Re: Quick Question: Re: How to best Expand RF Range

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

Solder on the bottom (green) side of the board. There should be a circle of
bare (or tinned) copper around the hole that you can solder the wire to.

JW <JW> wrote:

>In soldering the ground to the VSS location, should the solder point
>be on the printed side?  I assume this is true, but am reluctant to
>assume anything....
>
>Thanks!
>
>
>On Mon, 05 Dec 2005 16:53:40 GMT, nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)
>wrote:
>
>>I've had people tell me they got 150' or more with an unamplified turnstile
>>and a bit more with unamplified eggbeaters. A preamp improves both. YMMV.
>>
>>It's worth a try to use your TV setup. X-10 uses 310MHz which is UHF. You'll
>>still need to add the connector at the CM15A. Use whatever matches your
>>system - probably 75 ohm F-connector. The TV antenna probably is better with
>>signals originating outside your house rather than inside but it's worth
>>trying. If you're happy with the range it gives that's all that matters.
>>
>>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.
>>>
>>> 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?
>>>
>>>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