Does the Cross Country Wireless HF/VHF/UHF Multicoupler come with a power supply?
Connecting multiple digital scanners to the same scanner antenna.
- Thread starter Wlbrant
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Reading the FAQ at their website, I'd say no, the power supply is not included.
A suitable wall wart of the linear type that puts out 7 to 25 VDC at 150 ma or more will only cost a few bucks if you don't have something laying around. It's a very common wall wart. I'd stay away from todays switching type wall warts.
I'd also guess their coupler has voltage regulation built in so a regulated supply may not be needed. However, a regulated wall wart at 12 VDC would probably be just fine.
The web page for their multicoupler still has a valid Paypal link so it looks like they are available.
I may try one of these and see how it compares to my Stridsberg models. The cost is nice.
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My remark was intended against the general remark and of course the Stridsbergs are far too low on gain for S/N benefit (that is why I said "caution"). Such a pre-amp would need to be in front of them as close to the antenna as possible but even at the base of the tower (less than idea) will often help. Of course, one then must invest in filters against nearby FM broadcasters, pagers, etc. as they often will be a problem. But if one wants optimal, one has spend the money on such. My set-up has several filters: FM notch(Mini-Circuits), 152 pager notch, nearby 2m repeater notch, and formerly (frequency abandoned) a notch for a FD repeater--these are easily removed when needed and others added when needed) and formerly in front of a high gain pre-amp in front of a Stridsberg 4-way. Unlike some, PD/FD is very little of my listening so notching around the FD repeater was not a problem and was removed as needed. Every years I revisit and check configurations for optimal (things change) but that is my current.
TailGator911
Silent Key/KF4ANC
I almost bought one of these for my RV setup but I did not and now I wish I would have just to compare it to the Stridsberg 4-port multi-coupler. If anyone here buys one it would be nice if they posted a review on it.
I did purchase the Stridesberg MC204M splitter only to find out I am not able to use my ICOM IC-R75 due to 25Mhz to 1 G. I ask if anyone makes a splitter that covers, say 500khz to 1g, and still avalable for purchase. I also wish this Stridesberg had a ground spot.
I use an Electroline EDA2800 with +4db at all 8 ports. 3 used 5 terminated with caps. I have a discone with 100 feet of RG6 shielded and it works fine. No interscanner chatter.
EDA-2800 - Electroline
Experience service like never before when purchasing the Electroline EDA-2800. Call our experts (516) 812-0917 today! Quick & Reliable Shipping, Hassle Free Returns, Highest Rated.
www.jmac.com
TailGator911
Silent Key/KF4ANC
I used a CATV ChannelMaster 8-way splitter before I dished out the big bucks for the Stridsberg. What a difference. I suddenly heard systems 45 miles away that didn't even register on my scanner. In the end, you always get what you pay for - sometimes.
What frequency range does it cover and Does it use BNC female ? Last but not least, will my antenna work with my ICOM R75?
I did look up this TV splitter only to see it covers 54 to 1000 Mhz. Do you receive anything below 54, I do, most of the fire tones in my area are at 33 mhz. I have an old Radio Shack 2 way splitter with no power. I tried it only to hear new transmissions far away. Many of the very low RSSI were not so great. My concern is will that splitter cover HF area?I use an Electroline EDA2800 with +4db at all 8 ports. 3 used 5 terminated with caps. I have a discone with 100 feet of RG6 shielded and it works fine. No interscanner chatter.
EDA-2800 - Electroline
Experience service like never before when purchasing the Electroline EDA-2800. Call our experts (516) 812-0917 today! Quick & Reliable Shipping, Hassle Free Returns, Highest Rated.www.jmac.com
Thank you
Ubbe
Member
It's probably a 54MHz specification because that's where the TV band I starts? It's the same as with discone antennas where it says that you can transmit at 144, 440, 1240MHz as it is the amateur bands but of course you can transmit on any frequency within a discones min and max frequency range.
