788 replies to this topic

[mrdenn1s]

Guys

I just moved to Menzies Creek and DTV reception for 7 and ABC is crap

Ive paid Mr Antenna to fix it and so far all he has done is raise my pole 2m and put an amp (i think) on one of the TV points in the house which shits me

So far $660 spent and no result

Should I ask for my money back? Can anyone recommend a trusted installer who can fix my issue? I dont even think the guy knew to try pointing at Selby or elsewhere

[mtv]

mrdenn1s, on May 28 2011, 07:17 PM, said:

Guys

I just moved to Menzies Creek and DTV reception for 7 and ABC is crap

Ive paid Mr Antenna to fix it and so far all he has done is raise my pole 2m and put an amp (i think) on one of the TV points in the house which shits me

So far $660 spent and no result

Should I ask for my money back? Can anyone recommend a trusted installer who can fix my issue? I dont even think the guy knew to try pointing at Selby or elsewhere

$660 is a lot for that amount of work, but it's difficult to determine without knowing how much was involved.

That said, if the reception isue isn't resolved, then it hasn't been well spent.

I would expect the Selby translators to be your best-bet (as you already are aware of, it seems).

Unfortunately, a lot of installers still think an amp solves most reception isseus, when in fact, they can add to the problems.

The key is selecting the right antenna and mounting it in the 'sweet-spot' where there is sufficient signal quality.

Once you have sufficient signal quality, then an amp can be used to overcome distribution losses.

An amp generally will not improve poor digital signal quality.

I've replied to your PM.

[beeblebrox]

mrdenn1s, on May 28 2011, 07:17 PM, said:

Guys

I just moved to Menzies Creek and DTV reception for 7 and ABC is crap

Ive paid Mr Antenna to fix it and so far all he has done is raise my pole 2m and put an amp (i think) on one of the TV points in the house which shits me

So far $660 spent and no result

Should I ask for my money back? Can anyone recommend a trusted installer who can fix my issue? I dont even think the guy knew to try pointing at Selby or elsewhere

So is the reception crap constantly?  ie was it crap when he did it and you paid him??

Certainly a full site test would be in order to see if there's a better spot or if selby is an option...   depending on where you are in Menzies creek, Selby may be a possibility.

[mrdenn1s]

mtv, on May 28 2011, 07:43 PM, said:

$660 is a lot for that amount of work, but it's difficult to determine without knowing how much was involved.

That said, if the reception isue isn't resolved, then it hasn't been well spent.

I would expect the Selby translators to be your best-bet (as you already are aware of, it seems).

Unfortunately, a lot of installers still think an amp solves most reception isseus, when in fact, they can add to the problems.

The key is selecting the right antenna and mounting it in the 'sweet-spot' where there is sufficient signal quality.

Once you have sufficient signal quality, then an amp can be used to overcome distribution losses.

An amp generally will not improve poor digital signal quality.

I've replied to your PM.

Cheers

He replaced the antenna with a MA17 $279 and put an AMP124 $199 (whatever that is)

A couple of splitters, fly leads and labour.

Given it isnt fixed, I feel like Mr Antenna can go get stuffed.

I havent got your PM yet : )

beeblebrox, on May 28 2011, 07:47 PM, said:

So is the reception crap constantly?  ie was it crap when he did it and you paid him??

Certainly a full site test would be in order to see if there's a better spot or if selby is an option...   depending on where you are in Menzies creek, Selby may be a possibility.

Channel 7 is terrible and ABC non existent

What bothers me is he has been back twice, told me he would come back today and didnt...and also said he needed to do more research to see where else he can point the antenna too. For a guy from Upper Gully, this is crap

[M'bozo]

mrdenn1s, on May 28 2011, 07:51 PM, said:

do more research

Like if your told you have a terminal disease - do some research, and/or get a second opinion.

Research could be started by plugging your address into this site, & see what comes up for reception options.

Click.

Make sure to tick the "Show coverage" box when the map comes up initially, to get an idea of reception for your property.

Alternative transmitter options for your address can be displayed by clicking on the "Transmitter Information" radio button, on the LHS lower quadrant of the page. Again, tick the "Show Coverage" box in the drop down selection, to display this on the map.

[uanmi]

I live in the gully in north melbourne and have decided to get a digital band 3, 4, 5 antenna.
I would appreciate advice on what antenna to get. I have read that the Fracarro LP345HV or the LP345F would be a good choice for this area. I would appreciate guidance. I really want a good antenna so I'm happy to pay $200-$250 for the antenna.

