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Motorola Signal Booster

S

ScarFaceL4

Member
I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this signal booster. I am thinking of getting it for use with my cable modem. I am hoping it is worth the price, but I wanted to find out more about it before I purchased it.
 
Me and a friend looked at one of these in bestbuy a couple weeks ago and I recall from reading the package it either amplified in only one direction, or just very weakly in one direction. Its been too long and I don't recall the deatils, but I'd suggest you check into it more before getting one. Check the DSL Reports forums, they'll have a definate answer
 
This product seemed to get a somewhat favorable review, at least on the CC website. I have been looking for the same answers ScarFaceL4. Please post any info you find🙂
 
Are you having any problems with your cable modem? Unless you're having some serious signal problems, you probably wouldn't get much benefit from it. Good quality coax and good splitters make more of a difference, IMO.

I have heard that those things can improve cable TV picture quality.
 
Radio Shack has a bi-directional cable amplifier, (#15-1195) for use with cable modems for $29.99, (far cry from the $99 for the MOTOROLA) I grabbed one when I was having problems with my modem staying sync?ed to the network, (after the switch from @home to Insightbb). Since I put it on I?ve only dropped connection 2-3 times in the last couple of months, (big improvement over 3-5 times a day). If your not having a problem with your connection dropping then it?s probably not necessary.
 
The only problem that I am having is that I am not getting as good a speed as some other people in my area. I was also thinking of building a storage machine for downloads and such and I a also going to set a a home network for atleast 3 pc's so any signal improvent would be worth the investment.
 
I was also looking at this Signal Booster myself, as I get a LOT of connections drops. I had to unplug my TV, to eliminate a splitter so that it would work somewhat stable. I did find the booster for sale for $45 at dealmac. The direct link is http://www.enpc.com/cgi-bin/enpc/MOTBOOSTER.html

I also found another price for it $42.99 at http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage.php3?refer=pricegrabber.com&id=380

From what I read, and what the person at CircuitCity told me, this booster boosts signal out and signal in. It would only make sense that it be a cable modem booster, if it has an in and out boost.

Here are the specs on the Radio Shack signal amplifier:

SPECIFICATIONS:
Forward Path:
Operating Frequency Range..................................................................... 54?1000 MHz
Gain................................................................................................................ up to 14 dB
Gain Adjustment Range .......................................................................................... 10 dB
Reverse Path:
Operating Frequency Range .......................................................................... 5? 40 MHz
Insertion Loss ........................................................................................................... 4 dB
Adapter Input Voltage ...................................................................................... 105?135V
Power Usage ........................................................................................................... <2W
Power Line Frequency ..................................................................................... 50?60 Hz
Dimensions (HWD) ............................. 1 ½ ´ 3 ¾ ´ 5 ½-Inches (3.81 ´ 9.53 ´13.97 cm)
Weight ................................................................................................ 6.72 oz (190.51 g)

I couldn't find any real useful specs on the Motorola Signal Booster, other than that they say it'll boost the signal up to 15 times. I read all the specs on the back of the box when I was at Circuit city, and it was detailed like the one I have above for the Radio Shack one, but I don't remember any of those specs.
 
This is an issue for the cable provder.

When they installed your cable modem, they should have tested the signal strength at the modem location (I believe it should be ~0dbm +/- a couple). They can compensate the signal from the hole/pole, usually desirable to crappy consumer-grade cableTV fluff available at places like CC, BB, and RS (IMHO).

If you're getting random drops, call the provider, it's their wire, let 'em deal with it. Otherwise, just slap on some dark glasses and throw some money into the wind. If you don't have any equipment that can test the line, you're just gonna frustrate yourself.

JM.02

Scott
 
ScottMac nailed it. Call the cable company and have them check the forward levels, the TX power of the modem and the packet loss. Bad levels will cause noise which causes packet loss which leads to slow speed and cycling. The modem is designed to work with a downstream range of about +5dBmv to -15dBmv and a transmit (reverse) level up to +61dBmv. Depending on the cable company the specs may be slightly different, but mose modems will hold up in those ranges.

Adding an amp will not improve speed if the levels are within the operational windows. All an amp will do is increase what ever it sees on the input. Noise in = more noise out. Also, unless it is a bi-amp (good ones are VERY rare) it will not help the TX levels at all. The insertion loss will actually make it worse.

