12 replies to this topic

[sulrich]

Has anyone had issues with the above? Since 6 March we have had problem here, though on occasion it does appear to disappear.  Signal strength seems fine (in 90s) and sq on all but 1 tv is perfect.  
Happy to accept it is just us, perhaps interference from a local source?
Thanks and cheers

[nbound]

Black Mountain Prime7 has had no issues here at all.

Black Mountain is pretty immune to these kind of things as both Prime7 and SC10 HQs are in Watson, ACT. And both have receive antennas pointed towards Black Mountain. If there was a problem, someone would be all over it within hours.

Prime is usually the weakest on a standard X-Polarised combo antenna without a standoff bar. Which may be all thats required if the glitching is minor. This is due to self-interference from the mast.


Hard to know what is actually causing the problem without a signal meter onsite.

Edited by nbound, 11 March 2013 - 03:21 PM.

[sulrich]

Tks for replying.  The antenna is 17 years old (however antenna loop all rg6, f-type, splitters etc. including rg6 fly leads to all TVs etc.). It's a combo uhf/vhf antenna with 4 posts in a box formation, another part of the antenna in the middle.(excuse my technical speak here)

Could it simply be that the antenna simple isn't up to scratch for digital, and has given up the ghost?

Apologies for my ignorance.

Thanks for any help.

Cheers

Edited by sulrich, 11 March 2013 - 03:40 PM.

[nbound]

Ah you have split system*, so you are in a bit worse of an area (and dont have line-of-sight to Black mountain).

The antenna should be fine for digital, being so old it was cut for channels 5-11 instead of 6-12, but to the best of my knowledge the newer models are the same size anyway and therefore make no difference.

As to why your Prime is poor, its hard to say without readings onsite. There could be a number of reasons, and they could all be quite weak, just that Prime is a little bit worse.

Given the age, id be worried about the structural integrity of the balun/s, and the resultant corrosion from water ingress..





* This, and this (or similar) - combined in a little box on the mast or in the roofspace.

Edited by nbound, 11 March 2013 - 04:07 PM.

[sulrich]

Your pictures are exactly spot on sir. Tks for this.

Sounds like new antenna may be the go if going to the trouble of replacing the baluns.

Your advice is gratefully received and appreciated :-)

Cheers

[nbound]

I could well off the mark with the balun thing, it could be numerous other things too. But if you can check them safely, then its worth a shot.

Edited by nbound, 11 March 2013 - 06:15 PM.

[sulrich]

Thanks for that.  

Random SQ errors which seem to stabilise and then plays up.  This is now after antenna has been replaced. Mind you the old one was rusted, full of water etc.  

Cant help thinking there is some local interference but have checked with neighbours and they dont seem to have a problem.  So will inspect cabling in roof next as best I can.

[nbound]

The antenna in question for Prime is the big "box" type one... Was it the one you replaced?

[sulrich]

Yep that's right.  I guess I will check to see of the cables are lying around too much other stuff (power cables etc.) near the back of the tv. The fault appears to be isolated to there, now that I have replaced the box antenna thingy.  Famous last words of course. =D

[nbound]

Could be any number of things, but without readings and a detailed understanding of how your distribution is set-up its hard to say what.

[sulrich]

I think I have the conclusion to this story, FYI.  The cocky stopper on the roof I discovered was arcing against a bracket.  Fixed the insulation and I think problem solved.  Who would have figured.  

Thanks for your help.  Appreciated.

Edited by sulrich, 13 March 2013 - 01:06 PM.

[nbound]

Yeah arcing is definately no good!

Might have helped with the neighbours reception then too, haha!


(if they were having any probs)

Edited by nbound, 13 March 2013 - 01:17 PM.