I was quoted on a LP345 - the quote did not mention any more than this and I have read that it could be a local copy of the fracarro LP345. Should I insist on a real fracarro and if so what model? Are any other brands really good for this area.

Over the last couple of years there have been many new buildings between where I live and the dandenongs and living in the gully causes a lot of issues - did I hear someone mention the trams

regards, Mark

[alanh]

uanmi,
Read the first post in this strand and use the links. It would appear that you have a blocked path, however without an exact address I cannot say for sure.

AlanH

[uanmi]

I tried the path tool and it says north melbourne has strong signal. The list of antennas listed does not contain many of the more expensive antenna.
What about the Fracarro LP345HV

I'm on abbotsford st, near the corner of haines st

regards, Mark

Edited by uanmi, 14 June 2011 - 11:04 PM.

[alanh]

Mark,
I only recommend antennas designed for digital channels. The larger antennas are designed for channel 2 analog which will be switched off in 2013. Additionally they pick up interference from trans, electrical wiring which causes the reception to be un-reliable.

I do not recommend the Fracarro and this has been debated at length on this forum and I do not wish to re-ignite it. Search Fracarro and Log Periodic if you wish to read the slanging match.

AlanH

[uanmi]

Hi Alan,

yes, I'm looking for a digital only antenna, and something better than an el cheapo knock off.

I would appreciate knowing what antenna I should be looking at - it is ok for me if it is not fracarro. Is Matchmaster or Hills good to look at?
Any model numbers would be apprecaited.


regards,
Mark

[andrewlace]

I'd prefer fracarro.  The other antennas I cannot speak of.  As I tell my customers the Fracarro log periodic range is about the cheapest you can pay for a reasonable antenna.  Yes, there are a lot of copies out there.  A fracarro antenna will have the FR trademark on it.

uanmi, on Jun 15 2011, 09:41 AM, said:

Hi Alan,

yes, I'm looking for a digital only antenna, and something better than an el cheapo knock off.

I would appreciate knowing what antenna I should be looking at - it is ok for me if it is not fracarro. Is Matchmaster or Hills good to look at?
Any model numbers would be apprecaited.


regards,
Mark

[HelloNewman]

alanh, on Nov 26 2004, 12:14 AM, said:

All,

Analog TV switchoffs are;
Melbourne 31^st December 2013

AlanH

Please post any queries in this geographic viewer's forum

35 pages since 2004 is a big ask for my brain/attention span.

The MySwitch website shown on page 1 says in red "good coverage"

I have two antennas I want to replace:

1st antenna will be for upstairs and mounted on 2nd storey on top of a hill and with in eyesight to Melbourne CBD and Dandenongs. I am 17klm NW of Melbourne. I have a Kingray SA164R amplifier splitter that my sparky son will install to four sockets. Not all those sockets will be used at once, but we wanted to cover all bedrooms.

What antenna would be good for this?

2nd antenna is on 1st storey and can point like the top storey can. It won't have an amplifier but will be connected to two wall sockets

What antenna would be good for this?

I don't have a signal tester, have the luck of a son used to tunnelling through a big home.

What coax should we use (if there are different sorts) with F connectors?

[mtv]

HelloNewman, on Aug 15 2011, 04:54 PM, said:

35 pages since 2004 is a big ask for my brain/attention span.

The MySwitch website shown on page 1 says in red "good coverage"

I have two antennas I want to replace:

1st antenna will be for upstairs and mounted on 2nd storey on top of a hill and with in eyesight to Melbourne CBD and Dandenongs. I am 17klm NW of Melbourne. I have a Kingray SA164R amplifier splitter that my sparky son will install to four sockets. Not all those sockets will be used at once, but we wanted to cover all bedrooms.

What antenna would be good for this?

2nd antenna is on 1st storey and can point like the top storey can. It won't have an amplifier but will be connected to two wall sockets

What antenna would be good for this?

I don't have a signal tester, have the luck of a son used to tunnelling through a big home.

What coax should we use (if there are different sorts) with F connectors?

Why use two antennas?

Just a single antenna on the roof cabled to all outlets will do the job.

The type of antenna will depend on signal measurements at your location... which you didn't specify. 17km NE of Melbourne could mean lots of places.... depending if you are measuring from the official 'Melbourne' location of the post office in the city, (GPO) or otherwise.

