I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I thought
it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through cpc and
toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is best I have
freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I need boosting,
amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in line power supply? F
connectors or coax plugs?

Any suggestion gratefully received

Paul

I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I thought
it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through cpc and
toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is best I have
freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I need boosting,
amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in line power supply? F
connectors or coax plugs?

OK, where are you? What transmitter do you receive? How far away is it? How
big is your aerial? What is the length of the cable runs? How good is the
reception currently? What is the current downlead cable designation?
(letters/numbers written on the cable).

Christian.

In article ,
Paul wrote:
I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I thought
it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through cpc and
toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is best I have
freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I need boosting,
amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in line power supply? F
connectors or coax plugs?

What you need is an aerial DA (distribution amplifier) This will make up
any gain lost in the splitting process - and is mains powered.

--
*If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled? *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Paul wrote:
I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I
thought it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through
cpc and toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is
best I have freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I
need boosting, amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in
line power supply? F connectors or coax plugs?

What you need is an aerial DA (distribution amplifier)

as a last resort, perhaps. best get a good signal sorted first and see if an
amp is required as if it's a poor signal an amplifier will amp up the whole
lot, not just the signal. rubbish in + amp = lots of rubbish out

In article ,
. [email protected] wrote:
I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I
thought it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through
cpc and toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is
best I have freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I
need boosting, amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in
line power supply? F connectors or coax plugs?

What you need is an aerial DA (distribution amplifier)

as a last resort, perhaps. best get a good signal sorted first and see
if an amp is required as if it's a poor signal an amplifier will amp up
the whole lot, not just the signal. rubbish in + amp = lots of rubbish
out

A DA is not the same thing as a mast head amp.

--
*Honk if you love peace and quiet.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Christian McArdle wrote:
I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I thought
it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through cpc and
toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is best I have
freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I need boosting,
amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in line power supply? F
connectors or coax plugs?


OK, where are you? What transmitter do you receive? How far away is it? How
big is your aerial? What is the length of the cable runs? How good is the
reception currently? What is the current downlead cable designation?
(letters/numbers written on the cable).

Christian.



Norwich. I think I use tacolneston. About 10-15 miles away. Standard old
style aerial current reception is good. Cable runs 2 at 6m 1 at 20m.
Only info on cable reel is low loss semi airspaced coxial cable/TV downlead.

Hope this is enough info.

Paul

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
. [email protected] wrote:
I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I
thought it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through
cpc and toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one
is best I have freeview so I need something to hand digital but do
I need boosting, amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a
in line power supply? F connectors or coax plugs?

What you need is an aerial DA (distribution amplifier)

as a last resort, perhaps. best get a good signal sorted first and
see if an amp is required as if it's a poor signal an amplifier will
amp up the whole lot, not just the signal. rubbish in + amp = lots
of rubbish out

A DA is not the same thing as a mast head amp.

the same r-i-r-o principal applies.

High gain aerial ~~ low loss sat cable ~~ 3 way splitter

see if that (the cheapest option) is good enough, if it isn't carrying enough
signal for 3 recievers, add a DA. IMO

A DA is not the same thing as a mast head amp.


the same r-i-r-o principal applies.

High gain aerial ~~ low loss sat cable ~~ 3 way splitter

see if that (the cheapest option) is good enough, if it isn't carrying enough
signal for 3 recievers, add a DA. IMO




I fail to see how this can be the cheapest option when I have to buy all
new gear with may not work.

I can get a DA for about £15

Tollstation sells 57418 or
CPC AP00698

Paul

Paul wrote:
A DA is not the same thing as a mast head amp.


the same r-i-r-o principal applies.

High gain aerial ~~ low loss sat cable ~~ 3 way splitter

see if that (the cheapest option) is good enough, if it isn't
carrying enough signal for 3 recievers, add a DA. IMO




I fail to see how this can be the cheapest option when I have to buy
all new gear with may not work.

I can get a DA for about £15

Tollstation sells 57418 or
CPC AP00698

Paul

if you are so sure that you know better, why ask ?

suck it and see, but having installed over a dozen freeview systems for relatives
and friends (oh, the joys of owning ladders and roof ladders) all between 5 and
20ish miles from various transmitters, I have to say that they all opted for a new
high gain aerial (£15) and low loss sat cable (£21/100m) and they all use splitters,
(.69p) ... F plugs are .6p ... never had the need for amps, which will, eventually, fail.

