Active Multicoupler - power required?

[Jay911]

Hi, just a quick question I couldn't find answered elsewhere. Does a multicoupler require a power source? I'm looking at, of course, the two Stridsberg active multicouplers on the Scanner Master site. I want to put one in my home, and I am considering one in my car (so when I'm on a "hunt", I can hook multiple scanners up to my mounted antenna). Which is why I'm wondering if the MC requires a power supply, because I don't necessarily have the ability to power it in the car.

 

[jackj]

Yes, they require a power source. The "Active" part of the name means that it has an amplifier and all amplifiers need some sort of power. Some are powered through the output side coax with the power supply mounted some distance away. These typically are antenna mounted preamps but can also be remotely mounted couplers.

 

[kf7yn]

Stridsberg multicouplers run on 12V DC so can be used in the car from an accessory outlet. I use an "add a fuse" Cooper Bussmann/ATC fuse tap converts one into two fusible circuits - 10 Amps maximum on added circuit (BP-HHA-RP) | Fuse and Accessories | AutoZone.com rather than the cigar lighter or accessory plug.

Stridsberg multicouplers are not mast mounted and not powered through the coax. They also sell passive models which do not require power. The reason the active units need power is to make up for the loss through each port. Each time you split a signal, you lose approx half the signal. With 4 ports, you lose a lot of signal. The active units supply a little more than is lost so there is a small net gain in signal.

I run an MCA-204M in my house and one in my truck. One nice thing about Stridsberg is they will update your multicoupler for free as long as you own it. I just got my home multicoupler updated to the newest version. I bought it at least 10 years ago and have sent it in 3 times, all free. You won't regret dealing with Stridsberg, they are an excellent organization with top notch products.

 

[rwier]

Just curious, neither the ScannerMaster page,

4 Port MCA204M VHF/UHF Receiver Multicoupler - 25 MHz to 1 GHz,

nor the product reviewers, make any reference to any power supply, and nothing in the reference photo hints at it (well, I couldn't find it, lol). Someone mentioned power through the output cable? ScannerMaster should give more details on this page.

Rob

 

[Jay911]

Hi rwier, that's precisely why I asked, because it's not mentioned in the ads, and as the first replier mentioned "active" would lead you to believe it is powered.

Thanks to all the replies - hopefully I can make this all work.

 

[rwier]

Found a little more info at

MCA208A

Would the sentence

"Optional EMI/RFI filtered DC feed thru for hard wiring is also available."

relate to mobile, vehicle, 12 volt use?

Thanks,

Rob

 

[rwier]

and under the "specs"

DC Connection: 5.5mm/2.1mm (coaxial)

Good luck with that, lol!

 

[jack103]

Hi John.

Ship to the following address:

STRIDSBERG ENGINEERING, LLC
354 ALBERT AVENUE
SHREVEPORT, LA 71105

No RMA number is necessary.

The MCA204 (now MCA204M) carry a three (3) year warranty. Under that warranty units are repaired/serviced free of charge. If your unit is out of warranty we charge a flat fee of $45.00 to completely repair and refurbish to the latest specification, return shipping is also included.

Payment can be with VISA/MasterCard or American Express credit cards, also, we will accept your personal or business check as well.

Sincerely.

John E. Stridsberg
President (R&D)
STRIDSBERG ENGINEERING, LLC
Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
Phone: (318) 861-0660
Fax: (318) 861-7068
Receiver Multicouplers, HF VHF/UHF.

 

[ShawnInPaso]

Wow, that is what I call service. I too have a Stridsberg multi-coupler, probably the best purchase I have made in many years of scanning (only sorry I didn't buy it sooner).