Red Wave Radio

Hi,

Has anybody used these two items to improve and/or split their
signals?

Both are claim to be for signals between 50 to 900 Mhz.

The first is a signal pre-amp that claims a 25db gain. It has an FM
trap too for $32.95.
http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI45519-CI205,00.html?

This is a 4 way splitter with a 10db gain pre-amp.  For $22.95

http://www.rca.com/product/viewdetail/0,2588,PI45550-CI205,00.html?

Just wondering how it would work for a Scanner?

Thanks.

I love experimenting with such things... one of the most appealing aspects of
the radio hobby.
The 25dB signal amp may work, and work well, but with a few caveats.
One, if you already have a decent, passive antenna which covers the range you
want to receive, and is mounted high enough to do it's job properly, you may
not find enough improvement from the 25dB unit to justify the cost.
Two, if you currently have any interference problems from nearby FM stations,
cellphone relays, pagers, etc., then the amp will only make those problems
worse. Not only would you be amplifying the noise already flying around your
station, but you'd be introducing one more element into the feedline to receive
MORE interference if it's not shielded well. It could make the problem much
worse.
BUT, that being said, you may see real improvement in fringe reception, areas
you sometimes get but never loud or totally in the clear. The amp won't
magically make them clean, but you will be able to copy them more consistently.
You also want to be sure to mount the amp AT THE ANTENNA, not at the station or
anywhere else along the feedline. You want to amplify the signal as purely as
possible BEFORE it gets into the feedline, not at the end where you'd be
amplifying line noise as well. And that 25dB amp needs power to amplify, so you
will need to have an outlet or some way of getting power to it at the antenna.
Just another factor to consider before spending money.
As for the 10dB 4-way splitter, you may be better off using a passive or
non-amplified unit. Not a definite, just a suggestion. Yes, when you split a
single feedline signal to two or more radios, you will have loss from the
split, and a little amplification is desirable to make up for it. But again,
noting whatever your interference conditions may be, a 10 dB amplification at
the station may exacerbate the problem.
But for all I know, you may not have any interference problems to mention, so
why not try it all out?
The main thing is that you want to experiment with it, and therefore should do
so, especially if you can afford to buy them and live with whatever gains
and/or shortcomings you discover.
On a related but wholly unimportant note, I notice that the descriptions given
for both units mention that they 'amplify signal loss'... I know what they mean
of course, but it's poorly worded! :-) I mean, I'd think one would want to
DECREASE signal loss, rather than augment it!
Good luck, have fun trying, that's the whole point of antenna experimentation.
Linus

Forgot to mention in my previous post, if the 25dB unit does have a decent
working FM trap, it may be even more appealing to experiment with, since that
could ease interference if you currently experience it on your current system.
Best of luck-
Linus

FYI, GRE makes "Radio Scanner Pre-Amps":

  http://scanner.greamerica.com/amp.html

--

If history teaches us anything, it's that everyone will be part of the
problem, but not everyone will be part of the solution.
- Larry Wall

It has an FM Trap, but I don't know if it works very good..

thanks

Quote:>It has an FM Trap, but I don't know if it works very good..

Well it's not very imprtant how well it works IF your scanner(s) already deals
with FM stations well. How much noise/intermod/interference do you tend to deal
with an on average basis? If not a lot, then give it a try.
Linus