YMMWV

snip

High gain aerial ~~ low loss sat cable ~~ 3 way splitter

see if that (the cheapest option) is good enough, if it isn't
carrying enough signal for 3 recievers, add a DA. IMO





I fail to see how this can be the cheapest option when I have to buy
all new gear with may not work.

I can get a DA for about £15

Tollstation sells 57418 or
CPC AP00698

Paul


if you are so sure that you know better, why ask ?

suck it and see, but having installed over a dozen freeview systems for relatives
and friends (oh, the joys of owning ladders and roof ladders) all between 5 and
20ish miles from various transmitters, I have to say that they all opted for a new
high gain aerial (£15) and low loss sat cable (£21/100m) and they all use splitters,
(.69p) ... F plugs are .6p ... never had the need for amps, which will, eventually, fail.

YMMWV


I didn't say I new better I just could work out the how it was the
cheapest option.

Paul

Paul wrote:
snip

High gain aerial ~~ low loss sat cable ~~ 3 way splitter

see if that (the cheapest option) is good enough, if it isn't
carrying enough signal for 3 recievers, add a DA. IMO





I fail to see how this can be the cheapest option when I have to buy
all new gear with may not work.

I can get a DA for about £15

Tollstation sells 57418 or
CPC AP00698

Paul


if you are so sure that you know better, why ask ?

suck it and see, but having installed over a dozen freeview systems
for relatives and friends (oh, the joys of owning ladders and roof ladders) all
between 5 and 20ish miles from various transmitters, I have to say
that they all opted for a new high gain aerial (£15) and low loss sat cable (£21/100m) and they
all use splitters, (.69p) ... F plugs are .6p ... never had the need
for amps, which will, eventually, fail. YMMWV


I didn't say I new better I just could work out the how it was the
cheapest option.

knock yerself out, kidda.

Norwich. I think I use tacolneston. About 10-15 miles away. Standard old
style aerial current reception is good. Cable runs 2 at 6m 1 at 20m.
Only info on cable reel is low loss semi airspaced coxial cable/TV
downlead.

OK, it is crap downlead. You might have got away with a good passive
splitter (not the 99p types from the sheds) if you had CT100 or equivalent.
However, with 20m runs, you should probably get a amplified distribution
type. If possible, buy a type that is compensated for cable loss. These
amplify frequencies that are more easily lost over long runs than those that
have lower attenuation. However, if you can't find one, then a flat response
will probably work fine.

However, you could always buy a good splitter and hold off on the amp in
case it works fine anyway, which it might with a good enough aerial at that
distance from the transmitter.

Christian.

In article ,
. [email protected] wrote:
A DA is not the same thing as a mast head amp.

the same r-i-r-o principal applies.

High gain aerial ~~ low loss sat cable ~~ 3 way splitter

see if that (the cheapest option) is good enough, if it isn't carrying
enough signal for 3 recievers, add a DA. IMO

Where do you get a three way passive splitter?

--
*I have my own little world - but it's OK...they know me here*

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Christian McArdle wrote:
Norwich. I think I use tacolneston. About 10-15 miles away. Standard
old style aerial current reception is good. Cable runs 2 at 6m 1 at
20m.
Only info on cable reel is low loss semi airspaced coxial cable/TV
downlead.

OK, it is crap downlead. You might have got away with a good passive
splitter (not the 99p types from the sheds) if you had CT100 or
equivalent. However, with 20m runs, you should probably get a
amplified distribution type. If possible, buy a type that is
compensated for cable loss. These amplify frequencies that are more
easily lost over long runs than those that have lower attenuation.
However, if you can't find one, then a flat response will probably
work fine.

However, you could always buy a good splitter and hold off on the amp
in case it works fine anyway, which it might with a good enough
aerial at that distance from the transmitter.

Christian.

I've got a high gain aerial going into CT100 for ~10m. it's then split into three:
one for the front room (~15m) one for the dining room (~8m) and one for the
back bedroom (~9m) which is currently my PC room / junk store.

all terminate in either a freeview box or PCDTV card. signal strength is clean
and green on all devices simultaneously. before I fitted the high gain aerial the
signal was pants, no matter what I did with the aerial, even with a 4 way DA.

it all starts at the aerial and whilst you may get a signal under optimum conditions,
when it slings it down or snows, there can be a considerable degradation of the
signal even 5 miles fom the transmitter, leading to pixelation over and above the
usual level, which is annoying.

like I say, suck it and see. if someone can get away with an analogue aerial,
brown down cable and and amp that's fine and dandy for them but I've always
just stuck in a high gain aerial (usually in the loft) used CT100 and taken care
with the F plug connections.

