Hi Folks,
I have a question and am hoping you can assist. During a call today the question arose of what is the difference between a “drop amp” vs a “home amp”. Some thought that they are one in the same while others thought that a drop amp maybe external to the home while the home amp maybe internal. I would like to see if any SCTE list members have input on this definition. Are they same or different - what do you think?
Thanks in advance,
-Brady
Brady Volpe
P
The Volpe Firm Inc
Alpharetta GA
I’ve always heard “drop amp” and “house amp” used interchangeably, whether placed inside or outside, and I think of something with fixed gain when I hear either one.
Then, there’s the MDU “apartment amp” with variable gain and slope; for example, a BT ACA-30-86R or Lindsay LA35R.
And while I’m sure they’re out there somewhere, I have yet to hear about “condo amps.”
Steve
Steve Premo
Antietam Broadband
240-420-4353
I am thinking that a drop amp is more likely to have Hermetically Sealed case and Ports and can be less susceptible to weather if placed outdoors, whereas a house amp may not be Hermetically Sealed and is intended for being placed indoors…
–
David Barton
435-469-2410
d.barton@centracom.com
35 South State, Fairview, UT 84629
www.centracom.com
1-800-427-8449
Great point, David.
Considering the types I thought of, there are definitely differences in intended placement and hardening against moisture intrusion.
Steve
Steve Premo
Antietam Broadband
240-420-4353
For those interested, the SCTE standard for drop amps is SCTE 161 and is available at: Drop Amplifiers — SCTE
Regarding indoor vs. outdoor units, the scope says, “Two levels of compliance are specified. Devices meeting all electrical, mechanical and environmental specifications may be specified as meeting the requirements of this specification without qualification. Those meeting electrical and mechanical, but not the environmental requirements specified in Section 6 may be designated as meeting this specification with the suffix “For indoor use only” and the products must be marked as specified herein to guide users in their appropriate application.”
Interestingly, the word “house” is not in the standard, so I guess the people who wrote the standard don’t normally refer to them as “house” amps. ��
Dean Stoneback
Sr. Director, Engineering and Standards, SCTE
T 484-252-2363 M 267-718-0338 dstoneback@scte.org
Thanks to everyone who responded on the Drop Amp questions.
I do recommend reading SCTE 161 as suggested by Dean. I will be referencing this document moving forward in the document I’m working on.
Link again in case you missed it: Drop Amplifiers — SCTE
Have a great weekend all.
-Brady
–
Brady Volpe | The Volpe Firm, Inc.
W:+1.404.954.1233 | M:+1.410.949.4945 | brady.volpe@volpefirm.com | volpefirm.com
I have a favor to ask.
Would someone be willing to send me a screen shot/picture of a spectrum analyzer tuned into G33 - 133 degrees west
horizontal and vertical feed, please?
Thank you
–
David Barton
435-469-2410
d.barton@centracom.com
35 South State, Fairview, UT 84629
www.centracom.com
1-800-427-8449