dxAce wrote:
Correct me if I'm wrong... but would it not be better to run some
pre-amplification ahead of the splitter rather than try to make up
something that has already disappeared? Much the same in say VHF work
where it is better to run a receive pre-amp right at the antenna versus
running it at the receiver end of the coax?

I'd never consider using a passive splitter here, and I rarely if ever
engage the
pre-amps on the receivers... no need.

dxAce
Michigan
USA
------------------------------
The results might surprise you.
When I received my zfsc-2-1 I expected the addional ~3.5dB loss to be
an
issue. But after much testing I found that it didn't make that much
difference.
For the most part any signal I could receive without the addtional loss
was
still present with the loss. I used a HP step atenuator to check this
before going to the trouble of mounting the zfsc.

I really expected to need a good low noise, high intercept, preamp
before
the splitter. If you have a "good enough" antenna the additional loss
is of slight concern.

Since I have all of my antennas, receivers, RF filters on a patch
panel,
it allows me to easily move the splitter out of line. I use BNC
connectors
because I was given a "boat load" of them and find them easier and
faster to move then PL/SO-259 connectors.

A friend wanted a similar setup and I gave him enough bulkhead mount
"F" femalefemale to allow him to bring all of his antenas and both
receivers to a panel. He found an "old" TV spliter that works very well
to below the MW/BCB band. I bought a bag of over 500 for $1 at the
local Goodwill store.

Another advantage of a RF patch panel is I can connect my Pro2004 IF
out to my R2000 so I can listen to SSB VHF/UFF comms.

I do have to be very carefull to insure that I don't connect my ham
gear to
my receiver inputs. At them moment I have them feeding different RF
patch
panels and simply don't ever connect my ham gear to a receive antenna.
I am considering switching all of my receive RF connectors to "F", at
least
at the patch panel. I have thought of using TNC but they are expensive
and are easier to crossthread then "F".

Terry