Post by: MrsLop on July 10, 2003, 01:45:02 PM
My "Adventures" are taking a different turn - in the form of hands on installation.
I have been following the promotions by Cox Cable ie. High Speed Internet, so that I could get a really good price.
Their current promotion runs until August 15th.
They will send me a Free kit for installation, and my 1st and 3rd month will be charged at half price.
I just know that I can do this, with the proper instructions. The customer service rep said that they will supply me with plenty of cable line, a splicer, router? a modem, a CD and complete instuctions. As long as I have the correct card in my Mac, I should be able to do a self installation. I have Cable TV, so the line is already there.
I may not know much about computers, but I am handy with a toolbox and fairly good at assembling things.
Have any of you done a self installation (specifically, Cox Cable); and if so, how difficult is it to do? My concern is, the live Cable wire, which will have to be spliced. I don't necessarily want to "fry" myself in the process. As for the internet, Bernie had already installed Internet Explorer and Outlook Express.
I have some lead time to do this.
I am still using the Web/TV (aka MSN) and have paid for service until the end of July.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
BTW- It's nice to be back.
Myrna
Post by: RobW on July 10, 2003, 02:15:58 PM
I've only installed my dsl connection--and that was pretty easy. I would be pretty surprised if the company's tech support staff didn't walk you through it if you find that you're having problems and called them. They have a vested interest in having those early days go well for you!
Hopefully, their tech support has people who know Macs. My advice is to wait until you've got everything, read through the stuff first (which I tend to NEVER do), and take your time with it. Don't get down if you don't get it at first. If you're stuck or even unsure, call them up from a phone next to your Mac.
Welcome back!
Post by: Bruce_F on July 10, 2003, 02:23:22 PM
QUOTE
I have Cable TV, so the line is already there.
In my case, the cable company had to come to my house and set up a data-port. It may differ with Cox Cable, however.
Hooking up the whole thing is very easy.
One cable is connected between the outlet on the wall and the cable modem.
Another cable goes from the modem to the computer.
Setting up the ISP addresses on your system can be easy, if you're given clear instructions. It may require a phone call to someone at the service provider to get things right.
Good Luck!
Post by: bil207 on July 10, 2003, 02:54:53 PM
Don't worry about getting "fried" from the live cable wire, it's coaxial cable that is carries the TV signal.
You can get the Cox Internet installation instructions here.
Post by: MrsLop on July 10, 2003, 03:25:17 PM
Nice to hear from you. I am not sure about how easy or how difficult things will be.
I thought it best to come to TS and ask first.
Thanks for the reply.
(and encouragement)
Myrna
Post by: MrsLop on July 10, 2003, 03:30:40 PM
I have so many concerns about this, but I thought it easier to tackle them one at a time.
What's a data port? Where does it connect? Why did you need one? (inquiring minds want to know)
Thanks for the information.
Myrna
Post by: MrsLop on July 10, 2003, 03:45:23 PM
Thanks for the link. My husband got upset when I told him that I had to splice the Cable line. He only uses PC's with Windows, at work, so he has never even had to do any of the grunt work.
Nice job,if you can get it. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, while he's out plowing the back 40 acres, I'll be splicing and hopefully not dicing, the coaxial cable wires.
I will probably be on the line to Cox Internet Tech Support about more than just the hookups.
I just wanted to know if anyone had actually tried to do it themselves. Have you ever noticed that instructions, depending on who wrote them, are not always very clear or inclusive of everything that needs to be done? I am especially concerned, because, though they say that they support Macs, not everyone has experience with them.
Myrna
Post by: RHPConsult on July 10, 2003, 05:33:30 PM
How can we help you if we're laughing so hard?
"Back 40" indeed!
Post by: bil207 on July 10, 2003, 05:40:26 PM
I installed the cable modem in my house, it's really isn't to difficult.
Here is a simplied diagram of what is the installation requires.
Here is what the splitter looks like
BTW my name is Bill.
Post by: MrsLop on July 10, 2003, 07:41:08 PM
You know I can't resist a moment of levity. OK,OK, maybe a paragraph.
Anyway, a "notorious spammer" like you needs all the laughter they can get. Really Dick, whatever shall we do with you? What a distinction,
dubious of course, but what a distinction!
I can just imagine you sitting there in front of that screen ...sputtering
BTW I read your little post on the link AOL. That is really alarming. I wonder how they get away with it. Glad to hear that the "problem" is now cleared up. Have they issued you an apology?
