5 replies to this topic

[alanh]

B4+

Channel range: 27 – 49 (519 - 680 MHz)

Note The antenna list will recommend an H4+ antenna if all the channels are between channel 36 - 49 rather than an H5, because there is a small increase in sensitivity. However there is an antenna designed specifically for channels 36 - 49 which will perform better than an H5 antenna which is designed to cover channels 36 - 69.
This antenna is Fracarro 10F3546". Laceys is the Australian importer of Fracarro antennas. Prior to this list there is a unique antenna for channels 36 - 49 only. Do not used this antenna for light blue areas shown below.

I would have noted which antennas comply with Australian Standard for TV antennas AS 1417.1(Int)-2011. However none have done so, so far.

A guide to antenna selection
Please note that within this category antennas come in different sensitivities which I have tried to match to the colours used in the DBDE's "My Switch" map.
From the manufacturers' websites, I have selected the antennas which are designed for the above channel range. This maximises the reliability of the received signal. I have not included antennas which are designed to receive a wider range of channels.
Caveats:
1. The DBCDE has not released the signal strength range represented by each colour
2. Antenna specifications supplied by manufacturers often quote a maximum sensitivity  for a particular channel  and for other channels there is less sensitivity
3. With one exception the manufacturers do not specify If there sensitivity is referenced to an antenna which is equally sensitive in all directions in 3 dimensions or one which is sensitive in a figure of 8 direction pattern. This makes the first reference 2 dB less sensitive to that for a dipole.
4. The height of the antenna above the ground (up to 10 metres)
5. Surrounding obstructions and reflecting surfaces.
If there is any doubt the signal strength, carrier to noise ratio, uncorrected error rate and modulation error rates need to be measured with a digital field strength meter. All Digital Ready Endorsed installers have these meters. For reliable reception under virtually all conditions the readings must be better than the values in section 9 of Australian Standard 1367:2007 (ignoring the analog TV requirements).

Pink
Tru-Spec Prime TSP2851 http://www.hillsante...&ProductID=3017
Hills TMX12 B4+
Hills TMX14 B4+

Dark Blue

Tru-Spec Fringe TSF2851 http://www.hillsante...&ProductID=3020
Hills TMX20B4+
Hills SFX91B4+
Digimatch 02-DR18B http://www.matchmast...nnas/02mm-dr18b
Topline ANTL19U
Digitek 01BUWX20

Light Blue
Hills Ultimax 36
Wisi EE06 http://www.matchmast...nas/02mm-ee06-1 http://www.wisi.pl/W...atalogue_GB.pdf
NAS ANTPA4, ANTEE06, ANTFAU-L
Ant Wisi EE06
Clipsal 2ANUPA2
Fracarro PU16
Digitek 01CUPA4

Diagrams

Masthead Amplifier
Firstly get the maximum signal from the antenna. You can then add a masthead amplifier to overcome the signal loss going down the cabling.
Amplifiers need to contain a filter to remove all signals except the ones you want.
Kingray MHU24FS
Kingray KMU32FSDP
Kingray MHU34FS
Kingray MHU42FS
Johansson 10mm-j40cf   http://www.matchmast...iers/10mm-j40cf

Filters
These filters are unnecessary if the above amplifiers are used because they already contain the appropriate filters.
Matchmaster 10MM-J40BF, 10MM-J40DF or 10MM-J34BF
GME Kingray FL3BPMHSwitch it to exclude V_L
09MM-HL-4F http://www.matchmast...lters/09mm-hl4f
The antenna signals are fed into one of the above filters/diplexers and then into a wideband amplifier such as
GME Kingray MHW34FE, MHW34FS or MHW42FS  
Hills A2A

Multiple outlets
In single dwellings splitters with F connectors are used to feed multiple outlets. A two way splitter halves the signal to each outlet as well as a small extra loss for the splitter itself. To overcome this loss a distribution amplifier can overcome this loss. For this channel range use a
http://www.kingray.n...low-gain/MDA20U If the distribution system is also carrying band 3 as well use the MDA20H instead
This amplifier is powered through the antenna cable, so the power inserter which is placed between the TV and the wall, must be connected to the splitter's outlet called power pass. The above amplifier is then connected between the antenna and the splitter.
Note:
1. The need for this amplifier can be identified by using signal strength measurements above.
2. The signal strength meters in receivers are not very accurate.


AlanH

Edited by alanh, 09 April 2012 - 02:29 AM.

[jrickta]

alanh, on May 16 2009, 04:25 PM, said:

1CUPA2 ?

Forward Gain 11 - 14.5dB

[mjt57]

alanh, on May 16 2009, 04:25 PM, said:

Matchmaster catalog
02MM-DR18B Channels 28 – 50 12 – 14 dB

This appears to be the antenna that I have installed. Certainly, it looks very similar.

[banksiabill]

"alanh" said:

....which I have tried to match to the colours used in the DBDE’s “My Switch” map.

Alan,

I don't see any colours - pink, dark blue, light blue - when I use MySwitch.
Have they changed the MySwitch map?

Also, thanks very much for all the excellent information you have provided in this forum. I'm enjoying trying to get a handle on it.

[alanh]

Bill,
You must use a complete street address including the number.
You also have to click the tick box for coverage area.

AlanH

[banksiabill]

Thanks Alan, it was ticking the "Show coverage" check box that I was missing.