i split my cable connection and cable t.v with a splitter but...signal loss?

[newbie1]

ok when i put my cable modems connection (coaxial) and stick it into my t.v. i get bootleg cable, meaning i get channels 2-12, I like it because i don't need to use an antenna...

i don't have cable t.v in my room, only in my living room

so i bought a cable splitter, the one specifically for cable t.v. and cable internet:

RadioShack
4-WAY SPLITTER
15-2583
5-1100MHz

7.5dB for each port

my cable splitter, click here (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F002%5F018%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2583)
________


setup:

i have 3 coaxial cables 1 is going in the "IN" port of the splitter(cable), 1 is going to my t.v., the other is going to my cable modem, it works for a couple of seconds when i switch cables real fast, then my modem resets, and im guessing its the signal

if it is signal loss,what kind of device would i use to boost these kind of connections with my setup, that is listed above?

bi-directional amplifier,diplexer,combiner????

please click the link and find the device i need:
radio shacks splitter products and stuff (http://www.radioshack.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F002%5F018%5F000&Page=1)


thanks in advance

[cplclegg]

I have my line split 3 times after it comes into my apartment and notice no signal loss. I think it's either you have it or you don't but I could be wrong. But you are stealing cable.

[newbie1]

what i mean by it works for a couple of seconds is that, when i put my cable connection(coaxial cable) to the splitter, and another coaxial from the splitter to connect to the cable modem, my cable modem resets, but during those couple of seconds, im still able to go online, but then when my cable modem resets, it can't detect the cable connection, so i have a feeling that its either a bad cable splitter, or the signal gets weak when it passes through the splitter

[Cable_Dood]

Signal power loss won't kill your modem unless it can't range it's power up to compensate. Quality over quantity is the rule of thumb. Each leg of a 4 way splitter attenuates (reduced in quantity) your signal 7dB versus 3.5dB for a 2 way splitter.

When buying a splitter, check frequency response: needs to be 5-1000MHz. Older splitters usually only pass 5-500 or 600MHz.

In many cases, the downstream carrier for a modem is near the threshold of these older splitters and is subjected to frequency response roll-off.

A 5-1000 MHz 3 way splitter has a 3.5dB and 2 7dB down legs.....get one and throw your modem on the 3.5dB leg.

Surf on...

BTW....the cost of that cable is figured into your rates...you may as well enjoy it. ;)

[newbie1]

thanks Cable_Dood:), by any chance fo you have a link where i can get one of those splitter you are talking about? "A 5-1000 MHz 3 way splitter has a 3.5dB and 2 7dB down legs", like i can't find it in radio shack, the closest to the one that you typed out that i could find in radio shacks website is a:

15-2582
5-1100MHz
3.5db

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F002%5F002%5F018%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D2582

is that any good?

[newbie1]

?

[CTech]

Your best bet is to try the lowest loss leg of a splitter. Try to get one from the cable company, as they will have splitters with good isolation and 2way approved. Use a splitter with the required number of ports, dont use one with more ports than you need.
(Not all splitters have a low loss port)

Signal loss plays a big factor in cable modem conectivity. While modems can range their power, they have a limited range. Also, the loss of the splitter will increase the power required by your modem to send data back to the headend. So you are fighting 2 fronts. Depending on how your house or appartment is fed, you may be on the edge of operability already, so the introduction of another splitter may cause you problems.

[Cable_Dood]

I agree....you generally want to minimize the amount of splitters between your modem and the CMTS....Apartment wiring is notoriously bad. I would call the local cable company and see if they'll bring one by.....they shouldn't charge you for it. If not, send me a SASE package and I'll mail you a couple. Email me at Cable_Dood@lycos.com if you need help.

[newbie1]

ok Cable_Dood, i sent you an email, my email addy is hot_cool_dude64@hotmail.com, please reply if you got it

[newbie1]

comcast uses a specific cable splitter, one that is not sold in stores, if i use a different one like say a "radio shack" splitter, the connection will probably be good if im lucky only for a few days, then it will shut off (online cable connection), i know because i asked the the technician that came over my house

[MtCableman]

Originally posted by Cable_Dood

BTW....the cost of that cable is figured into your rates...you may as well enjoy it. ;)

HUH?
Then why would they seperate the bills? One for cable tv and another one for INTERNET? That might be correct for the company you work for but it is not standard policy for other companies.

