Will I damage my cable modem with 7db splitter?

I am told it is best to use a 3.5db side of a splitter, but I was having trouble with a 2 sides 3.5db splitter, getting unknown modulation on one or more channels, I am using an Arris Motorola SGB6580 on TWC service.

Using splitter straight off the line into my apartment to run to modem and for basic cable on my tv.

I have 2 modems in my possession, one a 2-way 3.5db and one is a 3-way with 1 3.5db and 2-7db.

Have had problems with slow speeds using all 3.5db ends but all seems stable on a 7db end.

The 2-way 3.5db splitter is virtually new as in unused after a year of having it.

Do I need to buy a new splitter?

Oh, and on other places, people request to see some numbers, so here they are and I have no idea what any of them mean:


Also, the modem was purchased new so I would rather not have to replace it after 3 months of use.

i used to be a catv technician and the operational parameters for our eurodocsis3 cable modems is -10 to +10db on the downstream channels and +40 to +55 on the upstream channels. the screenshot you posted is from a 3.5db splitter port right? if you change to a 7db splitter you'll lose more 3.5db of signal. You'll have your downstream channels at around -8 and your upstream at around 55db. That's too close to the limit imho, i wouldn't want my modem so close to the limit because the signal that comes from the street usually oscillates ~3db so it can get even worst than -8 / 55...

Just buy a new 2-way 3.5db ghz (important, make sure it goes from 5 to 1000mhz) splitter.
this are the ones i use, never had problems with them. http://www.ashcomms.com/media/catal...33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/v/tvc-1000-2wn.jpg

No, this is on a 7db end thingy.

The 2-way splitter I have is a 5-1000mhz -130db rfi which was provided by TWC.

I have removed the splitter from the line and this is what I am seeing now:


I am gonna miss tv service until i can get a new splitter :'(

Your levels on the -7 dB port (it's minus 7, not just 7, in that this channel will be 7.5 dB below the level before the split; that's why all of your power levels with no splitter are 7 dB higher than with) are on the low side but fine. As long as it's working OK I wouldn't worry about it. If you have issues with connection drops, then you want to replace the splitter with a better one.

I talked to a local cable technician on the elevator 20 minutes ago before removing the splitter and he told me that it could damage my modem.

Eh, its probably for the best, I actually am not supposed to be receiving cable tv since I only pay for internet service.

I can't imagine how he thinks you could damage the modem. Maybe overheating, because it's running at a slightly higher power?

It's within spec. I ran my SB6121 for years at the same power levels as you (worse, actually) and it's still going strong.

I like your reasoning, I shall put it back on the 7db end and have tv too

Thanks!

well if the levels you posted first are already on the -7.5db port you are OK
don't worry about "damage" to your modem, it won't happen, they just say that so you won't have free tv lol i've seen lots of modems more than 10db out-of-spec and still working...