Just about to replace the TV aerial at home as the current one isn't
quite up to the job for the freeview signal, (have to boost it).

There seem to be a wide array of aerials available, and they say for
strong signal areas, or weak signal areas etc. Is there anyway I can
find out what type of area I am officially in - GU24, or should I just
buy a weak signal area like at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXD48.html, because it covers all
the bases?!

Also what is the most appropriate co-ax to use - as I am building my
extension I need to wire to all my new rooms, but should I use just
standard co-ax as at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...ite/index.html
or is there a better alternative?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Gary Quigley
See my build at http://www.wilcotclose.co.uk

On 3 Oct 2004 03:16:30 -0700, (Quigs) wrote:

Just about to replace the TV aerial at home as the current one isn't
quite up to the job for the freeview signal, (have to boost it).

There seem to be a wide array of aerials available, and they say for
strong signal areas, or weak signal areas etc. Is there anyway I can
find out what type of area I am officially in - GU24, or should I just
buy a weak signal area like at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXD48.html, because it covers all
the bases?!

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXDAT45.html

would be a much better choice.

If the signal really is poor, then you could use

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXDAT75.html

I have two of these and they are excellent.

You could perhaps use an antenna for the channel group of your
transmitter, but you need to determine which transmitter it is first

GU24 is a large area, but somewhere north of Guildford, yes?

Take a look at the antennas on neighbouring houses. At a guess
they are probably with elements horizontal and pointing towards
London.? If so, then the transmitter is Crystal Palace and you could
use a group A antenna. If the antennas have elements vertically
arranged and pointing towards Guildford, then it is the relay station
there and a group B antenna is needed.

The wideband type would be suitable for either.



Also what is the most appropriate co-ax to use - as I am building my
extension I need to wire to all my new rooms, but should I use just
standard co-ax as at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...ite/index.html
or is there a better alternative?


http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CAPF100B.html

would be suitable.

Don't use the TV coax at all - it is rubbish.





^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Gary Quigley
See my build at http://www.wilcotclose.co.uk

..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

In article , Quigs
writes
Just about to replace the TV aerial at home as the current one isn't
quite up to the job for the freeview signal, (have to boost it).

There seem to be a wide array of aerials available, and they say for
strong signal areas, or weak signal areas etc. Is there anyway I can
find out what type of area I am officially in - GU24, or should I just
buy a weak signal area like at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXD48.html, because it covers all
the bases?!


A pragmatic approach would be to go for extra gain in case your in one
of those areas described as a "Pocket of poor reception" i.e. you might
be screened by a rise in the ground towards the transmitter or screened
by buildings etc. Best bet is to find out what aerial group other people
use in your locality. If they are all within a particular aerial group
then go for that one, only if you have widely spaced channels then you
need a wideband aerial. Bear in mind that there is a gain/bnadwidth
trade off with the conventional TV aerial. I'm not sure of the make of
that one on the site, but I'd go for a UNIX or Thelves. Avoid Maxview in
my opinion..

Also very important!!, use a satellite grade cable like CT100 not that
junk they call low-loss found in the DIY sheds.

Try to get the aerial up in the clear and as high as reasonably
possible. Check with some neighbours to see if they are getting good
reception on digital and note if there are very elaborate aerials on
very tall masts in the locality, a sure sign of bother!..

Happy erecting)


--
Tony Sayer

Also very important!!, use a satellite grade cable like CT100 not that
junk they call low-loss found in the DIY sheds.


Agree but the picture greatly improved with the junk cable when I soldered all
the connections.


"Try to get the aerial up in the clear and as high as reasonably
possible. Check with some neighbours to see if they are getting good
reception"

After time on the roof pointing the aerial in the same direction as all the
neighbours I found that I get the best picture on channels 1-5 with the aerial
180 deg out from everyone else. There may be a new & better mast erected.

AndyM

On 3 Oct 2004 (Quigs) wrote:

Just about to replace the TV aerial at home as the current one isn't
quite up to the job for the freeview signal, (have to boost it).