Hmmmm.....

[Cable_Dood]

They have taken into account the revenue lost because they cannot prevent you from getting limited cable if you have a cable modem...and compensated accordingly. This is not news to the cable company.

[MtCableman]

Originally posted by Cable_Dood
They have taken into account the revenue lost because they cannot prevent you from getting limited cable if you have a cable modem...and compensated accordingly. This is not news to the cable company.

I guess that is why we only allow 2 channels to be seen with a lot of snow in them for people without cable. That's 2 out of 66 channels! That's what I call LIMITED! A lot more limited than channels 2-12. I think companies need to "re-think" the filtering scheme to allow les channels to people that will access the cable signal to their TVs. It is possible to filter out most of the channels to prevent unauthorized viewing. Just think, if companies would "allow" for proper filtering, then they wouldn't have to "charge more" to INTERNET users to make up for the possibility of unauthorized viewing.

Maybe they could provide cheaper INTERNET service.

[Mike_W]

My cable bill (Comcast) is all one bill. Internet is listed with the cable charges. And, referencing the splitter, the one that I got with my install kit is a two way splitter with 3.5db on both legs.

[MtCableman]

I am guessing that is the difference between Comcast and AT&T.

Oh well.........

[Thecablekid]

Just to let you guys know that i work for a coble company and it is best that you do not split the line going to your modem and if you do then your should install an amplifier but be carefull on which amp you buy cause some do not allow the right frequency for "Return or Upstream" signal. But like i said you shouldn't split that line for the fact that our modems maybe not your guys but our need to be homerun to have the best signal w/return to the modem! I deal with your problem ALOT and trust me but i could go into SO MUCH detail about this so ill leave it at that.

[ace]

Just to let you guys know that i work for a coble company and it is best that you do not split the line going to your modem and if you do then your should install an amplifier but be carefull on which amp you buy cause some do not allow the right frequency for "Return or Upstream" signal. But like i said you shouldn't split that line for the fact that our modems maybe not your guys but our need to be homerun to have the best signal w/return to the modem! I deal with your problem ALOT and trust me but i could go into SO MUCH detail about this so ill leave it at that.

At least look at the thread date. This thread is over two years old and there are plenty of cable guys that come here on a daily basis. It is worthless for you to bump this thread.

[wee96]

Couple things here, first I read that someone said they split their line 3 times and are getting no signal loss. Technically, yes you are. Everytime you split a cable, or even splice a cable (barrel connection) there is a signal loss. Splitters are normally rated for that loss on each port, typically a two way splitter loses 3.5db (on all frequencies) while a 3 way loses 3.5 on two ports, the third loses 7 to 7.5. Some 3 ways lose 5db on all 3 ports. 4 way splitters lose 7-7.5 on each port, and so on. You might not be noticing a problem as far as your modem is concerned when you split, but you ARE losing signal. Thankfully your return path is strong enough to allow you to do that.

Second thing, if you have modem service only, and are receiving limited basic, basic television, your not supposed to be. Its not your fault obviously and consider yourself lucky, but all cable companies trap out cable television frequencies if your a modem only customer (when the tech's actually have the traps in stock). If the tech didnt care or didnt have the trap in his truck, that would be why your getting cable tv. There have been times that people who didnt even take the trap off, got charged with stealing cable....just be careful.


Bahaha I didnt even read that this thread was so old....well might as well say what I said anyway :) Hows WOW ace? :D

[ace]

Bahaha I didnt even read that this thread was so old....well might as well say what I said anyway :) Hows WOW ace? :D

Actually not to bad. As you know cable is cable whatever company you work. But its all about how you get paid!!!:D I am actually heading back to school this year and hope to stop installing next year!!(pray for me!!:D)

[wee96]

Actually not to bad. As you know cable is cable whatever company you work. But its all about how you get paid!!!:D I am actually heading back to school this year and hope to stop installing next year!!(pray for me!!:D)

Sounds like a great plan, glad to hear everythings ok.