Paul wrote:
I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I thought
it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through cpc and
toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is best I have
freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I need boosting,
amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in line power supply? F
connectors or coax plugs?

Any suggestion gratefully received

Paul

Argos do a range of Aerial boosters. Try one of those. If it doesn't
work take it back under the 14 day money back guarantee and then think
about more expensive options.

MBQ

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:


Where do you get a three way passive splitter?

CPC

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AP00305&N=411

Mark Carver wrote:
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:


Where do you get a three way passive splitter?

CPC

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AP00305&N=411

HOW much ?

sheesh, mine was less than a quid from a trade only outlet.

.. wrote:
Mark Carver wrote:
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:


Where do you get a three way passive splitter?

CPC

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AP00305&N=411

HOW much ?

sheesh, mine was less than a quid from a trade only outlet.

Well, Which outlet then ?

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AP00305&N=411

HOW much ?

sheesh, mine was less than a quid from a trade only outlet.

It looks like a proper screened metal filter with F-type connections. A 99p
shed special will be made of plastic and probably just connects all the pins
together. You might as well just use a lighting circuit junction box.

Christian.

Mark Carver wrote:
. wrote:
Mark Carver wrote:
Dave Plowman (News) wrote:


Where do you get a three way passive splitter?

CPC

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AP00305&N=411

HOW much ?

sheesh, mine was less than a quid from a trade only outlet.

Well, Which outlet then ?

trade only as in installer only. I had a bugger of a job convincing them that a house
renovator /was/trade. their price list in XLS format and it's borked, they don't do
mail order. cable universe, bitz and a few others have them in for c£4 + p&p

screwfix do a 4 way one for £4.55

HtH

Christian McArdle wrote:
http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AP00305&N=411

HOW much ?

sheesh, mine was less than a quid from a trade only outlet.

It looks like a proper screened metal filter with F-type connections.

yup.

A 99p shed special will be made of plastic and probably just connects
all the pins together. You might as well just use a lighting circuit
junction box.

see my previous post.

.. wrote:
Mark Carver wrote:

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AP00305&N=411

HOW much ?

sheesh, mine was less than a quid from a trade only outlet.

Well, Which outlet then ?

trade only as in installer only. I had a bugger of a job convincing them that a house
renovator /was/trade.

Well I am 'trade'.

their price list in XLS format and it's borked,

No problem, I can read (and generate) Excel sheets.

they don't do mail order.

Don't need to, I'll put the purchasing dept on to them.

Mark Carver wrote:
. wrote:
Mark Carver wrote:

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSea...=AP00305&N=411

HOW much ?

sheesh, mine was less than a quid from a trade only outlet.

Well, Which outlet then ?

trade only as in installer only. I had a bugger of a job convincing
them that a house renovator /was/trade.

Well I am 'trade'.

their price list in XLS format and it's borked,

No problem, I can read (and generate) Excel sheets.

they don't do mail order.

Don't need to, I'll put the purchasing dept on to them.

purchasing dept, yah, right.......

type grax into google. I managed to open their 'price' list in excel viewer and there's
no prices there, they advise you to call for latest prices but they are very good i.e
televes infinito £13.89 inc VAT according to my invoice. tracsat do it for £23.90 and
DS2000 do it for £24.39. someone is ebaying them for £21 + p&p

I got a reel of CT100 for £22.90 + vat ... TV aerials.com are doing the white version
for £49.99 which is the usual 100% wholesale to retail markup in rip off britain.


HtH

.. wrote:
televes infinito £13.89 inc VAT according to my invoice

should read + VAT = £16.32 total

televes infinito £13.89 inc VAT according to my invoice

should read + VAT = £16.32 total

How much for a Televes DAT75?

Christian.

Christian McArdle wrote:
televes infinito £13.89 inc VAT according to my invoice

should read + VAT = £16.32 total

How much for a Televes DAT75?

Christian.

no idea, sorry, but I'd estimate 40% to 60% less than retail.

ring em up. I've always found that with a proper telephone manner you can
usually blag your way into most trade only outlets.

