7 replies to this topic

[Nautilus]

Hi Guys,
I have had no problems with my DTV repception until the last two weeks.
All other channels are fine except ABC (1, 2 and HD). Signal strength is ok but lower than other channels but it locks up my Pioneer 508xda and has the interference you get when the signal is poor. Not as bad on the DTV Tuner in my home theatre PC but still lots of interference.

Has anyone else experienced this? Has anything changed with the ABC transmitters?

I am in Lindisfarne.

Matt

[alanh]

Nautilus,
Make sure the covers are on the computer and the signal for the receiver is one on the roof.

AlanH

[DrP]

I'm not entirely sure what the signal being one on the roof means, perhaps its an existential thing.

To the OP, your problem could have many causes:

• ABC is transmitting at a lower power level for some reason
  
• A local interferrer has started pumping out noise
  
• A fault with your antenna / cabling

If your close neighbours are having the same problem it may well not be a defect with your system.

My advice, as usual, is that you should consider getting a reputable antenna installer out to check your system out.  A reputable installer will have a decent digtal meter that will allow him to correctly diagnose your issue and then go about fixing it.

Edited by DrP, 14 November 2009 - 01:03 PM.

[Alista]

There is work scheduled for the ABC transmitter at Mt Wellington on the 26th and 27th of this month so it's possible that this is related.
I would call the ABC advice line on 1300 13 9994 and see what they say.

The ABC seems to be always doing work here because problem at Mt Barrow is still not fixed after months of reduced power. The ABC tell me a new transmitter has to be built which will take months.

[M'bozo]

So Matt,

The rabbit ears are gone and the proper antenna has been installed?

Where is it pointing? You have a couple of reception choices where you are. If you don't know, interrogate one of your machines to see what frequency the ABC is on.

Marc.

Disclaimer: Have only done about a dozen installs in the Hobart area, so I'm no expert.

[Nautilus]

Yup

Thanks for all the feedback from everyone to date by the way.

Got a nice antenna professionally installed by a respected installer known by the forum. All has been working well until recently.

All other channels are ok.

The interference occurs on the Pioneer plasma and the DTV card in the HTPC (Compro T750) so I reckon it's not my hardware and is something external to me.

I get ABC1 on 002 and 021 with strong signals. In fact to get the T750 to work I need to attenuate by more than 20db otherwiae it overloads the card. The Pioneer copes better than the T750 with the really strong signal.

Seems to be working ok for now though. Weather appears to have an impact for some reason and is worse when windy and rainy. Wiered.

Cheers
Matt

M'bozo, on Nov 14 2009, 10:12 PM, said:

So Matt,

The rabbit ears are gone and the proper antenna has been installed?

Where is it pointing? You have a couple of reception choices where you are. If you don't know, interrogate one of your machines to see what frequency the ABC is on.

Marc.

Disclaimer: Have only done about a dozen installs in the Hobart area, so I'm no expert.

[Strommer]

Is there any update on ABC going back to full power? I am in Mt Stuart and ABC reception is just woeful

[clipper]

Strommer, on Dec 12 2009, 12:16 PM, said:

Is there any update on ABC going back to full power? I am in Mt Stuart and ABC reception is just woeful

I would suggest ABC is transmitting normally at 200kw analog and 50kw digital. There is enough power in the signal to run many outlets and too much signal strength can result in the same symptoms as having not enough. Therefore attenuation is sometimes required depending on the sensitivity of the digital tuner in use. ABC did change the guard interval of the 191500 (ch8) MUX some time ago. This can cause pixelation issues for tuners connected to poor quality antennas, cables and splitters.



Generally, folks in Mt Stuart get  signal from the Government Hills translator as you may be shadowed under Mt W. Totally different antenna required.

Edited by clipper, 21 December 2009 - 06:38 AM.