I was wondering what type of catv signal meter anyone uses? I constantly have to fight the cable company as to where a problem is occuring us or them. I was thinking if i got a fairly cheap cable meter i would have a more secure footing when i argue with them. Besides catv guys know everything.....except how to hook a cable box up any other way than on channel 3-4 I mean why on earth would anyone put those little colored jacks on the back of the box???? Sorry got a little to close to a nerve there! Thanks

I've been after a meter for years but something else always needs the money. I'm looking at picking up a Wavetek microstealth in one form or another but there are lots of meters out there.

As an ex cable manager, all you have to do is ask for the signal levels at the ground block then subtract for insertion losses as well as cable attuation. By law the cable company is supposed to supply enough signal for two tv's (around 7db), most cable companies design for about 15db at the ground block

I mispelled attenuation

I like the wavetek stuff myself, but in general, even an analog meter will do you wonders in picture quality. In my area 0 db at the drop is considered good (actually, it's not bad) but if I get that I'm lucky.

Just be within 2 db of all your channels and your life will be good.

-RF is FM... (F#*$'in magic)

"By law the cable company is supposed to supply enough signal for two tv's (around 7db), most cable companies design for about 15db at the ground block"

I wish our local cable companies would read that law. We're lucky to get +3dB at the ground block, and God forbid the cable installer sees anything higher (such as after we install an amp) inside the house. They'll CUT signal back. We try to acheive +10 to +15 dB at the back of each set depending on the size of the screen. The basic meter we use is a ChannelVision M2000. It's very basic, but it works well for what it is.

+12 is A LOT of signal into a television!

O db is considered a 'perfect' signal. Now if it's 0 db with amp noise, it's not perfect....

When I worked in the field, we used either Sencore or Wavetek meters. Both are great tools and will do lots of things (perhaps more then you need). It's interesting to note that Sencore has a chart in their owners manual shows two columns; one labeled FCC recommended levels, and a second labeled Good Engineering Practice. For minimum signal level, the FCC indicates 0 db, while minimum for good engineering practice indicates 3 db. For maximum, FCC specifies "below overload", while good engineering practice indicates 10 db.

They go on to say that "if a signal has a poor carrier-to-noise ration at the antenna, nothing can be done to improve the signal". Garbage in, garbage out. Place your amp as close to the headend as possible is what the moral of that story is....

We sell Mitsubishi big screens and they need a ot fo signal for a good picture. That's why I shoot for +15dB for them. For smaller (27" - 40") screens I shoot for +10dB and for anything under 27" 0 to +10dB works well.

Sencore is great..