ChannelPlus DA-550 Series — Distribution Amplifier Manual

Quick reference for the ChannelPlus (Linear LLC) DA-550 Series Distribution Amplifier — the DA-550HHR and DA-550BID coax panels that form the heart of a multi-room video distribution system, connecting up to 8 televisions to cable or antenna sources while staying compatible with ChannelPlus video modulators and a 12V IR repeating system. This is a highly illustrated manual; the diagrams below and the full downloadable PDF cover the complete wiring, IR system, and expansion instructions.

Model Differences

• DA-550HHR: For antenna or uni-directional cable systems — highest headroom of any coax panel available on the market.
• DA-550BID: For bi-directional cable systems, providing a 5-42MHz back channel for cable modems or interactive set-top boxes.

Package Contents

• DA-550 unit
• Additional mounting ears (for OpenHouse® compatibility)
• Power supply (15VDC @ 300mA)
• Power/IR adaptor

Accessories

• Model 2010 — Power injector wall plate; powers the DA-550 remotely and has a built-in IR wall plate.
• Series 5500 / Series SVM modulators — create local TV channels, have built-in IR engines, and can remotely power the DA-550.
• Model 2184 — IR breakout panel; replaces the power supply adapter and drives up to four IR emitters.
• Model 2181 — IR extender; passes IR signals from one DA-550 to another.

Typical Installation

The DA-550 works like a zero-loss splitter — signal input on the antenna/CATV input appears on all outputs with about 3dB of gain. Use RG-6 coax for all runs. A modulator (fed by a DVD/VCR/satellite source) may be connected to input A or B. A DC block (Model 2501) is needed in series with coax when a 2100A IR wall plate is not used on that output.

Remote Powering the DA-550

Locate the DA-550 coax panel where the coax is (often a basement or garage) — a single coax carries power, RF signals, and IR repeating signals. You can remote power the DA-550 from a Series 5500/SVM modulator, or from a Model 2010 wall plate. To remote power, use Input B.

IR Repeating System

Any or all 8 outputs may be connected to Model 2100A wall plates, which interface with Models 2130A, 2231, and 2132 IR targets, plus various industry-standard IR receivers. Aiming a remote at an IR target causes a Model 2173 IR emitter to repeat the signal back to video devices in the media room. If the coax panel is located in the media center, a Model 2184 IR breakout panel can be used instead of a 2100A wall plate there.

12V vs. 5V IR Systems

• The DA-550 coax panels use the 12V IR system, which is compatible with Xantech IR receivers.
• 12V and 5V IR targets are NOT interchangeable, but emitters ARE interchangeable between the two systems.
• The 2010 wall plate and 5500/SVM series modulators are compatible with both 12V and 5V systems.

Expanding the System

Up to 8 additional DA-550 units can be daisy-chained from the outputs of a "master" DA-550, for a total of 64 TV outlets. The longest recommended coax run (master-to-slave plus slave-to-TV combined) should not exceed 150 feet. Each DA-550 must be powered individually. A slave DA-550 can have its own local modulators and a zoned IR system for TVs on its 8 outputs — signals injected into a slave are only viewable on that unit's TVs, while signals injected into the master are viewable on all outputs including slaves. Use one Model 2181 IR extender per slave DA-550 to combine IR control signals across units.

Troubleshooting

• IR light glows steadily (noise): Disconnect all TV output coax cables, then reconnect one at a time to identify the source. Cover the IR target with a towel — if the light stops blinking, it's optical noise (likely from a window, fluorescent light, or plasma TV); reposition the target. If covering doesn't help, it's EMI noise from the TV itself — move the target further away.
• Circuit breaker trips (IR systems only): All output ports must be connected to a 2100A wall plate OR a DC block — unused ports don't require one. Connecting a 75-ohm terminator directly to a DA-550 output will trip the breaker.
• Herringbone interference on the modulator channel: Try a different channel number, add a low-pass filter to remove cable noise, or add a DC-block for common-mode interference.
• Herringbone interference on many channels (disappears when the CATV/antenna feed is removed): The RF amplifier may be overloaded by strong signals — use a variable attenuator to find a level where interference disappears. If one station is much stronger than others, consider an FM trap for nearby FM towers, or contact the station for a suitable filter.
• General wiring: Use only RG-6 coax when wiring a house — RG-59 has only slightly more loss but RG-6 is easier to find with wide bandwidth.

FCC Requirements

• Only use video modulators compliant with FCC Part 15 rules with a max output level of 25dBmV — non-compliant modulators may void your authority to operate the equipment.
• DA-550HHR: Suitable for antenna or CATV systems.
• DA-550BID: Suitable for CATV systems only.

Warranty

Linear LLC warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for 2 years from the date code on the product. The warranty is limited to repair or replacement of products returned freight-prepaid to Linear LLC — no provision for labor cost or other reimbursement. Not covered: product abuse (surge/lightning, water, natural disaster), tampering with date codes, or shipping damage. All warranty returns require a Return Product Authorization Number (RPA#) — contact Linear Technical Services at 1-800-421-1587.