Hi,

I know this is a silly question - though the reverse feed in that I have to put foxtel along the antenna network/loop seems to be causing problems with WIN reception from Black Mountain Tower. The signal strength goes right down when it is plugged in and the minute it is removed it returns to a good strength.

I have checked my work and have a degree (but not complete confidence) that all the connections are correct. Everything is RG6, with F type connector at every point. The splitter to combine the antenna signal with an RF input from foxtel is suitable right up to 2250, the 4 way splitter is the same. The antenna run length and foxtel input is about 20M to the splitter. Note the Foxtel signal has to come back a similar distance along the antenna network.

Apologies for the silly question, and thanks in advance for any advice.

Cheers

Steve

Steve,

Does your Foxtel tuner have an RF modulator.(ie. does it have the ability to provide the Foxtel output on an analog TV channel)

If it does the output channel may be on or near a broadcast channel.

Black Mtn. has analog outputs on channels 28, 31 & 34 & digital on 30.

If this is the problem you can change the RF out channel. Generally analog need a three channel separation.

If there is no RF modulator and only an RF loop through, then you have a problem that needs more information.

Regards Tahoma.

Thank you Sir - correct, RF through antenna loop - sorry I should have mentioned that was how I was feeding it.

However I think WIN Digital uses VHF 11...which is away from the UHF channel 37 if I recall correctly that my box is set to.

The funny thing is, the problem occurrs only on that one outlet (which is near the foxbox, with the long cable run etc.). I tested another tv on the outlet with similar issues.

Thanks & Cheers

Steve

G'day Steve

You are probably experiancing an imbalance with your signals, the Telstra Tower signals (especially the VHF's) will be booming in the high 80's low 90's (dBuV) and your Foxtel STU will be sending about 70 at best.

If this is the case you will need to balance your off air signals (both UHF & VHF) and match that to the lower Foxtel signal. Once done and distributed you may and it's only MAY need a distribution amp to deliver adequate signals at the outlets.

Gadget

#Note all signals referred to are analogue.

Thanks Gadget for this advice, appreciated. I put a 6db attenuator at the antenna - though no go. This seems to be an intermittent problem - only on one outlet. very weird. Changed cables, checked my work etc. My next step is to check to see if cable is looped up agains something like power in the wall - will inspect from lifting up the roof panel and peeking down, seeing if excess is there etc.

Yes, I know I should get one of your boys to come out and have a look - though I do enjoy the learning process, and I am a perfectionist as well. :-S

Thank you again for your advice though, you have always been helpful.

Cheers

Steve

What is your Foxtel RF PQ like with the antenna connected and does it get better (no grain) when the antenna feed is disconnected?
6dB may not be enough.

If it is not a balancing issue then it should not make a difference disconnecting the Foxtel feed.

Signal readings would help and yes we could do it for you but that's not what this is about. You know me better then that.

Have you tried changing the output freq of the Foxtel box? I always liked 41 or 42.

Cheers
Gadget

Hi,

Thanks for that. I have a 16db kingray amp powering the return feed from foxtel to antenna loop.Yep Foxtel at Channel 41 :-)

You hit the nail on the head - balancing issue. Shoved another splitter in - gave the problem outlet 50% of the antenna signal and it worked. I should have thought of this a long time again though a run of similar length didnt have the problem and was working fine - so I assumed this wasnt the issue...never assume anything I guess!

Thanks again gadget - really appreciated your guidance with this. you came through again!

Cheers

Steve