Is your aerial outside? If not just relocating it may solve the problem.

There seem to be a wide array of aerials available, and they say for
strong signal areas, or weak signal areas etc. Is there anyway I can
find out what type of area I am officially in - GU24, or should I just
buy a weak signal area like at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXD48.html, because it covers all
the bases?!

Don't buy a sensitive aerial if you don't need it. I haven't got an
up-to-date catalogue but the one I have gives you a choice of 18
element or 43 element aerials in different band groups. Ask the local
TLC branch (Guildford) which one you need.

Also what is the most appropriate co-ax to use - as I am building my
extension I need to wire to all my new rooms, but should I use just
standard co-ax as at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...xial_and_Satel
lite/index.html or is there a better alternative?

You don't need satellite cable. Just get standard low loss 75 ohm co-ax
which is available in white or brown. However you should be thinking
about getting a distribution amplifier if you want to serve several
receivers at once.

I would take the main aerial feed to the digital terrestrial receiver
(DTR) and video recorder (VCR/DVD/ect.) and then feeding the output
signal via the distribution amplifier to all the rooms. That way you
can watch digital channels and pre-recorded material on analogue TVs
without having to buy lots of extra kit. You'll only need to tune the
TVs to the output channels of the DTR, DVD player/recorder and VRC as
appropriate.

--
Richard Porter
Mail to username ricp at domain minijem.plus.com
"You can't have Windows without pains."

In article , AndyM
writes
Also very important!!, use a satellite grade cable like CT100 not that
junk they call low-loss found in the DIY sheds.


Agree but the picture greatly improved with the junk cable when I soldered all
the connections.

One would assume your being a good D-I-Yer at this, not a so called
professional


"Try to get the aerial up in the clear and as high as reasonably
possible. Check with some neighbours to see if they are getting good
reception"

After time on the roof pointing the aerial in the same direction as all the
neighbours I found that I get the best picture on channels 1-5 with the aerial
180 deg out from everyone else. There may be a new & better mast erected.

AndyM

Hope you mean transmission mast!. Actually I have known pro broadcast
riggers, the £1000 a day guys screw up sometimes and reverse the
elements or assemble aerials arse about face so they work better the
other way round;!.......

--
Tony Sayer

On Sun, 03 Oct 2004 18:07:21 +0100, Richard Porter
wrote:

On 3 Oct 2004 (Quigs) wrote:

Just about to replace the TV aerial at home as the current one isn't
quite up to the job for the freeview signal, (have to boost it).

Is your aerial outside? If not just relocating it may solve the problem.

There seem to be a wide array of aerials available, and they say for
strong signal areas, or weak signal areas etc. Is there anyway I can
find out what type of area I am officially in - GU24, or should I just
buy a weak signal area like at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXD48.html, because it covers all
the bases?!

Don't buy a sensitive aerial if you don't need it. I haven't got an
up-to-date catalogue but the one I have gives you a choice of 18
element or 43 element aerials in different band groups. Ask the local
TLC branch (Guildford) which one you need.

Requirements vary quite a bit within a given locality depending on the
immediate surroundings. A store is only going to be aboe to say
which they generally sell.

The OP indicated that he has poor results, so at least a higher gain
and more directive antenna is probably indicated.



Also what is the most appropriate co-ax to use - as I am building my
extension I need to wire to all my new rooms, but should I use just
standard co-ax as at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...xial_and_Satel
lite/index.html or is there a better alternative?

You don't need satellite cable. Just get standard low loss 75 ohm co-ax
which is available in white or brown.

CT100 cable is certainly recommended for DTTV because the signal
levels are substantially lower than the analogue channels. Cheap TV
coax is not appropriate for DTTV for this reason, because it has poor
loss characteristics with frequency and is susceptible to
interference.

http://www.ofcom.org.uk/static/archi...15/ra415.htm#3


However you should be thinking
about getting a distribution amplifier if you want to serve several
receivers at once.

