scifi_chris
join:2003-11-15
Anchorage, AK
|  Coax Splitter Problems (Digital Cable-Cable Modem)
I have a splitter that splits between my digital cable and my cable modem. The problem is my splitters keep going out. the cable co. has replaced the splitter no less then five times. I know it is the splitter 'cause when it is replaced, the signal is fine to both the tv and the modem. When it goes out(I know the splitter is out when my bandwidth goes from 1.5mbps to about 28.8kbps) I plug the cable directly to my modem and the signal is fine. The digital cable seems to be fine either way (apparently, the signal is strong enough for cable but not for modem) Can anyone help me?
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No matter where you go, there you are |
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cameron119
1lt
join:2002-12-03
Morristown, TN
| Re: Coax Splitter Problems (Digital Cable-Cable Mo
Perhaps the cable modem is shorting the port out? I wish we could test the digital box in the modem's port on one of the ruined splitters. That way we would know if the circuitry on one leg is shot or if it's the entire splitter. More than likely it's one port. Your modem could be sending excessive voltage on the reverse path somehow that is destructive to the board in the splitter. |
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coffeeshop
join:2002-04-18
Flagstaff, AZ
| You may have a condition called "HOT CHASSIS" which can be caused by either a problem with the electric outlet or its circuit or by a defective appliance, i.e TV, VCR, PC etc. Since the modem side of the splitter seems to always be the side that fails, I would suspect voltage trying to leave that side to get to ground either at the splitter or at the ground block. Get yourself a wall outlet tester. By simply inserting this into the outlets that your PC, modem etc use, you can determine by the lighting on the tester if the supplying AC outlet or that electric circuit has been wired wrong or has a problem. Most cable equipment is designed to fail if it conducts AC voltage as the subscriber equipment shouldn't be passing this type current, DC voltage maybe, AC never. This can cause your appliances to be whats called "HOT CHASSIS" because it creates a bad ground loop. Note, the problem could also be originating not from the AC circuit or outlet, but from a fault in one of the appliances you have fed via that coax feed, be it a TV, VCR, PC etc. I would think by now this would have been checked already by your CATV company as a potential cause. If you'd like mention it to them and see if they'll check this, hopefully, they will (should) know how. Good luck |
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TheDreamer
join:2002-01-17
Manhattan, KS
 ·AT&T Southwest
| reply to scifi_chris
Re: Coax Splitter Problems (Digital Cable-Cable Modem)
Yeah...I would check the grounding....I had this problem in my apartment. Once I felt a tingle while touching the ground on the cable...I knew it was time I did something about it on my own.
Though the cable tech here seems to know that it is the splitter that goes bad...when happened the first time...first my connection went intermittent and then it went completely. After weeks of calling support, they finally scheduled a service call. And, he came in and immediately replaced the splitter, said it should be fixed now and left.
After that I was checking the splitter and replacing it myself when I had problems. And, then felt a tingle in my arm while changing it once.....
Actually it was a 9db tap...with the cable modem on the tap....
The Dreamer
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You may be a dreamer, but I'm The Dreamer, the definite article you might say! |
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cameron119
1lt
join:2002-12-03
Morristown, TN | reply to scifi_chris
Re: Coax Splitter Problems (Digital Cable-Cable Mo
You can feel a tingle regardless. The modem will inject voltage with the upstream so it is "heard". We just need to find out if it's excessive. |
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coffeeshop
join:2002-04-18
Flagstaff, AZ
| That tingling you feel is current and I'd debate that it's ever normal under a cable application to feel "tingling" (25 years). If you're feeling it, you most probably have an AC ground loop problem and it's NOT a standard but an anomally that should be addressed and fixed.
You can have tons of voltage but without current, that's all it is, and voltage alone won't make you feel a "tingling". Add current (amperage or "work force") to the voltage and then you can feel it, but so can electricacl equipment, especially if it's excessive to it's design. As I stated, CATV equipment as used on the subscribers side will fail under current conditions as its designed NOT to transfer AC current. DC current YES, AC = NO. Fuses, breakers, burned wiring, burned equipment are the result of x voltage WITH to much current for it's design. That's why your fuses/breakers/etc are rated in AMPS, not voltage althought they will quote a voltage level, to control the working power of a circuit or device and thus, hopefully avoid damage.
Before you replace another x number of splitters, or your PC, or get a big zap that changes your hairdo to an afro....get this checked and corrected. Irregardless of whether this is ultimately your problem or all of your problem, it is NOT an acceptable standard to feel "tingling" on your system when you touch one of it's conductors or conductive surfaces and ground. Here our personnel had better correct the condition or terminate service to any such feed until it is corrected by an electrician etc ANY time they find it (and we routinely check). They best NEVER leave this condition active. We don't need some installer or anyone working an aerial drop and getting zapped when he disconnects or works a line thats become energized.
I really think this IS the path you need to pursue at this point per your posts. Good Luck |
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zipperman1
Just An Old Geezer
join:2003-09-19
Canada
|  reply to scifi_chris
Re: Coax Splitter Problems (Digital Cable-Cable Modem)
All i can add is if your paying a cable service then get some answers.Get what your paying for or get a refund at least.How does it work only useing 1 connection at a time ?
Maybe get a spitter at Radio Shack.
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Don't ban broads. |
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zipperman1
Just An Old Geezer
join:2003-09-19
Canada | reply to scifi_chris
Re: Coax Splitter Problems (Digital Cable-Cable Modem)
Hows it workeing out ?
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Don't ban broads. |
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zipperman1
Just An Old Geezer
join:2003-09-19
Canada | reply to scifi_chris
ok |
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