Abstract: A modular cable television tap unit includes a base module which receives a cable television signal having an operational power signal component from a cable distribution network. The base unit includes circuitry for separating radio frequency (RF) components and the operational power signal component from the cable television signal. The separated operational power signal is passed through the base module to another cable in the network. The base module includes a set of connectors for receiving a removable directional coupler module and a single connector for receiving a removable addressable signal splitter module. The signal splitter module includes connectors for providing the RF components of the cable television signal to subscribers. The connection for the directional coupler module provides only the RF component of the cable television signal.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a remote pilot unit is provided wherein both the pilot receiver and the pilot transmitter are calibrated. A test signal of a known magnitude is applied to the pilot unit and the magnitude actually received by the pilot receiver is determined. The two magnitudes are compared and a correction signal is determined. To calibrate the remote transmitter, a signal of a nominal magnitude from the transmitter is applied to a measurement device and the determination is made by the measurement device of the actual magnitude applied. The actual magnitude and the nominal magnitude are compared and a transmitter correction signal is determined. The receiver correction signal and the transmitter correction signal are stored in permanent memory within the pilot unit. This process is repeated at a plurality of frequencies to provide a signature for both the transmitter and the receiver.

Abstract: An RF network has an RF isolation switch and an RF isolation switch control box coupled to each other by a single cable. The single cable coupling the isolation switch and the control box performs the dual functions of (1) applying power from the RF isolation switch to the control box and (2) applying control signals from the control box to the RF isolation switch. The control box may receive control information from a remote location and control the isolation switch in accordance with the received information. Additionally, a local manual switch is provided within the control box for local control of the isolation switch. Further in accordance with the invention, a method is provided for automatically determining at the headend of the network and at units distributed throughout the network that ingress is present and for systematically controlling RF isolation switches to locate the source of ingress.