For those of you that have a Motorola Surfboard you can use this IP to check your levels.
http://192.168.100.1

 
I agree with the last two guys. It is the Cable company's problem. They will clean up or boost your signal. Just call and they can check the signal over the phone as long as you don't live in the sticks.
I do this everyday actually, and the only thing worse than angry customers is angry customers who mess up their own connections but doing stuff like this. This IS a bad idea.
Why pay when you can get the results for free.
Also, unless your getting dropped an amp probably isn't going to do anything for you. Most likely the cable to the modem is bad/old.
 
I have the SB4100 modem. I've called my cable company about 50 times. My signal is strong comin in, but after a couple of splits it dies. I wanted to install the signal booster so that the signal will carry better inbetween splits. I have no problems with my speeds, and am not lookin to improve them. I download at over 2 MB/s at times. (yes that's MegaBytes not Megabits)

I just want teh cable company to pay for the signal booster.

Downstream Value
Frequency: 603000000 Hz Locked
Signal to Noise Ratio: 35 dB
QAM: 64
Network Access Control Object: ON
Power Level: -10 dBmV
The Downstream Power Level reading is a snapshot taken at the time this page was requested. Please Reload/Refresh this Page for a new reading



Upstream Value
Channel ID: 3
Frequency: 22992000 Hz Ranged
Ranging Service ID: 183
Symbol Rate: 2.560 Msym/s
Power Level: 56 dBmV


I just took a quick peek at my levels. They seem good?
 
Idz21

Sure it makes sense. You mentioned that it dies after a couple of splits. The reason is because you are increasing the resistance on the return path to a level that is beyond the modem's ability to reach the head end. If you look at the splitter you will probably see either -3.5dB or -7dB marked on the ports, depending on if you are using a 2 way or higher splitter. The reverse power level of the modem must be increased with each device as well as the loss in the cable. Once you add splitters or other devices you increase the resistance. Using an amp might work as long as it has bi-directional capabilities. Many amps will boost the forward signal and not the return. The RS one listed in here does show reverse amplification and may work. Just remember that there is a window for the max and min reverse power levels. Since this one claims to be adjustable by 10dB it should work but it is an active (powered) device so will also introduce some noise which the modem will also need to negotiate around. RS amps are not known for being clean. I would go for the amp in a minute if it were $20, or if you know you can get a full refund if it doesn't work.

Note: I forgot to mention your levels. The -10dB is the input to the modem which is still okay but near the low end. The 56dB is the level your modem is having to produce to reach the head end. If you add more than one two-way splitter with 3.5dB you will be on the edge. Any more than that and it won't connect. The S:N ratio is great but may drop if you add the modem to an already deep passive network. Your cable company may be able to reconfigure the coax and splitters to get the extra signal strength you need without the amp.
 
I will probably ask them to come in, re-crimp all the ends of the coaxial cables, and replace all splitters.

The motorolla signal booster is specifically made for Cable Modems, and has a bi-directional boost. That is the one I am planning on getting. I want my ISP provider to also pay for that. I think once these two things are done, I'll finally be able to plug my TV back in so that I can watch it again 🙂 It's been a couple of months now since anything other than DVDs has ran across that screen 😛



Thanx for all your help.
 
i'm pretty new to these stuffs.., and from the thread so far, it's only for cable. any chance for dsl? or are they in totally different technology which can't be improved if your distance to your c/o isn't as close as you want it... 🙁 i'm about 11000 ft away... :disgust:
 
Idz21

I will probably ask them to come in, re-crimp all the ends of the coaxial cables, and replace all splitters. The Motorola signal booster is specifically made for Cable Modems, and has a bi-directional boost. That is the one I am planning on getting. I want my ISP provider to also pay for that. I think once these two things are done, I'll finally be able to plug my TV back in so that I can watch it again It's been a couple of months now since anything other than DVDs has ran across that screen
Click to expand...
I see no reason why you wouldn't want them to take care of it, unless what you want will require additional new wiring in which case they will probably charge you a small fee. However, the fee should be less than the cost of the amp. Amps should only be used when there are no other options available, and I think your decision to let them deal with it is the best way. The fact that you can't watch TV is reason alone to have them come out and make things right. If they send out a moron just tell him you want to reschedule the appointment and have them send out someone who really understands what you need. Hey... it happens.

wakanaiyo
i'm pretty new to these stuffs.., and from the thread so far, it's only for cable. any chance for dsl? or are they in totally different technology which can't be improved if your distance to your c/o isn't as close as you want it... I?m about 11000 ft away...
Click to expand...
Your situation is different and you are correct about the difference in technology being a problem. The amp referred to in here is for RF and will not work for telephony connections. If I remember correctly, I thought 17,000 Ft. was the limit for DSL. Are you asking because you want better speeds or because you were told the service was not available? Could be, but I think I am right about the 17k number. If so, the 11,000-foot mark should be okay.
 

