Radio Shack Satellite/TV/FM In-Line Signal Amplifier User manual

Cat. No. 15-1170
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment
Satellite/TV/FM In-Line
Signal Amplifier
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WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or shock
hazard, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELEC-
TRIC SHOCK. DO
NOT OPEN.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELEC-
TRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OR
BACK. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL.
!
This symbol is intended to alert
you to the presence of uninsu-
lated dangerous voltage within
the product’s enclosure that might
be of sufficient magnitude to con-
stitute a risk of electric shock. Do
not open the product’s case.
This symbol is intended to inform
you that important operating and
maintenance instructions are
included in the literature accom-
panying this product.
!
©1999 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
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Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 4
One Antenna/One Receiver System ..................................................................................... 6
One Antenna/Two Receiver Systems ................................................................................... 8
One Satellite Dish/Receiver System .................................................................................... 9
Combining the Outdoor Signal .................................................................................. 9
Splitting the Indoor Signal ......................................................................................... 9
Amplified Antennas ............................................................................................................. 11
Additional Amplification ........................................................................................... 13
Problem Solving .................................................................................................................. 14
Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 15
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INTRODUCTION
The RadioShack Satellite/TV/FM In-Line Signal Amplifier brings to your home video system the
same technology that is used in commercial cable systems: a single, standard coaxial cable
carries the satellite, TV, radio signal and the power necessary for the In-Line Signal Amplifier.
The In-Line Signal Amplifier reduces or eliminates the signal losses caused by signal trans-
formers, signal splitters, other in-line devices or extremely long cable runs between the anten-
na and receiver system. The In-Line Signal Amplifier will amplify virtually any satellite, TV, or
radio signal, from 50 MHz to 2,200 MHz.
The compact, in-line design of the amplifier simplifies installation at the “head end” of an anten-
na system (the end nearest the antenna, where amplification will do the most good).
The In-Line Signal Amplifier can be used with antenna systems for:
• direct-to-home satellite
• standard VHF/UHF/cable TV
• amateur TV systems
• scanners
• FM stereo radio
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Caution: Because the In-Line Signal Amplifier uses coaxial cable to carry the satellite/TV/radio
signal from the DC power supply, proper connections are crucial. Failure to follow exactly the
connection instructions in this manual can result in damage to your amplifier or your satellite/
TV/radio receiver.
Note: You cannot insert splitters in the coax lead-in from the antenna to the power injector.
Amplifier DC Block
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ONE ANTENNA/ONE RECEIVER SYSTEM
If you are using a single antenna with a single receiver, “Installation A” shows the proper con-
nections.
Caution: To avoid damage to your receiver and/or the amplifier power injector, carefully check
all the points listed below.
• Do not separate the amplifier from the DC block. The DC block must be between the
amplifier and the 300-to-75 ohm transformer at the antenna.
• Remove the DC block and the plastic tube that connects the DC block and the amplifier
when using with a satellite or powered antenna.
• Follow the connection labeling on the amplifier/DC block unit: TO ANT, TO POWER INJEC-
TOR. The amplifier will not receive power if they are reversed.
• Follow the connection labeling on the power injector: TO TV, TO AMPLIFIER. Your TV/radio
receiver will be damaged if they are reversed.
Note: The In-Line Signal Amplifier is designed for use with F-type connectors. For some anten-
na systems (such as scanners, for example), you will have to use connection adapters or make
a special cable.
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Installation A
Caution: To avoid damage to the amplifier, power injector or other connected equipment, do
not plug in the power injector until all connections have been double-checked.
Note: An antenna transformer might not be included with your antenna and might not be need-
ed. Check your antenna’s owner’s manual.
Antenna
Amplifier
DC Block Antenna
TV/FM/Scanner
AC Outlet
Power Injector
Signal Output to
TV/FM/Receiver/Scanner
Transformer
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ONE ANTENNA/TWO RECEIVER SYSTEMS
If you are using a single antenna with two TV/radio receivers, “Installation B” shows the proper
connections. To avoid damage to your satellite/TV/radio receivers and/or the amplifier power
injector, carefully check all the points listed below.
Note: Make sure the power injector is between the amplifier and the splitter (before the signal
is split).
Installation B
Optional 2nd Amplifier
Amplifier
Transformer
Remove
DC Block
DC Block
TV
AC Outlet
75 ohm Splitter
Power Injector
To 2nd TV/Radio Receiver
Antenna
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ONE SATELLITE DISH/RECEIVER SYSTEM
Your In-Line Signal Amplifier can be used in a one-wire solution that allows you to combine the
direct-to-home signalfrom your satellite dish and the VHF/UHF signal from yourTV antenna by
using a satellite signal splitter/combiner (not supplied) or a TV/satellite diplexer (not supplied).
See the connection in “Installation C.”
Combining the Outdoor Signal
Use a satellite signal splitter/combiner to combine the output of the In-Line Signal Amplifier’s
signal and the direct-to-home satellite signal in a single coaxial output lead. The satellite/re-
ceiver transfers power to the In-Line Signal Amplifier and the satellite dish’s LNB (Low Noise
Block) unit. See the connection in “Installation C.”
Splitting the Indoor Signal
Use a TV/satellite diplexer to separate the In-Line Signal Amplifier antenna signal and the di-
rect-to-home signal, then route them to the TV’s antenna input and the direct-to-home receiv-
er’s input. See the connection in “Installation C.”
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Note: Normally, the direct-to-home receiver supplies power to both the antenna amplifier and
the LNB converter.
Installation C
SAT
Dish
DC Passed
To LNB
In-Line
To ANT
Satellite Signal
Splitter Combiner
AMP
Section, 50-2200 MHz
DC 13V/17V From
Sat-Receiver
(15-1170)
ANT SAT
TV SET
TO TV
ANT
LNB
IN
TV/SatDiplexer
Amplifier
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