If you have line-of-sight to Mt Dandenong then most antennas will be fine, just ensure you install one that will stand up to the weather.

Depending on signal levels at the antenna, you may not even need an amp.

A Fracarro LP34F antenna will probably do the job nicely, but once again, without accurate signal measurements, it's difficult to determine which antenna will be the best option.

Use RG6 Quadshield cable with F connectors.

[mtv]

uanmi, on Jun 14 2011, 08:45 PM, said:

I live in the gully in north melbourne and have decided to get a digital band 3, 4, 5 antenna.
I would appreciate advice on what antenna to get. I have read that the Fracarro LP345HV or the LP345F would be a good choice for this area. I would appreciate guidance. I really want a good antenna so I'm happy to pay $200-$250 for the antenna.

I was quoted on a LP345 - the quote did not mention any more than this and I have read that it could be a local copy of the fracarro LP345. Should I insist on a real fracarro and if so what model? Are any other brands really good for this area.

Over the last couple of years there have been many new buildings between where I live and the dandenongs and living in the gully causes a lot of issues - did I hear someone mention the trams

regards, Mark

Mark,

Was a signal site survey conducted before being quoted on the type of antenna?

The Fracarro LP34F is an excellent performer and the antenna the majority of installers on this forum use most of the time, however, results with any antenna can vary considerably, especially where blocked signal paths exist, so it's not just a matter of saying use brand/model xyz antenna, without first measuring signals at your location to determine which antenna and which mounting position and height will provide the best result for you.

It should be noted than AlanH is not and has never been an antenna installer. He is also in Perth WA.

You would be best to engage the services of a professional antenna installer who works in your area, rather than to listen to the advice of an armchair expert with no practical experience or local knowledge, on the opposite side of Australia.

[HelloNewman]

mtv, on Aug 15 2011, 08:28 PM, said:

Why use two antennas?

Just a single antenna on the roof cabled to all outlets will do the job.

Easier to have two - for cable installation.

mtv, on Aug 15 2011, 08:28 PM, said:

If you have line-of-sight to Mt Dandenong then most antennas will be fine, just ensure you install one that will stand up to the weather.

This is important to me. Would rather spend the money now than risk falling off the roof replacing them in a few years time.

mtv, on Aug 15 2011, 08:28 PM, said:

Depending on signal levels at the antenna, you may not even need an amp.

Already have the amp/splitter. Would there be a reason "not" to install it. At least it has the splitter F connections.

mtv, on Aug 15 2011, 08:28 PM, said:

A Fracarro LP34F antenna will probably do the job nicely, but once again, without accurate signal measurements, it's difficult to determine which antenna will be the best option.

Use RG6 Quadshield cable with F connectors.

Appreciate this advice. Yes, I understand about it being best to do a field signal test.

[mtv]

HelloNewman, on Aug 16 2011, 01:08 PM, said:

This is important to me. Would rather spend the money now than risk falling off the roof replacing them in a few years time.


Already have the amp/splitter. Would there be a reason "not" to install it. At least it has the splitter F connections.


Appreciate this advice. Yes, I understand about it being best to do a field signal test.

With amps, it goes the other way with digital.... you only install one if you need it, as installing one when not required adds noise to the signals and if signal levels are too strong, can cause tuner overload, resulting in increased bit errors, with possible pixelation and loss of reception.

Once again, it all depends on signal levels from the antenna and the lower-level amplification 'may' be OK from that splitter/amp.

Yes, best to do the job right using suitable antennas, cabling, etc.. starting with a site survey.  

[HelloNewman]

mtv, on Aug 16 2011, 04:50 PM, said:

With amps, it goes the other way with digital.... you only install one if you need it,

The installers are Sparky son and me. Son wire up the amplifier/splitter. I will be the yard ape.
If I find the Kingray SA164R is not working well with the signal when the amplifier is on -  would turning it's power off let the unit just be a splitter?


The leaflet shows a VHF "tilt turn" control - could this be of use in changing signal strength?

[mtv]

HelloNewman, on Aug 16 2011, 06:23 PM, said:

The installers are Sparky son and me. Son wire up the amplifier/splitter. I will be the yard ape.
If I find the Kingray SA164R is not working well with the signal when the amplifier is on - would turning it's power off let the unit just be a splitter?


The leaflet shows a VHF "tilt turn" control - could this be of use in changing signal strength?

No, turning power off to the amp/splitter with it still in circuit will block the signals.

