Combining Uhf and Vhf

construct06

i have atv3 aerial and an rte aerial in my attic. i have a cable going from each into a y splitter with the outoput of the y splitter going into a booster with 8 outputs, for spreading rt tv3 throughout the house.

my qt. is, should i have some device which combines the rte and tv3 before going into the booster. i know that one is uhf and the other vhf.....

Paulj

i think we have a box on our roof which joins the two aerials together first....not sure what its called but i'm sure if you asked at a tv shop they'd tell you. I'm not sure what it does exactly. Does the current way you have it done cause problems?

cast_iron

What you need is a VHF/UHF diplexer. Both aerials go into it, and you run a short (aprox 1m) lead into the distribution amplifier.

Your local retailer will sell you one.

construct06

well the reception is not bad but i knopw it could be better (better still if aerials outside) but was just wondering if the way i have them is unusual or normal?

Ulsterman 1690

have a cable going from each into a y splitter with the outoput of the y splitter

Those white plastic "y splitters" are an abomination in the eyes of all right thinking citizens

Get thyself a proper diplexer

watty

Especially the ones without the coil on the ferrite bead that simply connect all the connections together.

I dismembered 4 way splitter combiners from two shops.
Identical appearance.

One had 3 "hybrids" wound on ferrite beads (correct). Simply loss of gain.
One simply had all 5 connections directly wired (rubbish pictures and ghosts).


Really proper diplexers for VHF/UHF cost about 30 Euro and come in a metal box.

construct06

cheers, cud any of ye guide me towards a particular product?

maybe one in Maplins.... or post a pic if ye have one.

meanwhile i will search on net for myself

Mayo Exile

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Images/Products/size_3/MXMHST8U.JPG

Something like this if you are going to put it outside............

construct06

is this the type of one ye are talking about?

cast_iron

No.
As MayoExile said. Or else buy one in your local aerial shop.

byte

I suggest a Johansson UHF/VHF diplexer. It's encased in a metal box, but requires F-connecters to join the cables.

Slightly cheaper ones but also reliable would be Fringe, and Triax.

cast_iron

The Triax are quite good also. Made from plastic so rusting is less of a problem. Connections inside are that big bigger, so easier to install.