Same quality, about half the cost. That sounds pretty good, right? That's the idea behind Sonora's latest series of taps. If you're a commercial installer, you've got to be excited about what these bring to the table. These 4-port taps will help you bring large projects in under budget without sacrificing any of the rock-solid quality you've come to expect.
What's a tap anyway?
If you're new to commercial installations, you may not understand about taps. A tap is really nothing but a splitter where one output leg has a lower signal level than the other. Most often, they're used in large buildings where there are multiple equipment closets. You start with a very strong signal — sometimes too strong for a receiver — but then you "tap" off a much weaker signal so that you don't burn up your receivers and multiswitches and you still have a strong signal traveling to the next location.
What's the best way to use a tap?
Taps come with different loss values, and the tap's loss value is the difference between the levels on input port vs. the "tap" port. In other words, a 16dB tap has 16dB less signal on the "tap" port than the incoming signal. Generally you will start by using a tap with a high loss value (like 16dB) and then the next tap will go to 12dB loss, then 9dB, then 6dB. As the "trunk" signal (the signal that goes from closet to closet) gets lower, you use a smaller tap to compensate.
Here's an example. You start with a nice strong signal at -20dB. That's actually too strong for a multiswitch, but that's ok because we're not going straight into the multiswitch.
We start with a 16dB tap, which provides a perfect -36dB signal to the multiswitch.
We run to the next closet, and by the time we get there, the signal level has dropped to -24dB. So we use a 12dB tap, which provides another perfect -36dB signal to the second multiswitch.
We run to the next closet, and by the time we get there, the signal level has dropped to -27dB. So we use a 9dB tap, which provides another perfect -36dB signal to the third multiswitch.
At the final closet, the signal level has dropped to -31dB. We use a 6dB tap and we get a still-acceptable -37dB signal to the final multiswitch. If you need to add more capacity, you just run to another amplifier.
For those who prefer things a bit more visual, here's a diagram:
We're proud to say that we now offer both the 6-port and 4-port Sonora taps. The 6-port taps are required for some specific installations, but in many cases a 4-port tap is all you need and you can save a little money in the process. The new tap design is easier to wall mount and fits in perfectly with Sonora's existing line. It's hard to see but these aren't cheap plastic parts -- the cases are solid metal and these things are pretty heavy for what they are. Because of their construction, they will be automatically bonded if mounted to the same metal plate as another bonded part, or you can use the convenient grounding screw locations as needed.
Sonora has made a name for itself with quality parts like these so it was no surprise to see the fit and finish of these parts. They look right at home with the rest of the line and more importantly the spacing of the coaxial connectors matches that of Sonora's other 4-coax devices, so you know you'll get a nice clean install. DIRECTV specs call for 24" between devices, so make sure you plan appropriately.
Solid Signal offers 4-port taps in 16dB, 12dB, 9dB and 6dB versions:
Sonora SDMST416 Input Taps - 16dB (SDMST416) from Solid Signal
Sonora SDMST412 Input Taps - 12dB (SDMST412) from Solid Signal
Sonora SDMST409 Input Taps - 9dB (SDMST409) from Solid Signal
Sonora SDMST406 Input Taps - 6dB (SDMST406) from Solid Signal
Be sure to have these handy for when you need them!