*Jezza Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 Sorry if this is a rather silly question but I want to know if I can improve me reception where I currently live. The ABC reception website shows that I am covered in the blue area. I have a hill that blocks off the signals but I'm wondering if I could get a different antenna or do something to help pick up the signals. I'm pretty desperate to get FTA as I currently only get Seven (and not in high quality either)
RayDio Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 (edited) Sorry if this is a rather silly question but I want to know if I can improve me reception where I currently live. The ABC reception website shows that I am covered in the blue area. I have a hill that blocks off the signals but I'm wondering if I could get a different antenna or do something to help pick up the signals.I'm pretty desperate to get FTA as I currently only get Seven (and not in high quality either) 2850 Is Mudgee area Right ??????? The Mudgee Channels are Low Powerd Translators and you might be better chasing signal from the Big Transmitters at Orange (Mt Carnobolas) Or Coonabarrabran (Mt Cenn Cruiach). Do You Know What Transmitter your antenna is pointing at ?????? Edited October 1, 2008 by left behind
alanh Posted September 30, 2008 Posted September 30, 2008 Jezza, Read Get the Best Reception, Regional NSW and read the links. Where are you specifically AlanH
*Jezza Posted October 3, 2008 Author Posted October 3, 2008 (edited) 2850 Is Mudgee area Right ???????The Mudgee Channels are Low Powerd Translators and you might be better chasing signal from the Big Transmitters at Orange (Mt Carnobolas) Or Coonabarrabran (Mt Cenn Cruiach). Do You Know What Transmitter your antenna is pointing at ?????? It's pointing at Orange atm as your right, the Mudgee transmitter is pretty pathetic. I haven't tried the Connabarraban one though I think that our neighbours point theirs that way. I'm not sure how to re-point my antenna to that direction. Jezza,Read Get the Best Reception, Regional NSW and read the links. Where are you specifically AlanH Location is Mudgee, 2850. That link sort of confuddled me. I'm a bit confused about polarisation and antenna type. All I know is that we have a huge antenna pointed towards Orange. Edited October 3, 2008 by *Jezza
fredofrog Posted October 3, 2008 Posted October 3, 2008 It's pointing at Orange atm as your right, the Mudgee transmitter is pretty pathetic. I haven't tried the Connabarraban one though I think that our neighbours point theirs that way. I'm not sure how to re-point my antenna to that direction.Location is Mudgee, 2850. That link sort of confuddled me. I'm a bit confused about polarisation and antenna type. All I know is that we have a huge antenna pointed towards Orange. Thats roughly what most combination uhf/vhf antennas look like pointed toward Orange, vertical bars with the"L" being the point closest to the transmittor and longest bar the furthest away 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 L Orange this way >>>>> 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Mast M M M M
*Jezza Posted October 3, 2008 Author Posted October 3, 2008 (edited) http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/3397/antennahc0.jpg That's the best picture I can find atm but it is pointed in the general direction of Orange. Is there anywhere that tells you what bearing you should point it at? Edited October 3, 2008 by *Jezza
alanh Posted October 3, 2008 Posted October 3, 2008 Jezza, Your existing antenna is only designed to receive Prime from Mt Canobolas. It is vertically polarised for channel 8. It will not recieve ABCN1 (ABC Analog), SBS, Southern Cross and WIN in analog or any digital transmitters on this site. It is the wrong type for Mudgee because it is not designed to receive channels above channel 36 which is used for all transmitters in your area except ABQN12 (ABC digital) The transmiter options are Mudgee, Endicott Hill Has all the digital transmitters except Prime. This is a vertically polarised transmitter Scaled drawing including dimensions on page 