uhf aerial

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colin09876

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Wannabe Geek

#40214 26-Aug-2009 21:04

have jusy bought a tv with free view , We have sky but I want to hook up the free view , I am going to install a uhf aerial but need to know if what sort I need (ie: strength/model etc) I live in Darfield approx 50-60km from sugarloaf (christchurchs tv transmission tower) There is nothing in the way but wondering if just a basic aerial would do the trick or do i need something specific since we are out of town

Cheers

andrewcnz

961 posts

Ultimate Geek

#250821 26-Aug-2009 21:09

Did you look at what kinds of UHF aerial your neighbours have?

cyril7

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#250828 26-Aug-2009 21:22

Hi your standard 8-12element yagi (thats real terminology elements not some modern marketing gumf that turns a single 4finger director into 4elements) is all you need, you are in a prime coverage area. I dont know where you are intending to purchase an antenna from but one of these nice Triaxs from your local supplier should do the trick just fine.

http://www.satmax.co.nz/Products/10Elementyagi.htm

Cyril

berrys

225 posts

Master Geek

#250975 27-Aug-2009 13:10

Hi Cyril, would the aerial you mentioned above be ok for Nth Canterbury potentially split 4-5 times, about 30 kms from sugarloaf? We get analogue prime, bit fuzzy but clear enough to watch. I've been advised to get a whopper 91 element, but wanted to check around a bit more before investing. Cheers.

cyril7

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#251065 27-Aug-2009 18:17

Hi, I cannot comment on your local conditions and if a reputed local installer recommends a high gain unit then maybe good to go with it, but whilst as much gain as possible is good these very large antennas are both fickle to install and ungainly to mount and for a very large increase in size only increase gain by around 3-4dB, which at 30km clear line of sight out from a pirme Tx is probably not really going to achieve a lot.

Personally I would prefer to use an antenna as linked and a distribution amp to help with the 3-4 splits. Normally you can split 4ways without an amp, however if you are moving out a bit (ie 30km) you might be best advised to use an amp. My amp of preference for domestic distribution is the Kingray SA162F, PM ,me if you want one as they can be akward to source.

Cyril

Jaxson

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#252843 3-Sep-2009 09:38

Quick question Cyril if I may,

How do these 'newer' style UHF aerials compare to the more traditional ones with mesh reflectors at the back and the sort of X elements, each element with four prongs?

Eg http://www.satmax.co.nz/Products/10Elementyagi.htm
vs say http://www.freeviewshop.co.nz/element-aerial-freeview-p-76.html

Cheers in advance.

RockResearch

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#252863 3-Sep-2009 10:24

If you have an existing aerial check that first, I don't have a UHF aerial, just a very basic thing with one rod but I still get great Freeview reception.

Rock Research - NZ's online marketing research experts. We like to blog too.

cyril7

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#252921 3-Sep-2009 14:48

Hi both those antennas are fine
Cyril