Only if the signals are clean and of suitable level first. A
distribution amplifier should not be used as a means to increase
signal level from a poor antenna and feeder - it will amplify the
interference and contribute to noise.



..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

In article , Richard Porter
writes
On 3 Oct 2004 (Quigs) wrote:

Just about to replace the TV aerial at home as the current one isn't
quite up to the job for the freeview signal, (have to boost it).

Is your aerial outside? If not just relocating it may solve the problem.

Well if the original posters aerial is the wrong type then he will need
to replace. If it is in the loft or other adverse location but otherwise
correct then moving it outside may well result in an acceptable signal
level.

There seem to be a wide array of aerials available, and they say for
strong signal areas, or weak signal areas etc. Is there anyway I can
find out what type of area I am officially in - GU24, or should I just
buy a weak signal area like at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXD48.html, because it covers all
the bases?!

Don't buy a sensitive aerial if you don't need it. I haven't got an
up-to-date catalogue but the one I have gives you a choice of 18
element or 43 element aerials in different band groups. Ask the local
TLC branch (Guildford) which one you need.

You very rarely ever have too much signal. Its always best to have more
then you need to overcome variations in received signal level that can
and do occur. Trees for example can have a very severe effect on TV
reception both analogue and digital. This can be fine in the winter
months but come summer, it can all go to a blank screen;(



Also what is the most appropriate co-ax to use - as I am building my
extension I need to wire to all my new rooms, but should I use just
standard co-ax as at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...xial_and_Satel
lite/index.html or is there a better alternative?

You don't need satellite cable. Just get standard low loss 75 ohm co-ax
which is available in white or brown. However you should be thinking
about getting a distribution amplifier if you want to serve several
receivers at once.

Wrong advice. The grade of cable that is generally sold as low-loss TV
cable is usually of very poor quality, with a poor braid weave that will
leave the cable insufficiently screened. A good quality SAT grade cable
like CT100 has a copper foil wrap and is better screened and much less
lossy. The price difference isn't that great. I've used it for all out
TV and radio aerial systems and its a worthwhile investment!.

Use a distribution amp if you DO intend running more than One TV off the
system...

I would take the main aerial feed to the digital terrestrial receiver
(DTR) and video recorder (VCR/DVD/ect.) and then feeding the output
signal via the distribution amplifier to all the rooms. That way you
can watch digital channels and pre-recorded material on analogue TVs
without having to buy lots of extra kit. You'll only need to tune the
TVs to the output channels of the DTR, DVD player/recorder and VRC as
appropriate.

If you do that then take care not to have the output of the DTV receiver
on a channel that is used anywhere in the area, otherwise signal beats
can and do occur, and screw up the results.

Further interesting reading can be read on www.wrightsaerials .co.uk
Mr "aerial" himself)
--
Tony Sayer

Further interesting reading can be read on www.wrightsaerials .co.uk
Mr "aerial" himself)

In fact here is a well written article about TV aerial cables...

http://www.wrightsaerials.tv/coaxcablequalityhmdim.htm
--
Tony Sayer

On Sun, 3 Oct 2004 20:36:48 +0100, tony sayer
wrote:

Further interesting reading can be read on www.wrightsaerials .co.uk
Mr "aerial" himself)

In fact here is a well written article about TV aerial cables...

http://www.wrightsaerials.tv/coaxcablequalityhmdim.htm

I knew that cheap co-ax was bad but didn't realise that it was 15dB
worse per 100m at the top of Band V than CT100.

I notice that he has taken care not to bend the cables on the head end
too sharply....






..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

Andy Hall wrote:

Requirements vary quite a bit within a given locality depending on the
immediate surroundings. A store is only going to be aboe to say
which they generally sell.

