Go further on land and at sea with Digital Antenna‘s award-winning marine antennas and PowerMax™ cellular amplifiers, wireless cellular signal repeaters and high gain directional antennas. Digital Antenna’s FCC approved dual band cell boosters and repeaters enhance your cell phone and air card signal in your boat, RV, vehicle, home or office.
1.When using a PowerMax wireless cell repeater, what is the maximum length of cable that can be run from the outside antenna to the repeater and from the inside antenna to the repeater?
Any length of cable can be used as long as you take into consideration the signal attenuation (loss rated in dB) of the entire cable run. Determine your frequency and calculate the cable loss by using the cable loss chart below.
The total cable run loss from the repeater to the outside antenna should not exceed 10dB. The total cable run loss from the repeater to inside antenna should not exceed 5dB. The longer the cable run, the higher the grade of cable that should be used. Higher cable grades mean lower loss. Always minimize possible signal degradation by choosing a quality cable with 100% shielding. All Digital Antenna cable is double shielded, containing a 100% foil shield, high frequency dielectric and copper core.
When calculating total line loss, each connector adds a .5dB loss. For example, two type N connectors attached together equals 1dB loss.
Cable attenuation (loss) per 100′:
2. When installing an antenna, what happens if I locate the coaxial cable near or touching metal?
For the best signal transmission, coaxial cable should be located at least 3 inches away from metal. When cable is touching or very close to metal, the characteristics of the cable are altered. How much the signal is altered depends on the cable’s internal shielding, which consists of a braid and/or an additional foil shield. When placed near metal, a cable with 90% braid coverage and no foil shield will be altered less than a cable with 60% braid coverage and no foil shield. All Digital Antenna cable is double shielded, containing a 100% foil shield, high frequency dielectric and copper core.
When placed against metal, a 20 foot, 80% shielded cable (with no foil shielding) may change the efficiency (SWR ratio) of the cable from 1:1.05 to 1:1.2. The system will operate, but not as efficiently as it would with better cable or cable placement away from metal.
Consider all factors of the installation, including proper cable type, cable length and cable placement. Since there is no way to totally eliminate the effects of cable installed next to metal, minimize possible signal degradation by choosing a quality cable with double shielding (100% foil shielding and high braid coverage).
Digital Antenna makes a full line of high quality, low signal loss coaxial cables.
3. What is the dB loss for PowerMax low loss coaxial cable when comparing the different lengths?
Cable is a very important part of an installation. The dB loss of the cable selected must be examined to minimize signal loss. All Digital Antenna PowerMax amplifiers and repeaters must be used with 50 ohm cable. Cable should be laid as straight as possible since bends or sharp curves greatly decrease performance and may cause drastic or complete signal loss. Each end connector attached to the cable will produce 0.5dB of loss.
The following table outlines dB loss for PowerMax low loss cables at 850 and 1900 MHz:
4. Which cables, connectors and/or adapters are needed to connect a DA-2330 Satellite Radio Splitter to two receivers?
Follow the instructions below to connect Digital Antenna’s 233-XM-50 Satellite Radio Antenna to a DA-2330 Satellite Antenna Splitter and two receivers. The diagram shows the proper connections for one WxWorx receiver and one audio receiver. Two audio receivers may also be used with the splitter; this requires the purchase of additional adapters.
Connectors:
- WxWorx receiver – SMA female connector
- Audio receiver – Typically an SMB female connector (a separate adapter may be required)
- 233-XM-50 Satellite Radio Antenna - Includes 50′ cable with N male and mini-UHF female connectors, a mini-UHF male to SMA male adapter (connects to a WxWorx receiver), and a mini-UHF male to SMB male adapter (connects to an audio receiver)
- DA-2330 Satellite Antenna Splitter - Features mini-UHF female connectors and includes a double mini-UHF male adapter
Connecting the Satellite Radio Antenna to the Satellite Antenna Splitter:
Using the 50′ cable included with the Antenna, connect the N male end to the Antenna. Connect the mini-UHF female end to the Splitter’s mini-UHF female connector port using the included double mini-UHF male adapter.
Connecting the two ports on the Satellite Antenna Splitter to a WxWorx or audio receiver:
Any of Digital Antenna’s pre-assembled cables ending in extension ‘FM’ can be used (see list below), or a custom-made 50ohm cable terminating in mini-UHF female and mini-UHF male connectors can be ordered from one of our dealers.
Available pre-assembled Digital Antenna Cables with mini-UHF female and mini-UHF male connectors:
- 240-10FM – 10′ length
- 340-20FM – 20′ length
- 340-25FM – 25′ length
- 195-25FM – 25′ length
- 195-50FM – 50′ length
Connect the selected cable’s mini-UHF male end to the Splitter port. Connect the appropriate adapter included with the Satellite Radio Antenna to the cable’s mini-UHF female end. The cable is now ready to connect to a WxWorx or audio receiver.
Please Note: Digital Antenna offers standard cable lengths only. For custom cable lengths, a dealer or installer should be consulted. Also, the dealer or end user is responsible for determining the appropriate connector or adapter needed for the audio receiver.
