Arcadian Posted October 9, 2007 Share Posted October 9, 2007 [big]Freeview reception and aerial alignment.[/big] This is a digest of the previous thread “Aerial alignment for Freeview” 1. The best online guide found so far it the one written for Practical Caravan http://tinyurl.com/ytdpsy 2. Internet TV forums about Freeview indicate that many home-installers have problems with aerial alignment. 3. A high-quality TV aerial is needed to receive a usable digital signal. The signal needs to be strong, or nothing will be received or will be unwatchable. Although it is technically possible for an omni-directional caravan aerial (e.g. the Status S315 ‘Sputnik’) to receive a digital signal, it's unlikely to provide you with a usable result. 4. Most Freeview set-top boxes have an indication of signal strength to aid alignment but cannot always be seen while elevating and rotating a Status S530 or external tripod-mounted aerial. 5. Signal strength meters are available but they are expensive. The DigiAir Aerial Meter may be the cheapest at around £125 see http://tinyurl.com/36x7hx 6. Aerial alignment can often be aided by noting the direction of other aerials on a camp site. This is not infallible as many of these aerials may be misaligned or receiving analogue TV from a transmitter that does not support Freeview. Also, this is a method which will be useless after analogue TV is switched off. 7. There is a map of the distribution of Freeview transmitters here: http://tinyurl.com/2drl7r . The table on the right hand side of this page lists individual transmitters. Click on a link to a transmitter and further information can be obtained. Note: Many transmitters have a very small reception area (shown in pink). There is also the caveat that “You may not be able to view all the Freeview channels” This web page: http://tinyurl.com/3auwj3 has a table of all Freeview transmitters together with their map references, polarity and power. _________________________________________________________ Thank you to all who contributed to the original thread. If anyone has amendments or further suggestions for this short guide, they will be received with gratitude. Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadian Posted October 10, 2007 Author Share Posted October 10, 2007 Arcadian - 2007-10-09 2:48 PM [big]Freeview reception and aerial alignment.[/big] This is a digest of the previous thread “Aerial alignment for Freeview” 1. The best online guide found so far it the one written for Practical Caravan http://tinyurl.com/ytdpsy 2. Internet TV forums about Freeview indicate that many home-installers have problems with aerial alignment. 3. A high-quality TV aerial is needed to receive a usable digital signal. The signal needs to be strong, or nothing will be received or will be unwatchable. Although it is technically possible for an omni-directional caravan aerial (e.g. the Status S315 ‘Sputnik’) to receive a digital signal, it's unlikely to provide you with a usable result. 4. Most Freeview set-top boxes have an indication of signal strength to aid alignment but cannot always be seen while elevating and rotating a Status S530 or external tripod-mounted aerial. 5. Signal strength meters are available but they are expensive. The DigiAir Aerial Meter may be the cheapest at around £125 see http://tinyurl.com/36x7hx 6. Aerial alignment can often be aided by noting the direction of other aerials on a camp site. This is not infallible as many of these aerials may be misaligned or receiving analogue TV from a transmitter that does not support Freeview. Also, this is a method which will be useless after analogue TV is switched off. 7. There is a map of the distribution of Freeview transmitters here: http://tinyurl.com/2drl7r . The table on the right hand side of this page lists individual transmitters. Click on a link to a transmitter and further information can be obtained. Note: Many transmitters have a very small reception area (shown in pink). There is also the caveat that “You may not be able to view all the Freeview channels” This web page: http://tinyurl.com/3auwj3 has a table of all Freeview transmitters together with their map references, polarity and power. [big]Additional information[/big] 8. Links for additional Freeview coverage maps are given below. Before interpreting them, however, please read this page: http://tinyurl.com/yqvkpq. Also note that the red areas on the prediction maps are for amplified signals from hi-gain aerials - and it is probably assumed that an aerial is on top of a 2-storey house at around 10m high. The likely reliable reception areas for Status S530 aerials are coloured blue and green. Coverage maps: UK Digital TV stations: http://tinyurl.com/22dlah (clickable) Location of Main and Fill-in Digital TV stations: http://tinyurl.com/2zkxfa 9. If you know beforehand which campsite you are going to before you leave home, you can use an online Terrain Mapping System to find the best TV transmitter for you. Go to this page on the Telly Aerial site http://tinyurl.com/2eszhn, enter the National Grid Reference of the camp site and select a transmitter from the list, then click on "Show Terrain". This will reveal the distance to the transmitter and the compass bearing. Finally click on the Megalithia link below to see the terrain histogram. Red bars on the histogram indicate that there is a line-of-sight obstruction and you would be wise to choose a different transmitter. ______________________________________________________ Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigal55 Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 excellent, thankyou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michele Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Ok I have not a clue but hubby said brilliant thanks. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadian Posted October 11, 2007 Author Share Posted October 11, 2007 bigal55 - 2007-10-10 4:32 PM excellent, thankyou You're welcome. Store it in a safe place! Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadian Posted October 11, 2007 Author Share Posted October 11, 2007 michele - 2007-10-10 8:23 PM Ok I have not a clue but hubby said brilliant thanks. ;-) Thanks. I hope he finds it useful, Michelle! Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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