CASE STUDY: Antenna problem in Labrador
Upon a recent inspection of a property in Labrador, I found many problems with the antenna system, due, in part to the previous owners many and varied attempts to add numerous outlets at the same time trying to integrate their pay TV signals into the coaxial network.
In this particular case, the new owner had moved into the property, connected the TV's and could only receive SBS. Why? Were there no signals on the very numerous outlets around the house (8 outlets in total?)
Firstly, the previous owner had disconnected the power supply to the antenna system.
The power supply is the small power pack, (similar looking to a mobile phone charger), that must be inserted into the coaxial cable outlet (antenna point) using an injector, either an f or Pal type (f-type is the screw on type used on pay TV systems, Pal type is a male plug that pushes into a female type to make a circuit).If the power supply is either turned off, not plugged in or is faulty, or is the wrong voltage.
Power supplies commonly are -14 volts dc, 17.5 volts ac, 24 volts dc? Without the correct type, the antenna system will not function properly. This is due to the amplifier not being activated with voltage from the power supply. If an amplifier (usually a masthead type) is fitted, it must be powered, as it is an active component. If it does not have the correct power to activate it, then it will do more harm to the signal than if it were not fitted. The purpose of the amplifier in this case though was to increase the signal strength, which without the amplifier was insufficient to supply a consistent signal to all 8 TV's.
Further to this, the previous owner (Jack of all trades) had split the coaxial cables in numerous places. This resulted in an uneven distribution of the signal strength to the eight outlets. Some were really high in signal strength and some were really low, resulting in poor mer (modulated error rate). This should be a minimum of 25db on each channel, if not the pictures will fragment, pixel and break up, eventually losing signal completely. (this is the cliff edge effect - data corrupted beyond repair).
The remedy for all of this was to install the correct power supply (in this case 14 volts dc) and remove all the splitters, extend the coaxial cables and fit an 8 way splitter in the roof space.(Sometimes it may be necessary to install new coaxial cables when the signal loss is severe)
The new owners were not interested about pay TV, however, if they were to change their mind, a modulator could easily be fitted now that the cabling is up to spec'.
This scenario arises on many occasions, if your signals are playing up, it may be due to some of the factors mentioned in this case study.
TV Antenna service locations Gold Coast
My services are available in the following areas : LABRADOR, SOUTHPORT, RUNAWAY BAY, COOMBABAH, PARADISE POINT, HOPE ISLAND, HELENSVALE, OXENFORD, UPPER COOMERA, PARKWOOD, ARUNDEL, ASHMORE, BUNDALL, BENOWA, BROADBEACH, MERMAID, MERRIMAC, BURLEIGH, PALM BEACH, REEDY CREEK, ROBINA, CARRARA, NERANG & SURROUNDING AREAS.
