Multi-switch, multi-cable, multi-problems?

[dsfantom]

Have RCA dish with dual LNB. I want to get the piggy back UHF/VHF antenna to pick up locals, and run the combined signal to an RCA multi-switch (is there something better available?), so I can distribute it to 3 receivers in different rooms. Should be no problem (!/?).

Here is the rub. The house (15 years old, 2-story) has central wiring for cable tv. Probably R59, but don't know. I would like to run sat lines from the dish to the central location, place the multi-switch, and hook up the existing runs to various rooms. My fear is that the existing runs (again, probably R59) will not pass the sat signal well enough. If that is a problem, can I solve it by using the inexpensive splitter/amps made for regular cable/antenna signals? If they don't work, is there something that will? I've been told by a Radio Shack guy that it will probably work OK until the weather gets cloudy, then the signal will start to break up. It will be difficult to rewire the house with R6, so I am hoping for an easier solution.

On a side note, will I automatically get the local UHF/VHF channels through the piggy back antenna, or do I need duplexers? If the duplexers are needed, where do I have to put them? One for each receiver/tv combo? Do I have to separate the signals at the input side of the multi-switch, also?

Thanks,

[SMOKER]

How many sets are you going to run in the second story? Its not that hard to get the cable up there. The best place to get it into the attic from the basement is use the stink pipe -drain waste vent.Attach a fishing weight to a line and drop it from the attic down the space next to the dwv where it passes through the attic. It may take a little jiggling but that is normal or it may drop right away. When it gets to the basement tie your line to it and gently pull your wire into the attic. Next ,take a metal clothes hanger , cut it off to make a probe.Where the ceiling meets an INSIDE wall ,push the hanger halfway through ,enough to find it in the attic. You'll get into the attic and find the top plate of that wall . Drill a hole thru it to get the wire in the wall.Drill a 1 1/2 inch hole below your hanger probe, 1 foot from the floor ,Being very careful not to do this around any electical outlets.Pull the wire into the room. Congradulations... You just did your first wall fish.

The other option is Hire an installer to run the wire for
you.Personally I like the challanges to getting wire to seemingly impossible places. RG6 ,in my opinion is the only way to go . RG59 just dosen't cut it on three IRDs.
Another way is drill a hole in an old golf ball and attach a long string to it. Drop it down a cold air vent(not hot air!!) to the basement. Bounce it in there while a buddy finds the noise. Pry the metal vent apart there just enough to get the wire through it ( Caution sharp edges) dont cut your self or the wire then you pull it into the room.

[dsfantom]

Appreciate the install tips, but hope I don't have to use them. I really like the one about fishing down thru the holes for drain vents. I have never heard of that one, and it seem like a good idea.

Biggest problem in fishing new lines is that the attic is formed of trusses made from 2x4s and has 24" of blown-in insulation. That doesn't leave me with much of a place to stand while I'm doing the drill and fish routine, much less a place to put the excess insulation. If the Rg59 gives me too many problems, I'll just have to "dive" into it and take yo r tips for the fishing of new lines.

[SMOKER]

They never do leave you much room! I've done many. I'm 6'1" and never was able to stand up.Kinda crawl on your belly like a reptile.By the way,if you have 2x4 joists, move. your roof is going to cave in . Their 6's or 8's. You're not sure if you have RG59 yet ,right? Get a Rg6 fitting and compare the hole for the dialetric(white stuff around the stinger.) RG59 will be half of the size.Good luck.