But the components in amplifiers made for radio/tv/satellite usually makes them work worse below 25MHz and goes out of specification but will still be usuable probably down to 10MHz. A passive $5 CATV splitter measured good all the way down to 1MHz without any additional attenuation to its general 3,5dB and my analyzer can't go any lower in frequency.
/Ubbe
I will get one as I like to experiment all the time with receivers and antennas. I use a discone antenna now and I am still working on new areas to receive.
I have a couple of questions for you and sent you a PM, thanks.
Ubbe
Member
I measured the loss from a signal source to coax and then one scanner connected and then a coax to the analyzer. The scanner where set at different frequency bands to see what the filters in the scanner does to the signal. And then compare to when a $5 CATV splitter are used. If monitoring the 400MHz band using a second scanner it seems that the CATV makes a more predictable 2-6dB attenuation but if only the 400MHz band where monitored with a second scanner then running a T-connector without CATV gives less loss with the coax lenghts I used.
/Ubbe
/Ubbe
Ubbe
Member
Well I did receive the CDA4 HDTV Distribution Amplifier and I will set it up on this Saturday. I will give my review after a few days of use.
Ok, how about the reverse? Multiple antennas and one scanner. Combiner or switcher?
I live in an area where the local PD's have there own systems that are a little too far away for an all-band antenna. I have some directional antennas for the frequencies I want to pickup, but don't want to listen to just the one area. I listen to MARCS, GCRCN, Lorain County SO and various cities.
Can't afford a radio for each.
Any suggestions?
I live in an area where the local PD's have there own systems that are a little too far away for an all-band antenna. I have some directional antennas for the frequencies I want to pickup, but don't want to listen to just the one area. I listen to MARCS, GCRCN, Lorain County SO and various cities.
Can't afford a radio for each.
Any suggestions?
This has been going on for too long and apparently people don't see this has been discussed before. If you wish to connect several scanners to one scanner get a manual switch like a DAIWA which can be found at HRO or GIGABITS or get a Stridesberg coupler and connect them to the one scanner so you can listen to them all at once. A cable coupler will not cut it! If you want to listen to many bands on 1 scanner it probably be recommended to buy a multiband antenna, or , buy multiple radios covering different bands attached to different types of antennas. You can't have an Lamborghini and go off- roading/ camping with it can you?
prcguy
Member
Well, actually you can. The Urus’ Off-Road Package is a lot of fun
A Stridsberg is a good option for most people connecting multiple scanners to one antenna. It would be nice to know if you are in an RF hell environment before buying one as they can get overloaded in some areas. I that case and for just a little more $$ you can roll your own VHF/UHF multicoupler that should work fine almost anywhere.
For Jphila20 and connecting multiple antennas to a single feed, a good way is a diplexer or triplexer or quadplexer, etc. These will properly combine them with minimal loss and isolate them frequency wise so you wont get the same signal from different antennas arriving out of phase and causing signal cancellations and loss.
I think the very best way to combine multiple antennas is to have a band pass or high/low pass filter for each antenna and then feed a high level LNA specific for each antenna/filter right at the antenna, then combine them all near the antennas onto one feedline to your radio area. When done properly you will have plenty of signal to feed a passive splitter in the radio area.
A Stridsberg is a good option for most people connecting multiple scanners to one antenna. It would be nice to know if you are in an RF hell environment before buying one as they can get overloaded in some areas. I that case and for just a little more $$ you can roll your own VHF/UHF multicoupler that should work fine almost anywhere.
For Jphila20 and connecting multiple antennas to a single feed, a good way is a diplexer or triplexer or quadplexer, etc. These will properly combine them with minimal loss and isolate them frequency wise so you wont get the same signal from different antennas arriving out of phase and causing signal cancellations and loss.
I think the very best way to combine multiple antennas is to have a band pass or high/low pass filter for each antenna and then feed a high level LNA specific for each antenna/filter right at the antenna, then combine them all near the antennas onto one feedline to your radio area. When done properly you will have plenty of signal to feed a passive splitter in the radio area.
FYI after the 15.6 was installed all my scanners were back in proper operation. Thanks ProScan for updated file.
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