Channel Master CM 7777 vs Channel Master CM 7778

[dave73]

For those of you not aware on this board, but the Channelmaster CM-7777/7778 pre-amplifiers have been "New & Improved". I say Yeah Right! The new Channelmaster CM7777/7778 pre-amplifiers now only have 1 input, & the specifications aren't as clear as the old CM-7777/7778 models. If you can get an older model, now is the time to get it, as these new ones will eventually be the only ones you get.
http://www.channelmaster.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/cm-7777_7778_slick_24jan12_web.pdf

I personally like the idea of being able to use 1 pre-amplifier for separate VHF & UHF antennas, instead of for just 1 antenna. I didn't put much thought into getting the older Channelmaster CM-7777 pre-amplifier when I bought my RCA TVPRAMP1R pre-amplifier in 2010. I bought that one to amplify my then Philips VHF/UHF/FM combo antenna, & noticed that I could amplify separate VHF & UHF antennas. I now use it for my Antennacraft CS600 VHF antenna & Winegard HD9032 UHF antenna. I'll have to see what Antennacraft has in the way of pre-amps now that Channelmaster became the latest company to do away with separate VHF & UHF input ports on their pre-amps. I may have to consider buying another RCA pre-amp if I need a new one, unless I want to join my VHF antenna into the Winegard antenna (Winegard HD9032 antenna has a 300ohm joiner built-in), & hope the one pre-amp can amplify both antennas.

 

[Dan Wilson]

There seems to be alot of conflicting information about how well the CM7777 worked in the first place, after staring down multiple post, consumer input I just went with this Windgard 8700 because it seem to (while maybe not the most popular) offered the same specks (kinda) when it comes down to it....but one thing is constant ....seems like one thing's not changed in the last three thousands years...(ok I guested at that a bit) ...your distance and locale, always effect the usefulness of a pre amp )of course) so you have the same chances about either direction u go....

 

[Tim58hsv]

For those of you not aware on this board, but the Channelmaster CM-7777/7778 pre-amplifiers have been "New & Improved". I say Yeah Right! The new Channelmaster CM7777/7778 pre-amplifiers now only have 1 input, & the specifications aren't as clear as the old CM-7777/7778 models. If you can get an older model, now is the time to get it, as these new ones will eventually be the only ones you get.
http://www.channelmaster.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/cm-7777_7778_slick_24jan12_web.pdf

Seems like a bad idea. With the separate VHF/UHF it gave you the option of amplifying the UHF channels only and thus there was no need (in most cases) of using the signal robbing FM trap. Now with the new models you'll be amplifying the FM signals along with the UHF and in many cases one would need the FM trap. Their new amp design really sucks.

 

[No Static At All]

The real beauty of the old 7777 was the ability to amplify VHF & UHF separately. This can help reduce intermodulation issues between the 2 bands.

 

[Dan Wilson]

ok I have a question that i don't understand ...i can't seem (of course I'm looking in the wrong place) but I can't figure out which position this Windgard should be set to turn OFF the FM trap.....anyone that fooled around with this crap undertands more than i do...my purchase was a refurbish so it's guarenteed but it didn't come with paper work..looks like a light switch (kinda) is the OFF position the position CLOSE to the inside casing wall or not?

 

[Tim58hsv]

From Winegards PDF on the amp you should set it to “FIXED TRAP OUT” for FM reception.

 

[Dan Wilson]

oh dear lord is said it right on the casing.....rolls eyes...sorry...I'm working it out now but I gonna be putting this hukka up later when it gets warmer lol

 

[Dan Wilson]

when dealing with a FM TRAP...is it turned ON...when it's in the IN or OUT position...???

 

[Dan Wilson]

ok I've got to recant here...due to a unforeseen elements....I had to pull both coax from the existing TV sets (doing a two TV SET SET UP HERE STILL) AND the long length of coax coming off the pre amp into the utility room where there's a plug....now with all THREE of these elements in one place now.....and working with ONE ALL PORTS and ONE INSERTER....there's gotta be a way for this to happen cause I can't get over those pipes....lets do this one step at a time....(starting from what's running IN) the COAX running from the POLE/PRE AMP goes into WHAT........first...then well go from there....sorry I've got to break this down....