Re: How to best Expand RF Range

[JW <JW>]

On Mon, 05 Dec 2005 11:15:40 -0500, JW <JW> wrote:

>Dave... this is really excellent stuff! I'm a tinkerer/hack and these
>instructions are perfect for people like myself who know just enough
>to get into trouble.

Sorry.. I just found your answer on the "page1.html" of your link...so
I've answered my own question on 1.>
> I have a couple of quick questions...
>1. What kind of "average" range increase will this modification
>provide?  If I have current range of 25', will this boost me to
>50'...75'...more?

Here's what I'm really curious about...
>2. This may be a really "out there" question but:  I have a 30' tv
>antenna in the attic of the house (yes: I refuse to pay for
>television) and the house is wired with coax.  There is also an
>amplifier mounted on the antenna mast.
>
>Can I simply plug my modified CM15A into the existing antenna system
>and enjoy the desired results?
>
>Thanks again!
>Joe
>
>
>
>On Mon, 05 Dec 2005 14:51:17 GMT, nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)
>wrote:
>
>>The CM15A's RF circuitry is isolated from the mains so it's a fairly simple
>>matter to replace the antenna if you can solder.
>>
>>I recommend either a turnstile antenna (requires a matching transformer) or
>>an eggbeater (requires a short length of 93-ohm coax). I prefer the
>>eggbeater as it's a bit more efficient and doesn't require a matching
>>transformer.
>>
>>There are instructions for adding a connector here...
>>
>>     http://www.accessx10.com/howto_fconnector_page3.html
>>
>>I suggest using a 50-ohm coax connector (a better impedance match) rather
>>than the F-connector shown. You can buy preassembled 50-ohm coax online.
>>
>>There are instructions for building a turnstile antenna for the MR26A.
>>
>>     http://www.shed.com/tutor/mr26ant.html
>>
>>You should also be able to find instructions for building an eggbeater
>>although I'm not sure there are any specific to the CM15A or MR26A.
>>
>>Put the antenna in a central location both horizontally and vertically.
>>
>>Adding a wideband preamp (Ten-Tec 1001) at the antenna will result in an
>>even bigger range increase.
>>
>>     http://radio.tentec.com/kits/Accessory
>>
>>JW <JW> wrote:
>>
>>>I have a dozen modules around the house controlling lights...all on
>>>the same phase, so I'm in no hurry to install a phase coupler.
>>>
>>>What I would like is to expand the RF range within the house, and
>>>outside, as well.
>>>
>>>I have the CM15A centrally located, and it works great as long as I'm
>>>within 20 - 25 feet, but beyond that, forget it.
>>>
>>>What is the best way to extend the range?  I have two floors +
>>>basement, and the house is about 75' from end to end.
>>>
>>>By the way, this is a great forum and the information provided here is
>>>much appreciated by newbies like myself.
>>>
>>>Regards,
>>>Joe