Aerials

[drivin_me_nuts]

I suspect that I need a new Aerial, but before I go off searching for someone to fit one, her eis my problem.

I only use freeview and on some days the reception is much worse than others and often when things like motorbikes or buses go by the picture and/or sound breaks up. It is currently being boosted by a +30 internal booster and has been since day one.

Am I correct in assuming it's time for a new aerial?

[Bushi]

+30dB is a huge gain, have you tried turning it down or using an attenuator on the amp input, if you can just take the thing out of the loop would be best.

[VEX]

Agreed, 30dB is massive and you will have an up watchable signal to start with of you are having to amp that much.

Don't forget, +3dB is a doubling of signal strength, so 30 is........ its to late I can't do it in my head - BIG.

I would get a repuatable company in to look at it before you settle on a new aerial, ask friends and neighbours for a good company, or a local independent tv shop.

V.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Thanks, I will. It is an unwatchable signal without it turned on - not even the analogue signals which are more snowy than a artic blizzard.

Cheers

[-Pete-]

See what your neighbours have. You can look at their aerials, see if they're particularly high above the roofline, what direction they're pointing, how big & complicated the aerial is. Ask them if they have a amp/booster.

[drivin_me_nuts]

-Pete- said:

See what your neighbours have. You can look at their aerials, see if they're particularly high above the roofline, what direction they're pointing, how big & complicated the aerial is. Ask them if they have a amp/booster.

This is where my knowledge falls over. Most of my neighbours use sky and I believe they are using cable. I will find a suitable bod to come and have a look. One comes to mind from the checkatrade site. Crossed fingers it won't be a Watchdog scandalesque price.

[Le TVR]

Couple of points.

Indoor boosters are not a lot of use, you should be looking for a mast-head amplifer mounted up with the aerial.
Dont put an attenuator on the input to a booster amp, only on the output.
Dont discount the coax cable that will probably need replacing too.
15dB gain is usually more than enough. With 30dB and a dodgy aerial you will pick up all sorts of interference as you have discovered.

[Bushi]

Sorry but if possible always attenuate and balance signals pre amplification and/or distribution, unless you are sending signals down huge long runs.