Product Installation Photos
Wiring Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I connected my 5545 modulator to the mod "a" port on the H838BID/HHR but the IR won't work. What's wrong?
The 5545 must connect to the mod "b+PWR" port, this port is for modulators with IR and the "A" port is for non-IR modulators.

2. I have two cameras that I've been trying to combine with basic cable service, but I can only see one camera on channel 78, while the other camera on channel 82 is snowy. What's wrong?
The cable service sends digital data throughout the cable system, which occasionally interferes with modulated channels. Insert a low pass filter (Model # LPF-600) and tune the camera channels to 91 and 93 instead.

3. I have a H838HHR that I purchased when I had an antenna. I recently switched to cable service, but I can't get pay-per-view channels. What can I do?
Replace the H838HHR with the H838BID, which is bi-directional and allows you to receive pay-per-view.

4. I have a 5545 4 channel modulator and I am only using two of the inputs. Some of the cable channels above 65 are degraded, but when I remove the 5545, they clear up. What's happening?
The 5545 is a four channel modulator and although you are only using two inputs, the remaining two inputs are active. Program the unused modulator inputs to higher, unused channels such as channel 123 & 125.

5. I have a 5545 modulator and an H838BID video hub and am using the IR target model H933 and model H973 emitter. Occasionally the IR system does not work. What's wrong?
The H933 target is picking up some type of interference. Disconnect the target from the TV and use an RF interference filter between the target and the TV. You might also need to mount the target further away from the TV because some TV's emit electromagnetic noise that interferes with the operation of the H933 target.

6. I have purchased two H636 ethernet hubs and when I try to connect them together, the data is not transferring. What is wrong?
The patch cable you are using is not a cross-over cable.

7. Does the H650 IVN allow for Caller ID?
No, the H650 IVN does not allow Caller ID information to pass through.

8. I've been using a flat blade screwdriver to terminate the phone cables on my H616 and H618 telephone hubs, but I'm not getting any dial tone at the phone locations?
You have damaged the 110 punch down block by using a screwdriver instead of a proper 110 tool. You can purchase a very nice 110 tool at Home Depot for about $60.

9. I've tried using the RJ-31X connection on the H611 telephone hub to tie into a security alarm circuit and it didn't work. It caused me to lose the dial tone on line 1 throughout my house. Even though I have removed the plug from the RJ-31X I still don't have a dial tone on line 1?
Make sure that you are using an RJ-45 type plug to go into the RJ-31X connection. If you use a smaller plug like an RJ-25 you will permanently damage the RJ-31X jack, which will result in the loss of line one.

This is a showcase for installations containing OpenHouse products. Submissions to the showcase should include photos showing the rough install of OpenHouse and when possible the finished result. Include your tips and tricks for the installations. 

To submit your install please send a photo of the products and information about the install to info@linearcorp.com.

Custom Home: Installation by RLG Design, Inc.


problem: The client was looking for RLG Design to clean up the wiring in their
garage that was left by the previous contractor. RLG Design was looking for an
enclosure system with built in amplified distribution.
solution: RLG Design was "able to force the cables in by using patience, a rubber
mallet, & a 1" x 1" piece of wood..."

Wiring Tips

Pre-wiring is the key to the successful use of OpenHouse products. Pre-wire is broken into three categories: 
1. audio/video & television
2. telephones & cameras
3. data & networks

Using the right cable from the start makes installations simple and fast.

RG-6 coax is used for televisions and incoming and out going signals (satellite, CATV, off-air).

Cat 5 wire is used for data, cameras, intercoms, telephones and Ethernet networks.

A lot of answers can be given on how much wire should be pulled. It is always safer to pull more than you need today so that you are ready for tomorrow. Just a few years ago a single RG-6 coax to the den with the TV was enough. But today with DSS®, CATV, WEB TV®, modulators and whatever else comes along, a single RG-6 coax is not enough. You need multiple RG-6 coax runs, Cat 3 or 5 phone lines, Cat 5 network lines, and possibly fiber optic lines. All of these add to confusion and rat nest installations. By home running all the wire to a central location, basement, service room, spare bedroom, the entire system can be easily managed. Using an enclosure like the H318 or H336, a centralized system of distribution can be maintained and upgraded as technology advances. Planning for the unknown is key to success. Having all the wiring terminate in a central location makes trouble shooting and upgrades a snap.

Color coding coax: 
• Black receive or downstream
• White send or upstream

Pre-wire with RG-6 coax cable.
Use Black coax as the receive or downstream feeds.
White coax as the send or upstream feeds.

• One black coax from each TV and computer location.
• One white coax from each location where one or more video sources
might be located.
• One white coax from the CATV demarc point.
• One white coax to where an off-air antenna might be located.
• Minimum* or 2 white coax from satellite receiver locations.

*New HDTV satellite dishes offer up to 4 receiver outputs. The dish has 2 dual output LNBs and uses a 4x4 multiswitch to output on single coax to up to 4 different receivers HD or standard.