Cable VS Satellite Question.

Davidceder · 02-03-2014, 04:22 PM

In my home I use the same coaxial cable if I am hooked up to a cable or satellite provider. Why is there a cable AND a satellite connection in my 5r? I have a new Sabre 32RCTS-6 and I know the cable works because I had to go through the entire unit and replace all the coax connectors and have used cable on many trips. Now I want to make sure it works with satellite. I plan to extend my current home satellite coax about 80 feet out to my rigs satellite input (in the water bay) hook up my DVR to the satellite hook up in my rig ( I have a plate that has two connectors, one is cable the other satellite under the TV) and the TV to the DVR and see if it all works. Does this make sense? Is the satellite hookup in the water bay only if I actually use an external satellite dish? Can someone please explain?

Thanks

SimchaSabre · 02-03-2014, 06:17 PM

I thought I was told that the Sat cable bypassed the Signal ample on the cable side.

Wiscampsin · 02-03-2014, 06:29 PM

X2, your sat/cable feed doesn't go thru the antenna booster.

Davidceder · 02-03-2014, 10:22 PM

Sorry guys, I am not understanding this. Is this the reason I have separate hook ups? Are you saying that the cable connection goes through the antenna booster even when I have than turned off? Both the cable and satellite connections inside the rig are on the antenna booster plate. Of course that does not mean the satellite wiring goes through the booster. I am starting to confuse myself.........Should I connect the configuration I stated above through the satellite connection to test the system??

ironj · 02-03-2014, 10:38 PM

most sat require a specific cable type to carry the proper frequency..

usually your sat connection ONLY goes to the main entertainment area for connection to your sat box.....

the cable input is connected to the amplifier box and can be then split to any/all tvs in your unit...

your sat unit will not function properly or at all on the cable connection

Wiscampsin · 02-04-2014, 08:57 AM

The reason both the cable and satellite connections on the antenna booster plate is purely for convenience.

Davidceder · 02-04-2014, 08:59 AM

Thanks Guys;

I will test this by connecting my receiver to the Sat input.

ironj · 02-04-2014, 10:23 AM

You can check for sure by just pulling plates and looking at cables...reg cable usually is rg6 ...sat uses rg9....its usually a diff color jacket, or saus so on the cable...if they are BOTH rg9 then you are good to go....

Rg6 does not have the bandwidth for most satellite applications

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DutchF · 02-04-2014, 10:52 AM

While the cable / sat doesn't go "through" the booster amp, is *IS* usually "switched" at it. That is, push the button to the on (LED lit) and the output is OTA (over the air), push the button to off (LED not lit) and output is cable / sat. There are variations on this, but generally this is the operation.

For example, this is how our RV is wired and you can see the cable and OTA both pass into the amp.

litgrep · 02-04-2014, 12:05 PM

The satellite signal requires a higher bandwidth than the standard tv/ coax splitter and also requires a dc voltage for the lnb at the satellite to work. The rv ant/cable booster doesn't support the switch or dc requirements. The cable could be used but needs to be direct between the satellite and the box. If you try to power more than 1 box with the satellite you need a coaxial switch.

hihocarp · 02-04-2014, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironj

You can check for sure by just pulling plates and looking at cables...reg cable usually is rg6 ...sat uses rg9....its usually a diff color jacket, or saus so on the cable...if they are BOTH rg9 then you are good to go....

Rg6 does not have the bandwidth for most satellite applications

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Forest River Forums mobile app

Actually Sat cable is Rg6. I used it when I built my house and works great for our hd sat and pvr.

Davidceder · 02-04-2014, 06:14 PM

Thanks everyone. It is clearer now. I know for a fact that the Sat cable and the OTA cable are indeed different colors. I also know that Sat wiring is only to the main living area.

Great info and diagrams....

ironj · 02-04-2014, 10:47 PM

not all RG6 is "approved" spec for dish tho, and honestly a majority of signal loss complaints originate from either poor connectors or cheap cable.....

my trailer has rg59 to the cable plate, and this would probably work fine for a short run on a dish system (4-5feet)

i dont know how everyone elses camper is set up, but lets be honest.....they dont use the most expensive products...

and there is a reason trailers have "satellite prep" and wall plates for this.....and a different spec cable for these plates..

thats not to say a satellite MIGHT not work on the cable side....

sorry for the confusion on my first post.....i was on my phone and pulling numbers off top of my head....LOL...rg9??...its been a while since i had to fight the dish spaghetti monster in my attic...LOL

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