Signal strength Carterton

Hi, we recently moved over to Freeview (uhf) using an Igloo box.

The signal strength on the channels is around 30-40%. What is the expected signal strength for Carterton, Wairarapa? We can't easily get Channels 1, 2, Prime or Maori. I expect that this would be related to signal strength.

The aerial is located on the roof but below the roof ridge line. Is this likely to significantly affect the signal strength in our area?

Thanks

Marl

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Permalink Reply by Biggles on June 4, 2014 at 21:49

According to the Freeview coverage map for Wairarapa, Carterton should get 100% signal strength.

You can check here

http://www.freeviewnz.tv/coverage/coverage-maps.aspx

Also check coverage for your address here

http://www.freeviewnz.tv/coverage.aspx

What sort of antenna are you using and where is it pointing?

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Permalink Reply by willis on June 5, 2014 at 0:38

hopefully horizontal and aimed at popoiti with the mesh screen furtherest away

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Permalink Reply by Mark Pritchard on June 5, 2014 at 5:30

Thanks Biggles & Willis

I checked out the info at the links you provided.

Not sure of the brand name of the aerial. Bought it from Noël Leeming last month. Fairly decent size with 48 tines.

Willis - I have the aerial pointed in the direction of Popoiti, although I don't have a bearing to the transmitter from my address.

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Permalink Reply by Biggles on June 5, 2014 at 10:54

The antenna sounds OK.

I'd suggest moving your antenna to a position where it has line of sight with Popoiti or raise it above the ridge line. Did you replace the co-ax at the same time as the Antenna? Generally speaking UHF performs best with a good antenna and rg6 coax with f connectors.

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Permalink Reply by willis on June 6, 2014 at 2:48

if the roof is in the way get a 1m mast extension and stays +1m cable and joiner which will cost about 50 or shift the aerial to the south side with a new cable for more like 40

aerial was probably on the north side for sky/maori/trackside/prime which used to live at otahua/bennets hill

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Permalink Reply by Mark Pritchard on June 6, 2014 at 4:59

Thanks Willis. I plan on raising the height of the aerial this weekend. Will post after I've done that.

Mark

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Permalink Reply by Mark Pritchard on June 6, 2014 at 5:05

Hi Biggles

I didn't replace the coaxial cable, it looked pretty decent. I going to raise the height of the aerial and see what difference if any that makes.

Cheers

Mark

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Permalink Reply by willis on June 7, 2014 at 1:08

directions to popoiti from carterton

Attachments:

IMG_20140606_122026 (Small).jpg, 41 KB

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Permalink Reply by Biggles on June 7, 2014 at 9:10

It may look OK but chances are it's old rg59 and if it's been out in the weather for 10 years or more it may be in a lot worse condition than it looks (corrosion and oxidisation). If raising the antenna doesn't work I'd look at replacing the coax next with Quad rg6 and crimped f connectors.

Mark Pritchard said:

Hi Biggles

I didn't replace the coaxial cable, it looked pretty decent. I going to raise the height of the aerial and see what difference if any that makes.

Cheers

Mark

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Permalink Reply by Mark Pritchard on July 6, 2014 at 22:27

Hi Biggles & Willis

After a week or so I located an extension mast and prepared to raise the aerial. I checked the signal strength only to find a message on the box from Igloo, the manufacturer, instructing me to register the box for a software update. I registered and the update was downloaded and lo and behold all channels appeared.

The Igloo box still seems to be working ( all the channels are still there).

Thank you for your helpful suggestions and advice. Very much appreciated.

Moral: always read instruction manuals, and then hope that everything in the manuals is actually correct.

Mark