for my experts....if I have my coax running directly from my antenna into my splitter....(which I used cause they we're each already run from my old DirecTV connection convenently) ummmm where in this set up (or how) does this pre amp come in IF...it's gotta be plugged into the inside.....????

Yes, it must be plugged in inside. The DC power is run on the coax cable and must be "inserted" between the splitter and the amp (mounted near the antenna). That can be done remotely using the inserter included with the amp. Just run an extra line of coax from the wall wart power supply (plugged in inside your house) to the inserter. If you have an unused coax outlet, you can rewire it, or you can run a new line.

 

[SWHouston]

Like this for multiple TV's...

Antenna,
Balun,
Coax, about 4",
Pre Amp,
Coax, long into House/Attic,
Power Passing Splitter* (2-8 Port),
Coax, from Splitter specific port, down to TV Location,
Power Inserter, plugged into close electrical outlet,
Coax, short to TV or local standard Splitter.

Like this for single TV...

Antenna,
Balun,
Coax, about 4",
Pre Amp,
Coax, long into TV Location,
Power Inserter, plugged into close electrical outlet,
Coax, short to TV or local standard Splitter.

*Note:
On the Power Passing Splitter...
You can get one where only one port passes power,
or one where ALL ports pass power.

Note2:
IF a Rotator is proposed/used, it should have it's
own (separate) power Cable. Do not try to combine
Power Inserter's to multiple equipment on one Coax.

 

[dkreichen1968]

Like this for multiple TV's...

Antenna,
Balun,
Coax, about 4",
Pre Amp,
Coax, long into House/Attic,
Power Passing Splitter,
Coax, from Splitter specific port, down to TV Location,
Power Inserter, plugged into close electrical outlet,
Coax, short to TV or local standard Splitter.

This set up requires the purchase of a power passing splitter.

The important thing is that the DC power needs to be blocked so that it isn't running on the lines that feed the TVs. Either by placing the inserter before the splitter in my set up, or by using a power passing splitter (which blocks the DC to all the outlets but one) and putting the inserter on the line that has the DC pass through, in SWHouston's set up. My set up wouldn't involve buying any more special parts since a power inserter, which is good for remote use, is included with your preamp.

 

[SWHouston]

Dan,

That is a very good suggestion, placing the Power Supply in the Coax line, before any splitters. I have done that several times, when there was a convenient Electrical Outlet in the Attic or in the Cable Route.

 

[Dan Wilson]

oh DEAR sweetness u have GOT to be kidding me.....MORE money I've got to spend.....

 

[Dan Wilson]

well....u know I'm trailer trash here (but classy trailer trash) I do have OUTLETS outSIDE with covers ....would there be anything wrong with using one of them instead...maybe than crawling under the house....a bitch just had heart surgery here...lol

 

[SWHouston]

Dan,

No, those Power Supplies are not outside rated. You may have to buy a Power Passing Splitter ($2-4) but don't put one outside.

 

[Dan Wilson]

sooo my question to someone would be.....ok I have this pre amp here now...and yes it said UHF.....is it gonna do NOTHING for the VHF reception or should I send it back>>>>

 

[MrPogi]

sooo my question to someone would be.....ok I have this pre amp here now...and yes it said UHF.....is it gonna do NOTHING for the VHF reception or should I send it back>>>>

Hi, Pogi here (Former trailer trash myself)

You've got it in hand, the weekend is here, and you could rig it up - even temporarily, using extension cord and coax - and if it doesn't work out, wrap it back up and return it next week.

I'd hook it up and see what it does, at the very least, you can give us a review of the amp. I HAVE heard of Antra before, but never used them.

Here's some info from Digitalhome.ca: Signal Amplifiers (Amps, Preamps, Distro Amps) - See Chart in Post #1 - Page 98 - Digital Forum

This is a UHF only amp. I would say its blocking VHF as all VHF is very snowy, much worse than without

I forgot to mention its also picking up #42 which I couldnt get before.

and there is also this: Signal Amplifiers (Amps, Preamps, Distro Amps) - See Chart in Post #1 - Page 106 - Digital Forum

Edit: Now I remember where I've heard the "Antra" name, they sell this antenna:
Antra AT-MB04HD HDTV Antenna for UHF

$29.99 + $12.74 shipping on Amazon.
They are located in Toronto, Canada.
http://www.partsforhdtv.com/

I'd like to give this antenna a test drive. Price is good, shipping is not.

 

[Dan Wilson]

So what do any of you guys think about this one.....it's a Windgard has a pretty decent low noise dB and have a decent price....Winegard AP-8700 Digital Preamplifier 18 Db Gain Low Noise (615798100186) | eBay

 

[EscapeVelocity]

Looks like you are doing pretty well. Good job. These guys are amazing.

For what it is worth, Im a big fan of the Antennacraft 10G212 amplifier.....but admit that I have a Channel Master CM 7777 on the roof. I have an Antennacraft 10G212 as backup, and to have before they all disappear. I also have installed an AntennaCraft 10G212 at "the barn" at another property.

 

[Dan Wilson]

Well learnt a lot of lessons in one day.....like the problems crawling under the house assumed...now DID all that and had to switch it all back ....I actually lost most of my signals once i ran everything into the house... ....so for me this Antra is a total piece of crap.... had to switch it all back...UGH.....so now back to the drawing board on the whole pre amp.....I'm going back to my original idea and try a CM 7777 because unless your considering 16 (Fox/Jackson) then I'm under the impression everything else is way over 20 miles i'm trying to pick up anway and is the only way to bring in those last few channels....

TV Fool

 

[MrPogi]

Well learnt a lot of lessons in one day.....like the problems crawling under the house assumed...now DID all that and had to switch it all back ....I actually lost most of my signals once i ran everything into the house... ....so for me this Antra is a total piece of crap.... had to switch it all back...UGH.....so now back to the drawing board on the whole pre amp.....I'm going back to my original idea and try a CM 7777 because unless your considering 16 (Fox/Jackson) then I'm under the impression everything else is way over 20 miles i'm trying to pick up anway and is the only way to bring in those last few channels....

TV Fool

Did you learn something? Then it wasn't a total loss!

 

[Dan Wilson]

yeah I learnt that there's a whole nest of freaking spiders right under the floor to my room.......and imagine running into that without seeing it and completely freaking out with no where to run ......LOL and that a 7777 at min I think is required for anything more special than what I currently am getting per say.....but it's all good....I'll do it later when i'm not sore from my first try....