1 Mudgee Townsite, Collier's Hill This site is analog only Horizontally polarised Mt Canobolas High powered but depends on the terrain. Horizontally polarised Firstly I would purchase a UHF phased array as shown in the above link. They look like a barbeque grill, to change the polarisation you rotate it in the vertical plane. Then I would try and receive Endicott Hill as you may well find it works. Reception further away is a much more difficult. This antenna suggested will also be correct for Mt Canobolas digital. For brands check the Get the best reception post and click on the links for band 5 antennas. With your location I can supply directions and distance. Road name and smallest village.) AlanH
*Jezza Posted October 5, 2008 Author Posted October 5, 2008 (edited) We've had people come out over the years to look at improving the signal and nothing much has been done. Apparently, they said that we couldn't get FTA as we are located in a small valley and the hill blocks our signal coming from Mudgee and Orange. Our neighbours only live about 100m higher than us and they get all channels from Coonabarabran. But I'm not sure I trust them so much now if they couldn't even tell that we have the wrong antenna type. How much would a good Band 5 antenna cost? I'm assuming that it would pick up all channels and HD ones? Location is Hill End Road, smallest village is Hargraves Edited October 5, 2008 by *Jezza
mtv Posted October 5, 2008 Posted October 5, 2008 *Jezza, 100 metres higher is a huge advantage... which can (as you have seen) make the difference between getting perfect digital reception and no reception, if the signal path is badly blocked. It won't matter how good an antenna is, if there is insufficient signal reaching it. Although you are in a valley, it's possible for a skilled technician to get a 'reflected signal'... but they will need the experience and equipment to do the job properly. Without having accurate signal measurements, it's impossible to recommend a particular antenna, however, I have had previous success in situations such as yours, with Fracarro PU8 antennas (cost around $180.00 plus installation). If you are still unable to receive terrestrial TV, there's always the option of Optus Aurora FTA satellite.
alanh Posted October 5, 2008 Posted October 5, 2008 Jezza, I have used the right angled bend in Hill End Road where it crosses the river at Hargrave. Forget Mudgee. It is a low powered transmitter with all its power pointed at the Mudgee township. MT CANOBOLAS (Orange) is 77 km at a bearing of 216 ° These transmitters are all very high powered. MT CENN CRUAICH (Coonabarrabran) 166 km at a bearing of 345 °. This is a long way. So I would stick to Mt Canobolas. Since the antenna you are using is only designed for Prime I would remove it. I would replace it as I said with a phased array such as a Hills Ultimate 36, Fracarro PU8H or WISI EE06 I would then add 1 m below a Kingray MHU44g masthead amplifier The antenna should be mounted much higher using a guyed mast Telomast Quad shielded cable should be used to minimise the losses. You need a HD set top box or a digital TV for the digital signals. If you are uncertain, I would definately get an antenna installer from Orange. Ask if they can measure the signal strength and errors in the received signal. AlanH
mjj078 Posted December 1, 2008 Posted December 1, 2008 Hi, Only new first post and looking for information on all channel names and frequencies both digital and analogue in Muswellbrook. I cannot start a new topic so have decided to jump onto this one as I cannot find the information. Hope someone can help. Cheers, Matt.
Grampus Posted December 1, 2008 Posted December 1, 2008 Try this thread. http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showforum=51 You should be able to pick up what transmitters, frequencies by rummaging around here.
mjj078 Posted December 1, 2008 Posted December 1, 2008 Cheers, But been looking. Only need a list of all digital and analogue tv stations and there frequencies that are broadcasted to muswellbrook. For an assignment at Tafe. Not having much luck.
