New UHF aerial

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Loismustdye

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Topic # 66465 19-Aug-2010 18:42

Up untill recently my freeview signal was reasonable, until that is i altered the position of the TV and added an extra loop to another room (giving 3 outputs). Consequently the signal in the main lounge now stutters accassionally and reception falters, and one of the rooms (the newer one)doesnt receive signal.

As Im looking at replacing the antenna anyway, I was looking at either

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=LT3182&keywords=uhf+antenna&form=KEYWORD

or a

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=LT3181&keywords=uhf+antenna&form=KEYWORD

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=LT3199&keywords=uhf+antenna&form=KEYWORD
(vhf and uhf combo)

to replace the existing one.

The question I have, is using a stronger antenna to start with (the first one above) goin to strenghten the signal or give a better signal before going to the splitter? Or am I wasting my time and simply better off somehow affixing a masthead amplifier to the existing antenna?

Im in palmy (unsure as to how strong the signal is anyway) and the existin uhf aerial is a sky installed job (with the cabling running down the roof line, strapped to a downpipe and then under the house).

Any advice is appreciated, Cheers, Simon

sultanoswing

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Reply # 369963 19-Aug-2010 19:18

I like Jaycar, but not sure I'd buy my aerial there.

Check out www.freeviewshop.co.nz

Their aerials are similarly priced, but come with F-connection Baluns, for the best signal path (too bad all NZ freeview boxes have Belling-Lee connections, but there you go).

Sounds like you have some other wiring issues to sort out though, but a good start is to work from the antenna down :)

[no disclosures / interests]

Jaxson

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Reply # 370174 20-Aug-2010 08:43

Do you need only freeview or are some TV's still running on old analogue?
If freeview only you only need UHF.

First point of call would be to check that the existing aerial is in good condition, and that there is a nice point of contact between the aerial and cabling. Might need to get up there and have a look, and take some sand paper and a screw driver etc. May need to cut the cable back 5cm and then re attach with shinier metal etc...

Then I guess we need to ask how you added the extra room. Did you install a splitter with F connections or have you done this with insulation tape etc?

Just starting with basics here, but that never hurts.

cyril7

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Reply # 370266 20-Aug-2010 11:05

Hi I agree sounds like a wiring or workmanship issue (not wanting to critisise but I find lots of DIY blunders). If you are in Palmy city itself then there is a truck load of signal so no hyper gain antenna is required.

By the way all the antennas that Jaycar sell are good matchmaster, so a reputed brand and reasonable quality, and all have Fconnector baluns.

Cyril

Loismustdye

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Reply # 370280 20-Aug-2010 11:44

Well I feel a bit of a twat really.

Went under the house last and discovered that where the existing aerial cable went into the splitter box was actually loose and not properly stripped of the insulation over the cable screen...... after correcting this.., um "issue" TV reception is now again picture perfect out of all 3 tv outlets, no sound issues, no picture stutters no nothing. Freeview HD works without a hitch from all outlets.

So thanks for the suggestions /advice, but the problem has now been resolved, and I still feel a goose for not double checking the cable when installing it.. :-)

Ragnor

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Reply # 370285 20-Aug-2010 11:48

Are there any channels that are still VHF only?

I can't really see the combo aerial being worthwhile...

Jaxson

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Reply # 370290 20-Aug-2010 11:56

Ragnor: Are there any channels that are still VHF only?

Yes, some on analogue are still VHF, TV1 especially.
On freeview no, they are all either satellite or UHF only on freeview.

Anyhow, glad you sorted it.
Don't worry, you're not the first and not the last, and I bet you wont make that mistake again!

mentalinc

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Reply # 370336 20-Aug-2010 14:08

For a house with Freeview is there any point in having a VHF aerial or will all channels that are not on Freeview be picked up with a UHF aerial?

If only TV1 then might rip the POS VHF down.

Thanks

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sultanoswing

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Reply # 370348 20-Aug-2010 14:58

mentalinc: For a house with Freeview is there any point in having a VHF aerial or will all channels that are not on Freeview be picked up with a UHF aerial?

Only if you also want to use the aerial to receive standard FM broadcasts, which come out over the VHF frequencies.

richms

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Reply # 370459 20-Aug-2010 19:58

except a VHF antenna is normally pointing the wrong way, and wrong polarity to get clean FM reception. The Fm antenna I got is on a 45? angle, its apparantly directional but its blown around to pointing way off the skytower and still gets great signal.

Richard rich.ms

cyril7

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Reply # 370478 20-Aug-2010 20:24

FM from the main transmitter sites has always been transmitted in slant polarisation, right hand side down (as viewed from behind).

Cyril

oxnsox

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Reply # 370499 20-Aug-2010 21:28

To cater for Coathangers... :)