The level control will alter the VHF frequencies only.
It's designed to add more amplification to the higher end of the range, like a slope control.

Without accurate signal measurements to begin with, (and along the way) it's all guess work and experimentation.

[HelloNewman]

mtv, on Aug 16 2011, 07:49 PM, said:

No, turning power off to the amp/splitter with it still in circuit will block the signals.
The level control will alter the VHF frequencies only.
It's designed to add more amplification to the higher end of the range, like a slope control.
Without accurate signal measurements to begin with, (and along the way) it's all guess work and experimentation.

Appreciate this advice. I know there could be experimentation and guess work in store.
But by taking your coax and antenna advice - it should reduce the project's problems.

I would buy a signal meter if I could justify its cost. But I do antennas once every house purchase. At the rate I am drinking, I will last another house before death.
I've read it takes about an hour to do a proper signal test. That would be 2 hours labour with my two antennas.
Na, happy to fiddle until I get beat and have to call in a Pro.

Thanks again MTV.

[alanh]

HelloNewman,
The post you refer to is a pinned post and is the first post in the strand. It was originally written in 2004 and has been kept uptodate as you will see if you read it.

You are the only one to complain that it was hard to find.

AlanH

[charlesc]

alanh, on Aug 16 2011, 07:38 PM, said:

You are the only one to complain that it was hard to find.
AlanH

Again, you've read what someone noted down, and haven't taken in the likely meaning.

HelloNewman, on Aug 15 2011, 04:54 PM, said:

35 pages since 2004 is a big ask for my brain/attention span.

I think the issue was the sheer size of the 34 pages that had to be gone through.

EDIT:-
Typo, sheer

Edited by charlesc, 19 August 2011 - 01:04 PM.

[HelloNewman]

alanh, on Aug 16 2011, 08:38 PM, said:

HelloNewman,
The post you refer to is a pinned post and is the first post in the strand. It was originally written in 2004 and has been kept uptodate as you will see if you read it.

You are the only one to complain that it was hard to find.

AlanH

I'm confused. Never complained about your first post, just pointed out that 35 pages was a big read. I have read your first pinned post, but needed more info for 'my' brain.

[mtv]

HelloNewman, on Aug 20 2011, 10:21 AM, said:

I'm confused. Never complained about your first post, just pointed out that 35 pages was a big read. I have read your first pinned post, but needed more info for 'my' brain.

It was quite clear to most, what you said and meant.

You had no trouble finding the post, you didn't complain about it, just felt it was overwhelming and confusing due to the size of it.

As you've now discovered, alanh often misunderstands what is said and what is meant in posts, as a result, his advice is often questionable.

[andrewlace]

MTV is very correct. Instead of turning the gain down on a low gain amplifier, or taking the power supply off (a NO NO) just replace the splitter amplifier with a passive rather than active splitter with F connectors.  Cheap, and easy.  Depending on the install a LPV345f is also an excellent choice.  Providing very similar figures to the LP34, but it's smaller and easier to cart around in the back of your van.

mtv, on Aug 16 2011, 06:49 PM, said:

No, turning power off to the amp/splitter with it still in circuit will block the signals.

The level control will alter the VHF frequencies only.
It's designed to add more amplification to the higher end of the range, like a slope control.

Without accurate signal measurements to begin with, (and along the way) it's all guess work and experimentation.

[GregoInc]

Folks,

I really hope one of the resident experts can help me with an issue I am experiencing. Let me explain...

I am located in Point Cook in Melbourne. About a week ago I noticed all my digital channels began to show pixelation and 'pops' could be heard from the audio. Nothing had changed in relation to the TV setup in my home i.e. antenna located inside the roof and connected throughout the house using RG6 coax.

This setup has been in place for the last 7 years and until a week ago was working perfectly for all the digital channels. Yesterday I went and purchased a Kingray FL3BPMH UHF/ VHF TRIPLEXER & FILTER.

Installed the FL3BPMH last night and found it hadn't resolved the problem i.e. pixelation and pops still occuring, but I did notice the SBS channels were better than they had been without the FL3BPMH, however the other channels 9, 10, 11, etc were still no good.

I figure from here I will be buying a new antenna and seeing how I go... have been looking at a Hills PHD2 PLATINUM HIGH DEFINITION.

The one thing I dont understand is this... what on earth could have happened a week ago that suddenly caused these issues?? Ideas anyone?

Thanks, Mark