"Jerry Stuckle" wrote in message
...

snip

In addition to the splitter losses, you have coax and connector loss. Coax
loss probably isn't too bad, but unless you use a high quality crimping
tool, connector loss can easily approach 0.25 to 0.5 db. Even with a high
quality crimping tool, you can get around 0.1 db per connector.

There is also the possibility of a slight phase difference of the signals
coming out of the combiner, which would also affect the output
(splitters/combiners aren't perfect, either). But I wouldn't think this
would show up at such low frequencies unless you have lab-grade test
equipment (microwave frequencies and above are a different story).

All correct. As I said to Ian, I wanted to show I could create two matching
signals then add them and the passive splitter/combiner output would be
greater than either input, alone. Accuracy within a dB or so was sufficient
to make the point. I wouldn't go to a professional meeting with the
demonstration rig I used last night.

Another experiment I ran (back around 1975) was to take 100 feet of cable
and measure the loss, then repeat the measurement using a different 100 feet
made from ten different pieces. Yup, the loss was about 3 dB more,
indicative of an average 0.3 dB loss per joint, neatly within the range you
specified.

"Sal"