Multi-Couplers

[mkewman]

Do multicouplers significantly degrade reception?

I've never used one, but i've considered it... they're pretty expensive though.

The only use i can really see one for is if you're doing something like covert operations, and you're using a cell-look-a-like antenna or something.

 

[swest90]

I have two multicouplers here, Great devices. I have several radios all going into an old tone 18 channel remote base so I can select/unselect them and each have their own audio controls all in one place (No I cant listen to all of them at once its chaotic). Now instead of having 12 antennas on my roof, I only have 4. I have two of those going into 8 port multicouplers and then each scanner is connected to the multicoupler. With the other two antennas connected straight t to their radios. The multicouplers are active and they do not degrade the signal like if you were to just use a "T" connector.

The reason for these is to have multiple receivers on one antenna. I dont know what it would do with having to be covert.. Maybe not having a bunch of antennas?

I suggest going to a ham swap meet or if you can get lucky and find a radio shop/county clearing stuff out. I picked both of these up for less then $75!

Thanks
Shawn

 

[Al42]

Do multicouplers significantly degrade reception?

A coupler splits the available signal, so the ideal coupler, one with absolutely no loss, gives you the original signal strength divided by the number of outputs at each output. (A coupler to 2 radios gives half the signal at each radio.) Real-world couplers have loss, so you get less than 1/(number of outputs) at each output.

Amplified couplers, if they're well made, make up for these losses - and no more than that - in the amplifier, so the only downside is the increased noise level. (A wide-frequency, extremely low noise level amplifier can easily cost as much as a few high-end scanners.) If the coupler amplifier gives gain over the input you run the risk of overloading the scanner. (GRE - read: most Radio Shack - scanners are particularly prone to overload.)

I've never used one, but i've considered it... they're pretty expensive though.

Considering the cost of a good coupler, unless you're running more than 4 scanners it's probably no more expensive to use 1 antenna for each scanner.

The only use i can really see one for is if you're doing something like covert operations, and you're using a cell-look-a-like antenna or something.

Multiple covert scanners in a car? I'd think that all that equipment visible from outside the car would sort of give it away.