Keylock switch for coax?

[[email protected]]

I have spent time trying to Google this question, without much
success. I am not an electronics whiz, but I am a computer tech and
made my own fan speed controls and the like before such became so
cheap to buy instead of build. I am trying to devise a way to build a
key lock switch to interrupt the CATV signal to certain rooms in the
house with TV's that don't have decent parental controls on them to
prevent my children from abusing their TV privileges. I have found
such a devices on line to interrupt service based on tokens, or a full
lock-out, but it won't work well in my home data and CATV master
control box recessed in the wall in the master bedroom
closet...putting it in the closet will also reduce the chance the
control box could be bypassed easily. I have a vague idea that I
think MIGHT work, but I really could use someone with real electronics
knowledge to provide some pointers or suggestions. I have worked with
transistors, LEDS, heat shrink tubing, potentiometers and etc building
my on fan control panels for my PC's when I had time to tinker with
over-clocking, so I can use a soldering gun and a meter fairly well.
And I wired my home with CAT5 and coax to each room. I just need some
guidance to get me started, because I am not even sure of the
calculations involved to run a CATV signal through a mechanical
switch.

ANY tips or suggestions appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

I have spent time trying to Google this question, without much
success. I am not an electronics whiz, but I am a computer tech and
made my own fan speed controls and the like before such became so
cheap to buy instead of build. I am trying to devise a way to build a
key lock switch to interrupt the CATV signal to certain rooms in the
house with TV's that don't have decent parental controls on them to
prevent my children from abusing their TV privileges. ... I just need some
guidance to get me started, because I am not even sure of the
calculations involved to run a CATV signal through a mechanical
switch.

ANY tips or suggestions appreciated.

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/KSW-1015/search/ON-OFF_KEYSWITCH_.html

You can add a 75 ohm resistor in series with the signal to the switch since
it works 'backwards'. It'll be a mismatch but I imagine it'll be close
enough. If you want to get fancy, add one switch to each output of a 4 or 5
way splitter that feeds the rooms to be controlled.

If you can find switches that have the Key removable in OFF position that's
even easier.

 

[[email protected]]

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/KSW-1015/search/ON-OFF_KEY...

You can add a 75 ohm resistor in series with the signal to the switch since
it works 'backwards'. It'll be a mismatch but I imagine it'll be close
enough. If you want to get fancy, add one switch to each output of a 4 or 5
way splitter that feeds the rooms to be controlled.

If you can find switches that have the Key removable in OFF position that's
even easier.

Thank you, that was exactly what I needed, a hint of what to start
looking for and thinking about. Of course, any other advice or
suggestions is also welcome, but this tells me where to start. The
switch for each output is also a good idea, and I imagine I will be
glad I ran RG6 instead of RG59, even though it was harder to work
with.

-John

 

[Wim Lewis]

I have spent time trying to Google this question, without much
success. I am not an electronics whiz, but I am a computer tech and
made my own fan speed controls and the like before such became so
cheap to buy instead of build. I am trying to devise a way to build a
key lock switch to interrupt the CATV signal to certain rooms in the
house with TV's that don't have decent parental controls on them [...]

How about putting a non-keylock switch inside a locked box? It seems to
me that using a switch not designed for impedance-matched 75-ohm circuits
could result in reflections and such, leading to bad reception (ghosting?).
Googling for "75 ohm switch" turns up plenty of cheap switches with F-type
connectors, which are presumably the connectors you have on your coax
already. It shouldn't be too hard to find a small lockable wiring-panel
box and put the switch inside.

Actually, it looks like MPJA might have exactly what you want, no
locked box required:
http://www.mpja.com/viewallnopict.asp?dept=140
Scroll down to "Deluxe locking A/B switch".

to prevent my children from abusing their TV privileges.

On the other hand, careful that you don't change your kids' perception
of the situation from "should I disobey my parents and watch TV?" to
"Here is an interesting technical challenge, and if I solve it I get to
watch TV as a reward"

 

[quietguy]

A much simpler, and much better for the kids, solution is to just remove
the tv if the kids defy your directions re watching. And if your kids
are that disobedient you have much bigger problems than figgering out
switches etc

David - who would impose a consequence rather than allow the kids to
dictate terms

 

[Grostle News]

Parental control options are a selling point used by cable tv providers.
If you haven't already done so, you might ask your cable company, they
might have something that is ready-to-use for your needs.