Your situation is different and you are correct about the difference in technology being a problem. The amp referred to in here is for RF and will not work for telephony connections. If I remember correctly, I thought 17,000 Ft. was the limit for DSL. Are you asking because you want better speeds or because you were told the service was not available? Could be, but I think I am right about the 17k number. If so, the 11,000-foot mark should be okay.
Click to expand...

texun,

yea, you're about right with the 17k number.., but let's just say my connection isn't as fast as i want it to be. on average my dsl speed is about 650 kbps. i just think this speed isn't that great compared to what i used to get when i had cable or average 900kbps and more.

i don't know, perhaps i'm asking too much out of this "dsl relationship" 😕
rolleye.gif
 
NO, there's no chance for DSL (with respect to using an amp).

Your only hope is something like "Project Pronto" from SBC (or something comparable from other ILECs/CLECs). The basic problem is how far the signal can be driven, distance is not your friend, and amplification just FUBARs the signal. What Pronto will do is put "gateways" (passive ATM connections to the DSLAM) out into the neighborhoods, which can relay the DSL back to the CO. With the gateways closer, more people can get faster access.

In the meantime, you get what you get.

If you call the local carrier / provider and express an interest in access / faster access, your name goes on the list. When it comes time to expand the network, after some other priorities, the longest list wins.


FWIW

Scott
 
Originally posted by: texun
Idz21

I see no reason why you wouldn't want them to take care of it, unless what you want will require additional new wiring in which case they will probably charge you a small fee. However, the fee should be less than the cost of the amp. Amps should only be used when there are no other options available, and I think your decision to let them deal with it is the best way. The fact that you can't watch TV is reason alone to have them come out and make things right. If they send out a moron just tell him you want to reschedule the appointment and have them send out someone who really understands what you need. Hey... it happens.
Click to expand...

The problem is that they've been trying to fix this problem since the summer started (2 months). So far I've only seen 2 people come out to my house to look at things. The 1st was a moron, and I threw him out of the house (like u said), the 2nd one actually knew what he was talking about. The problem with my house is that it's a townhousing complex that is pre-wired, and there really isn't anything that can be done in regard to running a direct cable up to my room. This is why I'm relying on the last bid effort of trying to get these wires redone and getting the amp.
 
I just reconnected my TV set back in, and these are the readouts i get with an additional splitter.


Downstream Value
Frequency 603000000 Hz Locked
Signal to Noise Ratio 32 dB
QAM 64
Network Access Control Object ON
Power Level -19 dBmV


Upstream Value
Channel ID 3
Frequency 22992000 Hz Ranged
Ranging Service ID 183
Symbol Rate 2.560 Msym/s
Power Level 58 dBmV


btw I called my cable company again, and told them i want a tech to come down recrimp all ends, change all splitters, and they will install an amp (which they never told me they could do... it kind of pissed me off being that i've been dealing with this problem for close to 2 months now :\ ) He's supposed to come out next saturday.... hopefully i'll be all set then.
 
Idz21


BEFORE

Downstream Value
Signal to Noise Ratio: 35 dB
Power Level: -10 dBmV

Upstream Value
Power Level: 56 dBmV


AFTER

Downstream Value
Signal to Noise Ratio 32 dB
Power Level -19 dBmV

Upstream Value
Power Level 58 dBmV

You have gone as far as you can go with the splitters. Something interesting here: Your downstream power level dropped by 9dB and the upstream increased by 2dB. If you used the 3.5dB leg on the splitter you could expect the 2dB difference in upstream levels (~1dB) depending on the temperature, but you lost 9dB on the downstream. Splitters have flat loss. The amount of gain and loss you received by adding the additional splitter should have been the same unless you used a bad splitter or one that is not designed to pass 603Mhz, which is where your downstream frequency is located. Something is wrong here. High frequencies fall off much faster than low frequencies so the problem is either the connector, the splitter or the downstreme levels have changed on the plant since you posted your last numbers. Bad connectors, RG59 cable, or a scored center conductor are the most common causes for high frequency roll off.

The cable guy should be able to nail it. Depending on how many outlets are being fed from your service drop he may be able to reconfigure them and avoid installing the amp. I would not be too hell-bent on adding the amp as long as you can get decent levels. The ones you have now have put your modem on the edge and he needs to find the problem.

 
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