Quick Question: Re: How to best Expand RF Range

[JW <JW>]

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