alanh Posted December 1, 2008 Posted December 1, 2008 Matt, Read Get the Best Reception, Hunter Valley and read the transmitter link. There is only radio transmitters in Muswellbrook. TV is either Mt Sugarload or Upper Hunter. The coverage area link will show coverage areas because the transmitter powers are quite different. ACMA General information has a channel frequency list. AlanH
MichaelH Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 Jezza,I have used the right angled bend in Hill End Road where it crosses the river at Hargrave. Forget Mudgee. It is a low powered transmitter with all its power pointed at the Mudgee township. MT CANOBOLAS (Orange) is 77 km at a bearing of 216 ° These transmitters are all very high powered. MT CENN CRUAICH (Coonabarrabran) 166 km at a bearing of 345 °. This is a long way. So I would stick to Mt Canobolas. Since the antenna you are using is only designed for Prime I would remove it. I would replace it as I said with a phased array such as a Hills Ultimate 36, Fracarro PU8H or WISI EE06 I would then add 1 m below a Kingray MHU44g masthead amplifier The antenna should be mounted much higher using a guyed mast Telomast Quad shielded cable should be used to minimise the losses. You need a HD set top box or a digital TV for the digital signals. If you are uncertain, I would definately get an antenna installer from Orange. Ask if they can measure the signal strength and errors in the received signal. AlanH
MichaelH Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 AlanH Hope this reply on this thread works. Am new to the forum, came upon your discussion re Mudgee digital transmissions from Endicotts Hill. I am located in town at Mudgee and have ten minutes ago done an auto search with the HD tv, the only digital transmissions are from ABC and SBS, absolutely no digital signal on the channels listed for the commercials?. Would it be worth going up in the air with a high gain antenna + amp. and having a go at Coonabarabran do you think. Retravision here I know are able to receive Coonabarabran, dependent on weather conditions. Cheers
alanh Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 Michael, Are you sure that your antenna is not pointed at Collier's Hill? Endicott Hill has all the commercials except Prime on air now. For digital you should be using a UHF phased array antenna mounted with the longest side of the reflector horizontal. AlanH
MichaelH Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 Michael,Are you sure that your antenna is not pointed at Collier's Hill? Endicott Hill has all the commercials except Prime on air now. For digital you should be using a UHF phased array antenna mounted with the longest side of the reflector horizontal. AlanH Alan, Went and tried manually tuning to the frequencies for the commercial digital channels, to no avail, showing literally zero signal strength, whereas manually tuning all of the ABC and SBS digital channels signal and quality up around 86-89%. I can eyeball Endicott Hill site from my roof and the antenna is pointed directly at it, vertical polarisation. Unfortunately antenna choice as far as reception of the analogue commercial channels seems to be an issue, 32(?) element log periodic (via D.S.E.) and Matcmaster amp. I have the gain cranked right back on the UHF side, about 50% on VHF. Any further thoughts?. Thanks MichaelH
alanh Posted January 6, 2009 Posted January 6, 2009 Michael, Station Name ABN SBS CTC(SC) CBN (Prime) WIN Analog 55 58 64 9 61 Digital 56 67 62 59 65 As far as I know channel 59 is not on air. Please note that the only VHF channel is CBN channel 9 analog. So your amplifier settings do not make sense. Make sure your antenna is in the vertical polarised position Connect the antenna directly to the receiver bypassing the amplifier. Which model of DSE antenna is it? AlanH
MichaelH Posted January 7, 2009 Posted January 7, 2009 Michael, Station Name ABN SBS CTC(SC) CBN (Prime) WIN Analog 55 58 64 9 61 Digital 56 67 62 59 65 As far as I know channel 59 is not on air. Please note that the only VHF channel is CBN channel 9 analog. So your amplifier settings do not make sense. Make sure your antenna is in the vertical polarised position Connect the antenna directly to the receiver bypassing the amplifier. Which model of DSE antenna is it? AlanH [ Alan, The antenna is not currently listed in the DSE online catalogue, I will visit the local store and attempt to glean that info., and it is definitely mounted vertically polarised. I muddled what it was I was trying to say, as you state CBN9 are the only VHF transmissions left. I was meaning to refer to the analogue UHF transmissions left, picture quality is dubious with a slight amount of "snow" to the image displayed. I can only imagine coax. deterioration perhaps?. We inherited the installation when buying the house but I have double checked all terminations and all seem ok. I bypassed the amp. and again did an auto and then a manual search via the appropriate menu in the tv, but can still only find SBS and ABC. In the manual mode direct frequency entry is required, 788.5 mhz for WIN, 767.625 for ACT/TEN, with no signal detected. As an experiment I input the relevant frequencies for all digital transmissions as specified by emission designator on the ACMA database, into an AOR8000 scanner set to WFM mode. Signal strength meter (bar graph representation) showed a full strength carrier present for SBS and ABC but none for the frequencies allocated to the commercials?. MichaelH /quote]
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