In article ,
. [email protected] wrote:
I got a reel of CT100 for £22.90 + vat

TLC price for PF100 (better cable) 19 quid plus VAT - either white or
black.

--
*See no evil, Hear no evil, Date no evil.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Paul" wrote in message
...
I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I thought
it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through cpc and
toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is best I have
freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I need boosting,
amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in line power supply? F
connectors or coax plugs?

IMHO much depends on how strong your signal is and how your wiring is arranged.
My aerial comes into my attic and there was power there, so when I found that a
passive split did not give enough signal to each TV I installed a distribution
amplifier. (Though I doubt I tried a proper splitter - just joined three cables
together.)


Another alternative is to boost the incoming signal with a masthead amplifier.
Apart from anything else this means you need access to the aerial on the roof -
which may not be that easy.

After reading some documents on www.dtg.org.uk I use an F Plug + F Barrel + F
elbow, for my main TV and Freeview STB. I can't say that this actually gave any
improvement over the previous coax plug/unscreened scocket arrangment, however
there are no likely sources of interference nearby. The main benefit if the F
barrel was that I was able to install it on the blank half of an RJ45 faceplate.

--

Michael Chare

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
. [email protected] wrote:
I got a reel of CT100 for £22.90 + vat

TLC price for PF100 (better cable) 19 quid plus VAT - either white or
black.

I refuse to use TLC since they let me down on some lighting a while ago
and that price would be + del and VAT. besides, I've got loads )

On Thu, 05 Jan 2006 13:36:36 +0000, Paul wrote:

Christian McArdle wrote:
I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I thought
it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through cpc and
toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is best I have
freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I need boosting,
amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in line power supply? F
connectors or coax plugs?

OK, where are you? What transmitter do you receive? How far away is it? How
big is your aerial? What is the length of the cable runs? How good is the
reception currently? What is the current downlead cable designation?
(letters/numbers written on the cable).

Christian.

Norwich. I think I use tacolneston. About 10-15 miles away. Standard old
style aerial current reception is good. Cable runs 2 at 6m 1 at 20m.
Only info on cable reel is low loss semi airspaced coxial cable/TV downlead.

Hope this is enough info.

Paul

15 miles from tacklestun should be OK for a passive splitter, especially
ifits digital you are using. Its a bit punchier that Sudbury, which is what
I pick up - at 12 miles that is better with a DA.

In article , Dave Plowman (News)
wrote:

Where do you get a three way passive splitter?

How many would you like? I have F type fully screened in stock.

--
AJL Electronics (G6FGO) Ltd : Satellite and TV aerial systems
http://www.classicmicrocars.co.uk : http://www.ajlelectronics.co.uk

suck it and see, but having installed over a dozen freeview systems for relatives
and friends (oh, the joys of owning ladders and roof ladders) all between 5 and
20ish miles from various transmitters, I have to say that they all opted for a new
high gain aerial (£15) and low loss sat cable (£21/100m) and they all use splitters,
(.69p) ... F plugs are .6p ... never had the need for amps, which will, eventually, fail.

YMMWV


Ok I have decided to do things properly as you suggest.
High gain aerials which ones are best or are all equal?
CT100 cable seems to be rated as the best but where do you buy it a
£21/100m or what is a cheaper alternative (does cheaper = rubbish)
Are aerial mounts universal will it clamp on my existing chimney mount?

Paul

On Thu, 05 Jan 2006 11:42:44 +0000, Paul wrote:

I need to split my tv aerial 3 ways but am unsure how to do it I thought
it was just a case of buying a splitter but looking through cpc and
toolstation there seems to me numerous options. Which one is best I have
freeview so I need something to hand digital but do I need boosting,
amplifying? one with a direct plug or one with a in line power supply? F
connectors or coax plugs?

Lidl are doing a kit for 9 quid, including cables, wall sockets and
splitters. looks decent quality.

sponix

suck it and see, but having installed over a dozen freeview systems for relatives
and friends (oh, the joys of owning ladders and roof ladders) all between 5 and
20ish miles from various transmitters, I have to say that they all opted for a new
high gain aerial (£15) and low loss sat cable (£21/100m) and they all use splitters,
(.69p) ... F plugs are .6p ... never had the need for amps, which will, eventually, fail.

YMMWV


Where do you get you stuff from I am having trouble finding cable that
cheap? What is an alternative good quality cable?
Also are all high gain wideband aerials the same or are some better than
others?

Paul