Myrna
Post by: MrsLop on July 10, 2003, 08:00:12 PM
I went to the link you provided however, this
@#$% (oops) WebTv keyboard does not allow me to scroll to the instruction link on the site. I run into this problem countless times on other sites. I sometimes find that the sites won't even allow me to access their files because WebTV isn't a "real" computer. That's why I need to get onine with the Mac.
Thank you, love,love, love the simplified diagram. When you did your installation did you use a kit? I really hope that they include all the correct wires and gizmos I'll need to do the job.
I think I'll go on a fact finding mission to see what the kits include.
Oh, the adrenalin is really moving now! I can't wait to get started.
Myrna
Post by: kelly on July 10, 2003, 08:45:50 PM
You're going to be in the fast lane pretty soon.
They won't be providing a Router. That's something you'd get on your own.
I don't think you'll need one with only one computer.
Here's examples of Coaxial Tool Kits.
http://www.paladin-tools.com/kitforcoaxca.html
First I've seen of do it yourself installations like yours.
Nothing you can't handle I'm sure.
Post by: Gregg on July 10, 2003, 09:03:44 PM
Post by: MrsLop on July 10, 2003, 09:16:43 PM
I was thinking more of a
"touchy feely" kind of fact finding mission.
There may be some retailers out there that I can visit. Sometimes, instructions are listed on the packaging. Maybe I'll be fortunate and find a package that lists all the parts as well.
I know it seems strange that Cox is doing this self installation thing.
My daughter who lives in California, said that she was able to get a promotion that included free installation and some other good things. Unfortunately, since Rhode Island is sooo small, there is no competition and so they don't feel the need to offer free professional installation. Usually around the Holidays they offer free installation.
I doubt that the Cox Internet kit will include any really fine tools. I don't own a crimper, so I need to find out just what they do supply in their kit, before I order service.
Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Nice to be "home" again.
Myrna
Post by: MrsLop on July 10, 2003, 09:44:51 PM
Nice of you to join us.
Well, first of all they charge for the Cable TV set up if they come to the house (at least in RI they do). I think its in the vicinity of $27.00.
For internet installations they charge $ 79.00 to do the work.
Giving me a free kit to do a self install is a pretty good incentive. At least the price is right.
As kelly pointed out, I'll probably have to get my own router, not for multiple computer use, but for security purposes.
Coupled with the CD and Tech Support, I hope to be able to get up and running. I just need to be patient and take my time. I am sure that TS will help me to understand the actual process of using IE and Outlook Express, if I need help with it.
Really happy about being back "home"
Myrna
Post by: bil207 on July 10, 2003, 09:53:05 PM
My installation kit came with pretty much the same equipment as Cox provide.
From the Cox web site: "Cox High Speed Internet Self Install includes all the necessary components for installing Cox High Speed Internet service:
2-way splitter
25 - foot coaxial cable w/ barrel connector
3 - 4-foot coaxial cable
Boxed Toshiba PCX1100U cable modem, stand, supp, RJ45 cord, USB cord and manual.
Welcome Kit
Post by: MrsLop on July 10, 2003, 11:38:03 PM
Bill,That's just what I needed to know.
I'll be emailing Bernie for systems information tomorrow.
I'll need all of the information when I call Cox Tech Support.
I really hope that they know their Macs.
Buenos Noches(Good Night)
Myrna
Post by: Bruce_F on July 11, 2003, 12:55:21 AM
I know it's late on the East Coast, so you won't see this until Friday. I just wanted to say... The dataport I spoke of earlier is no different in appearance from a cable outlet that a TV uses.
The difference between a cable outlet and the dataport is a filter that is put into place by the cable company. My dataport outlet has a sticker on it now. It's just a reminder that it will not work for TV cable unless the filter is removed.
Like I said, Cox Co. may be different than my cable company. The hookup that Bill shows would not work in my case. I know that for a fact because the guy who came to hook me up put the dataport filter on the wrong line. My cable modem would not respond. He had to call in another guy who figured out the mistake. Apparently, the cable lines had been mis-labeled at the main box. They made the correction and it works.
Post by: MrsLop on July 11, 2003, 02:29:35 PM
Bruce,That is one useful piece of information. I did not hear one word from the Cox CSR about a filter being included. I wonder, if in your case, that was because without the filter there may have been interference on the computer from the TV?
I will find out though.
Myrna
Post by: Bruce_F on July 11, 2003, 02:57:37 PM
QUOTE
I wonder, if in your case, that was because without the filter there may have been interference on the computer from the TV?
Hi Myrna,
The main cable line carries both Television broadcast for a zillion channels, plus the data the is being sent from the Internet. I think the device that is put on the dataport just directs the databits in the right direction.