Electroline 4 Port -vs- 8 Port

[Dewey]

Does anyone know of a problem that can be caused by too many unused, but terminated ports on a drop amp? I generally run 2-3 scanners, but since I see only a $10-$15 difference between the Electroline EDA-UG2402 (4-Port) and Electroline EDA-UG2802 (8-port) that are out there, I'm thinking about the 8-port for possible, but not likely expansion. I've seen the arguments about using a plain old "T" splitter versus a drop amp. In fact, I've been running a "T" for many years. I would just like to see if adding an inexpensive Electronline may cause me to make some catches that I may have been missing.

Thanks,
Dewey

 

[benbenrf]

Dewey

I see the literature for the Electroline EDA-UG2802 makes the point that it is to used only with inputs that have already been amplified. That's normally because the signal at the output is split by however many times there are output ports, and to maintain a working signal level strength at all outputs a certain input level has to be supplied in the first place - which without amplification, the manufacturer is giving the impression may not be sufficient to achieve equal output level with in the first place (that tells me something about the amplification methodolgy the manufacturer is adopting with this piece of equipment).

Heres a point to consider: active splitters/dividers etc .... do require a certain input signal level for the same level to be held on the output side. My concern here would be that, as it is made primarliy for cable TV signals that are generally a lot stronger than typical VHF/UHF scanning signals, its a possibility there will be insufficient VHF/UHF input signal strength for the amp stages to sustain sufficent output i.e. not withstanding that the manufacturer has said equal signal level is avalible on the output ports, it must be kept in mind that the statement is made for cable TV signal type level(s) at the input port, and amplified signals at that - not for over the air VHF/UHF scanning type signal levels.

A second consideration: port to port isolation - the higher the port to port isolation (dB) the better, and as it's made for cable TV freq's primarily it may (just may) not have very good isolation over and above typical cable TV freq's.

Poor port to port isolation and signal level drop are possibilities - as to wheather or not they will result in any real world discernable listening difference will only be discovered when you try it out, or if there is someone out there who has used this piece of hardware and knows the answer.

Failing that, try get hold of the manufacturers spec sheet for min required input signal level/strength ( and compare it with whatever signal level input your receiver/scanner requires to provide good clean demodulation). Also check out what the port to port isolation figures for the EDA-UG2802 - especially at the frequencies you intend to be using it at). In reality I would think they'll be little difference between the 8 port and the 4 port models as manufacturers tend to use the same designs and components in scaled hardware designs.

What I'm sharing with you are not defineate problems - just the points I'd be thinking through and wanting to get answers to before forking out my hard earned cash and buying one.

 

[thewenk]

Does anyone know of a problem that can be caused by too many unused, but terminated ports on a drop amp? I generally run 2-3 scanners, but since I see only a $10-$15 difference between the Electroline EDA-UG2402 (4-Port) and Electroline EDA-UG2802 (8-port) that are out there, I'm thinking about the 8-port for possible, but not likely expansion. I've seen the arguments about using a plain old "T" splitter versus a drop amp. In fact, I've been running a "T" for many years. I would just like to see if adding an inexpensive Electronline may cause me to make some catches that I may have been missing.

Thanks,
Dewey

I've used both the UG2402 and the UG2802 before to do exactly what you are saying you want to do(distribution without amplification). I am currently using the 2802. Although I terminate the unused ports, I've also used them without termination without observing any problems. Both have worked fine for me and I've never observed any of the supposed problems some to attribute to these amps.

Dave

 

[Dewey]

Dewey

I see the literature for the Electroline EDA-UG2802 makes the point that it is to used only with inputs that have already been amplified. That's normally because the signal at the output is split by however many times there are output ports, and to maintain a working signal level strength at all outputs a certain input level has to be supplied in the first place - which without amplification, the manufacturer is giving the impression may not be sufficient to achieve equal output level with in the first place (that tells me something about the amplification methodolgy the manufacturer is adopting with this piece of equipment).

Heres a point to consider: active splitters/dividers etc .... do require a certain input signal level for the same level to be held on the output side. My concern here would be that, as it is made primarliy for cable TV signals that are generally a lot stronger than typical VHF/UHF scanning signals, its a possibility there will be insufficient VHF/UHF input signal strength for the amp stages to sustain sufficent output i.e. not withstanding that the manufacturer has said equal signal level is avalible on the output ports, it must be kept in mind that the statement is made for cable TV signal type level(s) at the input port, and amplified signals at that - not for over the air VHF/UHF scanning type signal levels.

A second consideration: port to port isolation - the higher the port to port isolation (dB) the better, and as it's made for cable TV freq's primarily it may (just may) not have very good isolation over and above typical cable TV freq's.

Poor port to port isolation and signal level drop are possibilities - as to wheather or not they will result in any real world discernable listening difference will only be discovered when you try it out, or if there is someone out there who has used this piece of hardware and knows the answer.

Failing that, try get hold of the manufacturers spec sheet for min required input signal level/strength ( and compare it with whatever signal level input your receiver/scanner requires to provide good clean demodulation). Also check out what the port to port isolation figures for the EDA-UG2802 - especially at the frequencies you intend to be using it at). In reality I would think they'll be little difference between the 8 port and the 4 port models as manufacturers tend to use the same designs and components in scaled hardware designs.

What I'm sharing with you are not defineate problems - just the points I'd be thinking through and wanting to get answers to before forking out my hard earned cash and buying one.

Thanks for the answer. It's not really a question of "will" the Electrolines work, that has already been debated/demonstrated by many here already. I'm more questioning if there is a problem with using an 8-port model for two or three splits instead of the 4-port model. Again, I still thank you for the answer.

I've used both the UG2402 and the UG2802 before to do exactly what you are saying you want to do(distribution without amplification). I am currently using the 2802. Although I terminate the unused ports, I've also used them without termination without observing any problems. Both have worked fine for me and I've never observed any of the supposed problems some to attribute to these amps.

Dave

Thanks Dave. While I can't vision ever needing to split higher than 4, we always seem to outgrow our conditions when we are serious about what were's doing... scanners, computers, etc. I'm still having a hard time deciding, but thanks again.

Dewey

 

[R1VINCE]

if I may add my 2cents...

I cant comment on the 2402, as I dont have one, but I do own/use a 2802. Many of times i have used it without having all ports terminated to a radio and just having an open coax just sitting there. I dont have any serious test equipment to make or see any +/-, but I can tell you what my ears tell me, and that I have heard no audible difference in any signal that I want to hear - which includes frequencies from 42Mhz up to 860Mhz+ and all frequencies inbetween.

I did have intermod problems at one time , but was using radios shack brand RG6 - all of it dissappeared when I switched everything to RG6U/Q.

I cant remember where I saw it, but there was a suggestion on a manufacturers website that says when not using all ports, to terminate the unused ports(no reason given). Ive never terminated any of my unused ports as ive never seen/heard any downside to it, other than it may lead to unwanted signals or noise to get to your radios(which I have NOT experienced)

My inputs were never amplified

I dont use it on my main setup now, but I do use it in the garage on 2-3 radios at a time when im in there, listening to just as wide a frequency range as I do in my main shack - with none of the other ports terminated to anything and still getting great results.

Reading what benbenrf posted makes alot of sense to a layman like myself, and would make me want to research further. But not having such insight in the past and having used it already, im not dissapointed.

I believe the port to port isolation is 25dB
Info:http://www.electroline.com/en/products/drop_amplifiers/eda_ug/950-0013_EDA-UG_fact_sheet.pdf

 

[apd3190]

Anyone tried this for multiple scanners.ELECTROLINE EDA-FT08300 CABLE TV AMPLIFIER