DTT signal distribution.

Machinehead

I currently have DTT with signal to 5 connections via what is a distribution powered amplifier or signal splitter in the attic. I now need to get a signal to 3 more rooms. My signal quality from Maghera can vary from 20 to 50%, strength always 100%. Can anyone recommend a device that can be used to achieve what I need without degradation of the existing signal.
Thanks guys.

The Cush

Transmitters away from the border area are to have their power increased to final power(?) at launch according to the lads who attended the Saorview trade event in Dublin last week. With launch only a few weeks away (May 11th) might be best to wait until that happens and see how things are then.

gerrymartin

The more a "signal" is split the more loss will occur. You could always buy a distribution amplifier with enough outlets to accomadate all the points you are feeding to. Make sure any new distributor has a similar gain to the one you are replacing. You could also check if your current distributor has a"Full output"port.If it has you could run a passive splitter from this port,preferably a metal encased 4way type with F-connector inputs.

gerrymartin

The Cush wrote: »

Transmitters away from the border area are to have their power increased to final power(?) at launch according to the lads who attended the Saorview trade event in Dublin last week. With launch only a few weeks away (May 11th) might be best to wait until that happens and see how things are then.

Will this include Cairn Hill? Or is Longford considered too close to the border?

Machinehead

Assuming the increase in power output, I still need something that can distribute signal to 8 locations (5 existing & 3 new).

Machinehead

gerrymartin wrote: »

The more a "signal" is split the more loss will occur. You could always buy a distribution amplifier with enough outlets to accomadate all the points you are feeding to. Make sure any new distributor has a similar gain to the one you are replacing. You could also check if your current distributor has a"Full output"port.If it has you could run a passive splitter from this port,preferably a metal encased 4way type with F-connector inputs.

Lost on this. The one I have is connected to the mains, has 1 RF input & 4 outputs. Can you recommend brand names & type?

gerrymartin

http://www.aerialshack.com/amplifier-booster-with-pass-p-1602.html?osCsid=ftr1fufmukjsc04a1iedvkbp31
something like this . Or if your distributor is powering a masthead amp you will need one that has line power. I will try and post up a link for one of those.

gerrymartin

http://www.aerialsandtv.com/onlinesplittersandamps.html#8WayMainsAmp
In this link look at the Proception 8way distributor (It's the one priced at £30 quid) This one has line power to power masthead amps and also has the full output option if you ever needed to add more points.

Machinehead

Forgot to mention, I have "wideband" aerial? & a masthead amplifier also. At the moment I receive signal from Maghera & somewhat weaker from Mulla. I probably could also get something from Knockmoyle & Cnoc an Oir if the aerial was positioned at a different polarity. Where does that leave me stand? Do I still need an amplified type device or will a splitter do the job? I know that Crush has mentioned that most transmitters will have their output power increased but splitting to 8 outlets will I'm sure affect the end quality which leaves me thinking that some sort of powered unit is the best option.

gerrymartin

You need something like the Proception 8way in the second link i posted. This will do exactly what you need.

Machinehead

gerrymartin wrote: »

You need something like the Proception 8way in the second link i posted. This will do exactly what you need.

I was editing my last post (please have a look) when you submitted your last reply. On checking your link everything looks good except that my aerial guy has the old VHF & the newer UHF aerials fed into the masthead amplifier fed onto a single output. The unit you suggested says that it cannot accept combined aerial signals, guess I'll need to get the kid up on the roof to remove the VHF feed ~ won't be needed for much longer:)

gerrymartin

Aye The VHF antenna is no longer required as you are now receiving all your Irish channels via DTT.Although you could use it for DAB if you are interested in that medium.Anyways all the best with your upgrade.Regards.Gerry.:)

Machinehead

Cheers Gerry, Thanks for your help.

The Cush

gerrymartin wrote: »

Will this include Cairn Hill? Or is Longford considered too close to the border?

Discussion from this post onwards last week - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=71541835

Black Briar wrote: »

Also another important bit of information...Most tx's apart from cairn hill are not on full power at the moment.
Cairn hill is currently on it's max power for DTT as they are testing equipment in the Republic and NI.
All other transmitters except those with NI overspill will be going full power from saorviews official launch date [may 6th ?] which in most cases will mean a 6db increase in received signal.
That increase includes all the non border area in fill sites such as Arklow,Gorey,Suir valley etc.
So expect an improvement in reception there in fringe areas.

Black Briar wrote: »

According to the RTE for the trade seminar in Dublin last week,yes there is likely to be restrictions on all tx's near the border untill NI Dso.

Macy0161

Machinehead wrote: »

I was editing my last post (please have a look) when you submitted your last reply. On checking your link everything looks good except that my aerial guy has the old VHF & the newer UHF aerials fed into the masthead amplifier fed onto a single output. The unit you suggested says that it cannot accept combined aerial signals, guess I'll need to get the kid up on the roof to remove the VHF feed ~ won't be needed for much longer:)

One of the experts will be along to confirm I guess, but if you just plugged the current combined feed into the UHF in, you'd still get the DTT signal distributed. You'd lose the VHF, but the UHF side of the combined feed would be ok. Unless I'm missing something?

12 element

Antiference also do good mains powered distribution amps that have line power on the inputs and also a 'full' output for further splitting.

lucernarian

They do indeed produce some useful distribution amps, though one I bought has just failed for me after about 4 years of operation (if even). And this was located in a reasonable at-room-temperature environment.

12 element

That's unfortunate, what model was it? I think they have moved a lot of there manufacturing in recent years hopefully there newer ones last a bit longer than that!

Bog Butter

Is it possible to buy a Soarview box now?

lucernarian

It was the A240L I think.

Machinehead

malman wrote: »

Is it possible to buy a Soarview box now?

You should find one here
http://www.saorview.ie/products-retailers/find-a-retailer/

Sponge Bob

The Cush wrote: »

Transmitters away from the border area are to have their power increased to final power(?) at launch according to the lads who attended the Saorview trade event in Dublin last week..

Jaysus , that is some increase for Mullaghanish from what I remember. Mullaghanish goes from 40kw to 200kw when the irish Restrictions are lifted...the most powerful of them all.

The more northerly transmitters, from Kippure up, must wait for NI restrictions to lift in 2012 some time.