This will show you:

http://www.megalithia.com/elect/terrain.html

For digital TV there is a usefull reception predictor he

http://www.wolfbane.com/cgi-bin/tvd.exe

(you can get your OS grid reference from www.streetmap.co.uk)

CT100 cable is certainly recommended for DTTV because the signal
levels are substantially lower than the analogue channels. Cheap TV
coax is not appropriate for DTTV for this reason, because it has poor
loss characteristics with frequency and is susceptible to
interference.

Good advice, also make sure you use a few joins as possible as well. Use
F-Connectors on everything you can rather than the old Belling-Lee style
TV Co-Ax plugs, and make sure everything (amps, spltters, wall ports
etc) are fully screened.




--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

In article , John
Rumm writes
Andy Hall wrote:

Requirements vary quite a bit within a given locality depending on the
immediate surroundings. A store is only going to be aboe to say
which they generally sell.

This will show you:

http://www.megalithia.com/elect/terrain.html

Good old program writ by Andy Talbot but very simple and doesn't take
into account the losses involved. For those of a technical bent and who
wouldn't be, and for the waydio hamsters here this prog by Roger Coude
is the dogs doodahs for this sort of thing

http://www.cplus.org/rmw/english1.html


For digital TV there is a usefull reception predictor he

http://www.wolfbane.com/cgi-bin/tvd.exe

(you can get your OS grid reference from www.streetmap.co.uk)

CT100 cable is certainly recommended for DTTV because the signal
levels are substantially lower than the analogue channels. Cheap TV
coax is not appropriate for DTTV for this reason, because it has poor
loss characteristics with frequency and is susceptible to
interference.

Good advice, also make sure you use a few joins as possible as well. Use
F-Connectors on everything you can rather than the old Belling-Lee style
TV Co-Ax plugs,

Well do yer know I haven't yet seen a telly or a DTV box with an F
connector on, do they exist?...


--
Tony Sayer

On 3 Oct 2004 tony sayer wrote:

Further interesting reading can be read on www.wrightsaerials .co.uk
Mr "aerial" himself)

In fact here is a well written article about TV aerial cables...

http://www.wrightsaerials.tv/coaxcablequalityhmdim.htm

Thanks for the reference. I stand corrected!

--
Richard Porter
Mail to username ricp at domain minijem.plus.com
"You can't have Windows without pains."

On 3 Oct 2004 Andy Hall wrote:

Richard Porter wrote:


Don't buy a sensitive aerial if you don't need it. ...

Requirements vary quite a bit within a given locality depending on the
immediate surroundings. A store is only going to be aboe to say
which they generally sell.

The OP indicated that he has poor results, so at least a higher gain
and more directive antenna is probably indicated.

I only said "if you don't need it". The OP may well need a high gain
aerial.

However you should be thinking
about getting a distribution amplifier if you want to serve several
receivers at once.

Only if the signals are clean and of suitable level first. A
distribution amplifier should not be used as a means to increase
signal level from a poor antenna and feeder - it will amplify the
interference and contribute to noise.

Yes. A distribution amp is for that purpose. If you need to boost a weak
signal then a masthead preamp is more appropriate, but it won't
compensate for a poor antenna.

--
Richard Porter
Mail to username ricp at domain minijem.plus.com
"You can't have Windows without pains."

tony sayer wrote:

Good advice, also make sure you use a few joins as possible as well. Use
F-Connectors on everything you can rather than the old Belling-Lee style
TV Co-Ax plugs,


Well do yer know I haven't yet seen a telly or a DTV box with an F
connector on, do they exist?...

Not seen one, hence my "on everything you can" qualification above ;-)
You can certainly get amps, splitters, and (if you must) wall plates
with them though. The screw on ones are also a good deal quicker to fix!

--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

On Mon, 04 Oct 2004 12:22:16 +0100, Richard Porter
wrote:

On 3 Oct 2004 Andy Hall wrote:

Richard Porter wrote:


Don't buy a sensitive aerial if you don't need it. ...

Requirements vary quite a bit within a given locality depending on the
immediate surroundings. A store is only going to be aboe to say
which they generally sell.

The OP indicated that he has poor results, so at least a higher gain
and more directive antenna is probably indicated.

