It’s the next generation of AT&T commercial technology, and it’s here now. DIRECTV installers will love these new parts, because they’ll make everything easier.
The new trunk amplifier
This is the new Satellite Trunk Amplifier from AT&T. It will eventually replace the TAMP_6 which has been around since 2013. The specs aren’t that different. It’s a trunk amplified with an gain-controlled output of 0dBm. This gives you the ability to run four sets of taps on a run of 100 feet, or to send signals 400 feet in a long run.
For commercial use, you can adjust the output levels manually if the input signal is too strong or weak. You can also adjust slope compensation. If you are using this amplifier for a very long run without taps, you’ll want more slope compensation. For runs down a trunk such as in an apartment building, you’ll want less.
Power is supplied by a standard PI-29Z power inserter, meaning you don’t have to carry as many power supplies. You have the option of powering it through the #1 output or through a dedicated power connection. The dedicated connection is better but the option is there if you need it. You also get a power passthrough so you could power a polarity locker as well, if there’s no place to plug that part in. Ideally every part should have its own power supply but sometimes that’s just not possible.
New DIRECTV Taps
The new STTAP series from AT&T replaces the older DTV7 taps. Like those earlier parts you can run 6 lines from the dish plus one over-the-air line if needed.
Unlike the older taps, you can now choose values from 20dB all the way to 6dB. There is no 3dB option. The old taps maxed out at 16dB, but with a stronger amplifier you’ll need a tap with a greater value to keep the signal strength within the SWM input window of -25dBm to -45dBm. If you need a tap with a 3dB value, which is rare, you should look at a set of PV23-302 splitters instead.
The only negative to these taps is the lack of weather boots. You can put weather boots on if you wish but really you should not be using commercial satellite taps outside anyway. It always struck me a little weird that the older taps had weather boots and more than once, I just removed them.
Want an AT&T approved install? These are your choices
In a lot of cases, commercial installers have a choice of parts. However, if you’re doing a job where you need the absolutely correct, approved parts, you’ll need to use this amplifier and tap combination, along with a Reverse Band 5 Legacy LNB and SWM-30s. These are the only parts approved by AT&T for commercial installs in 2019 and beyond. The older parts including SL5 LNBs, SWM-16 multiswitches, and Sonora amplifiers and taps are no longer DIRECTV-approved. Of course if they worked 5 years ago they’re still going to work now and Solid Signal still has a good stock of these older type parts. They tend to be a little less expensive so the value-minded installer has choices.
No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find all the commercial-grade parts you’ll need by shopping at Solid Signal.
