Drake Distribution Amplifier DDA1236 Not Sure What To Do

[Brillian]

I was looking for a good Antenna Amplifier. I found this Drake 40MHz to 1000MHz Distribution Amplifier Model DDA1236. I was thinking of using this with my scanner and outside antenna setup. The only thing is that I can't find any information about this amp besides what it reads on the case. I would appreciate any input on this Drake Amplifier. Will this amplifier work with a typical scanner outside antenna setup?

Thanks...

 

[N_Jay]

Most distribution amplifiers do not have great noise figures and may not make good receive pre-amps.

Are you sure you need an amp?

 

[Brillian]

Most distribution amplifiers do not have great noise figures and may not make good receive pre-amps.

Are you sure you need an amp?

I don't need the amp for local channels. I discovered after installing new cable and good connectors I am now able to receive channels from another county. Some of the channels are a little weak, and they are hard to follow. I'm hoping an amp will do the trick. The scanner that I install the amp on will not be programmed with local channels.

 

[N_Jay]

As many here have found out, there are many variables to whether an amp helps.

I would use a TV antenna pre-amp rather than distribution amp.

 

[Brillian]

As many here have found out, there are many variables to whether an amp helps.

I would use a TV antenna pre-amp rather than distribution amp.

I have 3 inexpensive amps coming along with the Drake. I'm going the give them all a try and then post my findings in another post. As far as the Drake goes, I purchased it because it was too cheap to pass up. I found the Drake is the same as the Winegard DA 1036. It's has good specs, but time will tell if it going to work in my application.

 

[zz0468]

It's has good specs, but time will tell if it going to work in my application.

Is the noise figure listed in the specs?

 

[n5ims]

Just remember the point of a distribution amp is to take a strong signal and boost it enough to make up for the loss due to cables & splitters. The ultimate goal is to take a signal and boost it just enough to end up with the same strength signal at the various outputs. Any significant gain in such a system may cause overload or distortion of the signals. This is why most, as the Drake pictured, have gain control settings.

What you're probably looking for in a scanner amp is something that will take a very weak signal and make it stronger, adding as little extra noise as possible to the signal. This is why we generally don't recommend this when asked.

That said, if you already have the equipment available, feel free to experiment! That's part of the fun of radios. Regardless of any theories, best practices, etc., the bottom line is if it works for you, it works for you!

 

[lmrtek]

Distribution amps are designed for high input signals.

And these amps can produce enough output level to burn up the front end of the scanner should a nearby signal get amplified.

You would be far better off with a broadband preamp.

 

[donc13]

I have 3 inexpensive amps coming along with the Drake. I'm going the give them all a try and then post my findings in another post. As far as the Drake goes, I purchased it because it was too cheap to pass up. I found the Drake is the same as the Winegard DA 1036. It's has good specs, but time will tell if it going to work in my application.

Put it as close to the antenna as you can. Distribution amps like that (and it is a TV amp) amplify everything...noise and all. Digging an analog TV signal out of the noise is easier (due to the wideband nature of a TV signal) than digging out an analog (or digital) signal out of the noise since relative to a TV signal...a communications signal is VERY narrow.

 

[Brillian]

Is the noise figure listed in the specs?

The noise db are: (VHF 5.5 db max, UHF 7 db max)

Noise figure, Gain VSWR and all other specifications are carefully engineered to maintain the highest signal qualities. Features PUSH-PULL circuitry.

 

[N_Jay]

The noise db are: (VHF 5.5 db max, UHF 7 db max)

Not very good.

Noise figure, Gain VSWR and all other specifications are carefully engineered to maintain the highest signal qualities. Features PUSH-PULL circuitry.

For the application!

 

[zz0468]

The noise db are: (VHF 5.5 db max, UHF 7 db max)

Noise figure, Gain VSWR and all other specifications are carefully engineered to maintain the highest signal qualities. Features PUSH-PULL circuitry.

That's pretty bad. I've measured noise figure on a number of different scanners and they are generally in the 4 db range. What this means is, those amps will actually diminish your scanner's ability to hear weak signals. It'll make strong signals stronger, and weak ones disappear into the noise.

As stated, it's a good amp, but for a different application. For what you want to do, you'd be better without it.

 

[Brillian]

That's pretty bad. I've measured noise figure on a number of different scanners and they are generally in the 4 db range. What this means is, those amps will actually diminish your scanner's ability to hear weak signals. It'll make strong signals stronger, and weak ones disappear into the noise.

As stated, it's a good amp, but for a different application. For what you want to do, you'd be better without it.

I agree with you and N Jay about this Amplifier. The db noise factor is going to defeat my purpose. I think this is one of the reasons many people who buy Antenna Amplifiers don't get positive results. I looked at a few name brand Antenna Amps that are priced right, but the the noise db is 6.5. I have an Amplifier on the way which is 15db with a noise db of 3. You guys pushed me in the right direction. I will still have fun playing around with the Drake.

Thanks for all the help guys, and I will let you know how things go.

 

[N_Jay]

Amazon.com: Ramsey PR2 Broadband RF Preamplifier - Assembled: Electronics

 

[kb2vxa]

A CATV DA has WAY too much gain for your purpose and lowering the gain pot will do nothing good to the noise figure. You'll probably end up with a terrible S/N ratio even if strong local signals don't overload your receiver. Drake is old equipment too so if nothing else you have an interesting paperweight and conversation piece there.

RAMSEY? N_Jay your horns are showing again. (;->)

 

[N_Jay]

What don't you like about Ramsey?

I have use a lot over the years (mostly the kits).
They were about as good as anything else for the price.
Maybe something has changed.

 

[kb2vxa]

What DO you like about Ramsey would be an easier question to answer... nothing. The last time I saw a dealer's table at a hamfest was enough to convince me too much money for too little quality is a walk by. Anyway this isn't the complaint department so move along, nothing to see here.