Stridsberg multicouplers

[N5TWB]

Considering a multi-coupler in order to serve three scanners in my vehicle and am having trouble choosing between an active or a passive unit. The active unit includes a pre-amp but is about 3 times the cost of the passive unit. The passive unit has some insertion loss but I am usually not dealing with weak signals as I am in a metro area.

Would the pre-amp in the active unit tend to overload the front end of the scanner in a metro area? How much should I be concerned over the insertion loss for the passive unit?

I would really appreciate information from anybody that has had experience with these units.

 

[Voyager]

Considering a multi-coupler in order to serve three scanners in my vehicle and am having trouble choosing between an active or a passive unit. The active unit includes a pre-amp but is about 3 times the cost of the passive unit. The passive unit has some insertion loss but I am usually not dealing with weak signals as I am in a metro area.

Would the pre-amp in the active unit tend to overload the front end of the scanner in a metro area? How much should I be concerned over the insertion loss for the passive unit?

I would really appreciate information from anybody that has had experience with these units.

A friend of mine has an active unitin a metro area and does have overload issues. I'm in a more rural area with the same thing and have had no problems. The loss on a 4-port unit would be 6 dB. If you're listening to strong signals, you likely won't notice the loss.

Joe M.

 

[Thayne]

I use a 4 port active one mobile in the city & it works great. I believe the active one only makes up for the insertion loss of the multicoupler.

 

[Voyager]

I use a 4 port active one mobile in the city & it works great. I believe the active one only makes up for the insertion loss of the multicoupler.

+4dB +/- 1.5 dB

Essentially, you are correct, but there is some gain - between 2.5 and 5.5 dB.

Joe M.

 

[LarrySC]

I live in a Metro area with towers on Mtn top just north of town. I've never had any trouble using regular TV/VCR type splitters. I have a MAXRAD tri-band and a low band using an A/B splitter. Works for me. I've installed the MCA204 Stridsberg for a local media concern and it worked fine for their custom installation.

 

[N5TWB]

Thanks for the replies from everyone. Yesterday I ordered a 4-port active multicoupler from Grove. Also ordered a RigRunner power strip from West Mountain Radio. Installing both in the truck during Spring Break next week and I'll post back on the results.

 

[Grog]

Be sure to take pics