I only said "if you don't need it". The OP may well need a high gain
aerial.

Exactly, and asking in the electrical wholesaler's is not going to
tell you.



However you should be thinking
about getting a distribution amplifier if you want to serve several
receivers at once.

Only if the signals are clean and of suitable level first. A
distribution amplifier should not be used as a means to increase
signal level from a poor antenna and feeder - it will amplify the
interference and contribute to noise.

Yes. A distribution amp is for that purpose. If you need to boost a weak
signal then a masthead preamp is more appropriate, but it won't
compensate for a poor antenna.

If the signal is weak, a higher gain or multiple antennas are
preferable to a masthead amplifier.





..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

On 4 Oct 2004 Andy Hall wrote:

On Mon, 04 Oct 2004 12:22:16 +0100, Richard Porter wrote:

Yes. A distribution amp is for that purpose. If you need to boost a weak
signal then a masthead preamp is more appropriate, but it won't
compensate for a poor antenna.

If the signal is weak, a higher gain or multiple antennas are
preferable to a masthead amplifier.

Indeed. An amplifier can't put back what you've already lost! The
advantage of the preamp is that you boost the signal at the aerial so
it suffers less degradation and interference in the downlead.

--
Richard Porter
Mail to username ricp at domain minijem.plus.com
"You can't have Windows without pains."

Thanks - all looks like sound advice!

Yes we are North of Guildford - Bisley in fact. The aerials do seem to
point to London rather than Guildford.

Unfortunately I can't really judge aerial types by what the neighbours
have, as shall we say the neighbours are all pretty elderly as are
their houses and TV aerials - I doubt they even know digital telly has
arrived - they certainly don't have Sky either ;-) No dishes to
look at!!


Andy Hall wrote in message . ..
On 3 Oct 2004 03:16:30 -0700, (Quigs) wrote:

Just about to replace the TV aerial at home as the current one isn't
quite up to the job for the freeview signal, (have to boost it).

There seem to be a wide array of aerials available, and they say for
strong signal areas, or weak signal areas etc. Is there anyway I can
find out what type of area I am officially in - GU24, or should I just
buy a weak signal area like at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXD48.html, because it covers all
the bases?!

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXDAT45.html

would be a much better choice.

If the signal really is poor, then you could use

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MXDAT75.html

I have two of these and they are excellent.

You could perhaps use an antenna for the channel group of your
transmitter, but you need to determine which transmitter it is first

GU24 is a large area, but somewhere north of Guildford, yes?

Take a look at the antennas on neighbouring houses. At a guess
they are probably with elements horizontal and pointing towards
London.? If so, then the transmitter is Crystal Palace and you could
use a group A antenna. If the antennas have elements vertically
arranged and pointing towards Guildford, then it is the relay station
there and a group B antenna is needed.

The wideband type would be suitable for either.



Also what is the most appropriate co-ax to use - as I am building my
extension I need to wire to all my new rooms, but should I use just
standard co-ax as at
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...ite/index.html
or is there a better alternative?


http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CAPF100B.html

would be suitable.

Don't use the TV coax at all - it is rubbish.





^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Gary Quigley
See my build at http://www.wilcotclose.co.uk

.andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

On Tue, 05 Oct 2004 12:11:22 +0100, Richard Porter
wrote:

On 4 Oct 2004 Andy Hall wrote:

On Mon, 04 Oct 2004 12:22:16 +0100, Richard Porter wrote:

Yes. A distribution amp is for that purpose. If you need to boost a weak
signal then a masthead preamp is more appropriate, but it won't
compensate for a poor antenna.

If the signal is weak, a higher gain or multiple antennas are
preferable to a masthead amplifier.

Indeed. An amplifier can't put back what you've already lost! The
advantage of the preamp is that you boost the signal at the aerial so
it suffers less degradation and interference in the downlead.

Agreed, but it's still better to put in a higher gain antenna than a
lower gain one and a masthead amp.


..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl