Various of my fellow villagers periodically contact me with one common problem: the antenna and amplifier suddenly stopped working.
Considering that we are more than 50 km from the city, it is clear that without a good antenna with an amplifier there is nothing special to catch here. The vast majority of the local population have LOCUS antennas, broadband, VHF and UHF bands, based on a multi-element wave channel, with a built-in amplifier board.
The Ufa television center still broadcasts 14 analogue channels, and many residents of our village already use this antenna to receive digital TV, which means it makes sense to tinker with repairing this amplifier.
Although the word “repair” in this case is incorrect, it is more likely “replacement with a similar one.”
The fact is that the amplifier board from the LOCUS antenna is on sale in some electronics stores, but for about 200 rubles apiece, and for some reason it does not work after replacement for more than a year.
Therefore, leaving quality issues to your conscience Chinese manufacturer, I chose other, inexpensive, and, as it turned out, more reliable SWA antenna amplifier boards to repair these antennas.
Here comes our hero - the SWA 9999 antenna amplifier board.
It should be noted that the best results are obtained when using the following board models: 9001, 9501, 6000, 3501, 2000, 9999 (listed in order of worsening amplification quality). SWA boards with other numbers will not work; they are designed for other frequencies and have weaker amplification.
And this is a burnt LSA-417 board from the antenna.
We will still need the side contacts from the original board, so we unsolder them.
We solder two insulated single-core copper wires to the new board.
We solder a thin shielded wire from the decimeter section of the antenna parallel to the output of the balun coil. Accordingly, the central core goes to the input capacitor of the board, and the braid goes to the ground bus.
We also solder the wire from the antenna housing itself (white) to the ground bus of the board.
To prevent the parts on the board from touching the antenna mount, we place a piece of plastic between them.
Connect the reduction cable and insert new board amplifier into the antenna box.
We solder the wiring from the board to the previously saved side contacts, insert them in their original place, and then screw the MV range side vibrators to them.
We close the standard cover with the latches and wrap the connection tightly with electrical tape.
We connect the antenna to the TV and check the channel reception right here on earth. At least three to four of the most powerful channels should be received (albeit with interference). The local Bashkir channel, for example, is received directly on the ground, in color and without interference. Well, after checking, you can climb up, onto the roof or raise the antenna to the mast.
Equipment for digital television- this is what you can buy in our store. Our company operates in the market of broadcast and satellite equipment since 2003 and we already know most of our clients by sight.
For regular customers of our online store there is a system of discounts, which are calculated automatically according to the coupon number assigned to you personally.
All equipment undergoes pre-sale preparation, namely installation latest version Software for satellite and terrestrial set-top boxes. All receivers are tested for functionality.
Our company delivers equipment both in Moscow and throughout Russia. With most companies courier delivery Agreements have been concluded on preferential delivery prices.
In our online store you can find almost any equipment that you may need to receive satellite and terrestrial television. We have tried to make the ordering process convenient for anyone. If you plan to order not one item, but several, then you can use the store search and pay attention to the accompanying equipment. If you want to pick up equipment for receiving satellite TV, then you should go to the tab menu " Satellite television", if to receive terrestrial or cable TV, then "Terrestrial Television", etc. If during the ordering process you have questions, then you can use the online chat, which is located on each page of the online store, or order back call.
We hope that in the online digital TV store you can spend a minimum amount of time ordering the required equipment.
And suddenly I receive a message on Telegram from my mother that all the channels on our TV have suddenly been charged. I went to see what was the matter. I come home, look, and the power light on the antenna splitter is not on. Here are the ones on... Well, I think the power supply of the splitter has failed. Moreover, when you pull out and insert the power plug of the splitter into the socket, the light comes on a little but immediately goes out.
I was already wondering where to buy a new splitter, when suddenly he came to me el_pir
, who also helped that day in the construction of the barn. I described the situation to him, and he said:
- Pull out the incoming antenna wire from the splitter!
— Do you think the antenna is short? - I answer and disconnect the wire and, lo and behold, the power light comes on!
I measure the resistance of the antenna amplifier, and it is 43 ohms. el_pir
rummaged through my smartphone and said that the amplifier input resistance should be kilo-ohms (in fact, about 95 kOhm). Well, he is an electronics engineer, he understands this. Then, before it got dark, I climbed onto the roof and disconnected the antenna. I tried the cable - the cable is fine. So it's definitely an antenna.
I have a fairly old Locus antenna from the cool Meridian series. But now Meredian produces only aluminum, but back then it was still possible to choose steel. The amplifier body is not flattened, as they do now, but round, like the simplest Zenit series. The amplifier in it is type LSA-417-04. The last number means the modification number, expressed in the method of attaching the amplifier to the antenna antenna.
In my magic barn I had a used, but more modern antenna amplifier LSA-417-05, pulled out of the antenna not long ago Irina Iakovleva , when I changed it to a new one when she had problems with the antenna. But then the problem turned out to be not in it but in the power supply, so the removed amplifier was in good order. There was absolutely no time to resolder it right now before dark and dinner, especially since it didn’t quite fit the fasteners, and the antenna also needed preventive maintenance. Then el_pir He temporarily gave me his antenna and even a digital television unit to indulge in for a week while he was in the city. I quickly connected his antenna, and everything worked. And even everything digital channels! :-)
Having dabbled with digital television, I appreciated its undoubted advantages (picture quality and a third more channels - 30 versus 19 analog) and cons (increased delay compared to analog television when switching channels and the complete loss of the channel for several tedious seconds when there is interference from a flying plane, and they fly here often, because Vnukovo is two kilometers away)
The next day I carried out maintenance on my old antenna and changed the amplifier: 
As I mentioned above, the old amplifier LSA-417-04 (which is on the left) had a different mount than the new LSA-417-05, but I removed the plastic clamping strips with nuts mounted in them from the contacts of the new amplifier and slightly bent the contacts so that they fit into the recesses of the antenna housing, as if specially designed for this: 
Then he screwed the bolts in from the outside, pulling the whiskers to the body, and tightened the amplifier contacts with nuts screwed from the inside onto the same bolts: 
I put the antenna in place and everything worked!
Equipment for digital television is what you can buy in our store. Our company has been operating in the market of broadcast and satellite equipment since 2003 and we already know most of our clients by sight.
For regular customers of our online store there is a system of discounts, which are calculated automatically according to the coupon number assigned to you personally.
All equipment undergoes pre-sale preparation, namely, the latest version of software is installed on satellite and terrestrial set-top boxes. All receivers are tested for functionality.
Our company delivers equipment both in Moscow and throughout Russia. Most courier delivery companies have agreements on preferential delivery prices.
In our online store you can find almost any equipment that you may need to receive satellite and terrestrial television. We have tried to make the ordering process convenient for anyone. If you plan to order not one item, but several, then you can use the store search and pay attention to the accompanying equipment. If you want to pick up equipment for receiving satellite TV, then you should go to the tab menu “Satellite TV”, if to receive terrestrial or cable TV, then “Terrestrial TV”, etc. If you have questions during the ordering process, you can use the online chat, which is located on each page of the online store, or request a call back.
We hope that in the online digital TV store you can spend a minimum amount of time ordering the required equipment.
Well, now it’s time to write another, rather large one. article on broadcast television, in which I will try to touch on the main points on antenna selection(as well as amplifiers, dividers, cables, etc.), common problems and questions, we will definitely talk about Digital DVB-T2 television, well, we’ll probably draw conclusions from all the material we’ve covered.
The purpose of writing this article is to explain to people who have not particularly encountered these systems “how it works and what they eat it with.” Also, some knowledgeable people can learn something new for themselves, or simply find interesting material. All information is mainly taken from personal experience, which our company has received over many years of work, and now we want to bring all this information to you. Let's go.
1. This is it terrestrial television.
Terrestrial television- this, to put it in accessible language, is the public broadcast of a certain signal, in this case a television signal, which is distributed “conditionally” free of charge, and anyone can receive it. The broadcast is carried out by the main transmitting station “tower” over a certain distance, and what distance depends on the power of this very tower. If there is not enough power, then a special TV signal repeaters. Their main task is amplify the incoming signal enough to cover a certain radius from yourself, it can be 15 km, 30 km, or even 60 km, depending on the goals and the nearest settlements, or rather, their quantities.
If, using the example of our city - Nizhny Novgorod, then the signal from our city tower can cover a coverage of about 70 km, but this is according to approximate calculations, and then repeaters come into force, sending the signal to another 50 km, which is also according to approximate calculations. And even then, you shouldn’t delude yourself too much with these figures, they are just conditional, and real coverage and the presence of a signal at any distance can differ significantly from calculations.
The signal itself from this tower is divided conditionally into two ranges - meter and decimeter. And each of these ranges has its own number of channels. In most cases, the UHF signal is always worse.
2. What is needed to receive a signal in the city.
I think that every person basically knows this, you need for reception - antenna, preferably all-wave, which will structurally contain reflectors for both ranges.
This, standard antenna, it's called " Delta 311", there are also many of its analogues, the most popular " Alpha 311", and they are identical, only produced by different companies. This is the most standard antenna for receiving a signal within the city, which can be found on the walls and roofs of almost every house. It is assembled almost entirely from ordinary iron and additional plastic elements. Such an antenna may be subject to corrosion, although the average service life with careful use is about 10 years. There are modifications assembled from duralumin alloy, but they are extremely rare, but they do not rust.
red arrow- shows reflectors responsible for receiving meter channels.
Blue arrow- shows reflectors for receiving channels in the UHF range. Reflectors run along the entire main part of the antenna.
Green arrow- shows a special compartment that contains a matching board for both bands (MV and UHF), and the already matched signal is transmitted to a television cable connected to this board.
** the antenna itself has its own gain (about 5dB), which is more than enough. An amplifier in the city will only worsen the situation in 99% of cases.
Like this antennas basically that's enough for receiving a signal within the city, and even in its nearest suburban area.
For countryside are used antennas with active amplifiers, but about them in the next paragraph.
3. What is needed to receive a signal outside the city.
If with the “city” everything is simple in principle, and there is even a certain antenna model that will almost always be combined with the current city signal level, then with the countryside everything is much more complicated. Here, most likely, you will have to use the “Scientific Poking” method, as they say, especially if your house is not located in a place very populated by people, which means there is no one to ask about the signal level. In most cases, everything country type antennas come with active amplifiers, which are powered by a converter (220V mains / 12V output).
We have several antennas in our arsenal that are more popular among customers. I will give you an example of these antennas below, but before I do this, I want you to understand one very simple thing, namely, the relative concept of distance. Those. I will indicate the approximate distance for which the gain (hereinafter referred to as “G”) of the antenna is calculated. This is nothing more than a relative concept, but in NO WAY is it part of the declared characteristics of the antenna, and you shouldn’t particularly “rely” on it.
Now the antennas themselves. TOP 5 popular antennas.
5 Place. Alpha 311 with amplifier.
Service life: about 10 years.
Type: all-wave
Overall gain: +-18dB
The simplest modification city antenna, which has a built-in signal amplification board, and the gain is about 13 dB. This model is popular among people who live within 30 km from the city, if we take our example again Nizhny Novgorod, then we have these places: Kstovsky district, Borsky district, Balakhninsky district and some others.
This antenna got into fifth place for one simple reason - the likelihood of replacing the amplifier is very low. Sometimes there are board models that are quite difficult to find. And the build quality of the antenna is not very impressive.
4 Place. Strong 21/1 with amplifier.
Assembly material: duralumin + plastic elements.
Service life: about 15 years.
Type: all-wave
Overall gain: +-26dB
Fourth place goes to our duralumin antenna Strong 21 1, which has a good gain, and an approximate calculation of the distance showed about 50 km. The antenna, just like the previous copy, works with an internal amplification board and requires a 12 V power supply. In addition to standard decimeter and meter bands, the antenna is also equipped with “reflectors”, which, according to the manufacturer, reflect the unnecessary part of the signal, which causes interference. To be honest, there is no sense in this nonsense at all, since even with banal knowledge in this area, we can say that it is very difficult to filter an analog signal, and certainly not in this way. The antenna material is resistant to external influences , and corrosion. The antenna has a higher self-gain due to the larger number of elements. U Strong 21/1 In addition to the amplifier, there is also a matching board, which is located in the second compartment.
Why did this antenna get 4th place? And all because she is Chinese. Although it is represented by a Russian company, these antennas are assembled in China. The build quality leaves much to be desired... Sometimes the elements do not fit in the holes, there are gaps on the boxes, etc. In general, the build quality is far from great.
Attention! The included instructions for this antenna contain an error. The antenna uses Locus amplifiers - LSA-417 (LS-421), and not "SWA", as written in the instructions.
3rd place. ASP-8 with amplifier.
Assembly material: duralumin + iron + plastic elements.
Service life: about 15 years.
Type: all-wave
Amplifier type: internal board
General gain: depends on the amplifier model.
The antenna gets a well-deserved 3rd place, and it's not for nothing. Many people know this antenna, only under the names " Mesh, Grate, Dryer", etc. It has been produced for many years, initially country of origin was - Poland, which is why it is sometimes called the “Polish antenna”, although Poland has not produced them for a long time, but our “beloved” China makes these antennas. It got its place because of its versatility; it can be used at absolutely different distances, depending on the installed amplifier. It uses amplifier boards of the "SWA" series, which are very easy to find and changing them is not a problem. You can even buy several boards with different KUs and change them depending on your needs.
Amplifiers, series " S.W.A." have a very large spread in gain, it can be 10 dB, or maybe 60 dB. Accordingly, different configurations can be used at different distances. But this antenna also has disadvantages, one of which is the impossibility of using the antenna without an amplifier at all. The boards matching in this antenna DOES NOT WORK!
2nd place. Locus 35.09 with amplifier.
Service life: about 15 years.
Type: all-wave
Amplifier type: internal board
Overall Gain: 38dB
This antenna boasts excellent build quality and a gain that, according to rough estimates, may be enough for a range of 70 km. The antenna uses a gain board LSA-417, which can be bought in almost any specialized store, including ours. The antenna is so clearly designed that, when installed correctly, it does not allow moisture to pass into the sections with the matching and amplification board, which completely eliminates the possibility of short circuiting the elements.
I didn’t find any disadvantages with this antenna, all its elements are securely fastened, there is no play, the “whiskers” are also screwed quite firmly to the body.
1 place. Locus 21.09 with amplifier LA-30.
Assembly material: iron + plastic elements.
Service life: about 15 years.
Type: all-wave
Amplifier type: external unit
Overall Gain: 38dB
The beauty of this antenna is that it uses pass-through amplifier external type" LA-30", which is inserted not into the antenna itself, but into the cable break anywhere, but preferably closer to the antenna. Such an installation of the amplifier will allow you not only to obtain a high gain, but also to significantly facilitate replacement in case of failure. In order to to change, for example, the amplifier in the Locus 35.09 antenna, you need to get to the antenna (and for many this is an impossible task), remove it, remove the amplifier, or, to be more precise, unsolder the amplifier, then buy a new one and do the same operation, only in the reverse order. This is not very convenient... But changing the LA-30 is so easy that even a schoolchild can do it. and that's it. It's harder to change a light bulb.
3. Signal amplification.
For signal amplification a huge variety of different amplifiers, some are universal and fit most antennas, some are individual, but they can only fit one antenna model, or something similar. There are amplifiers in the form amplification boards, are available in the form of modules built into the cable, some can even be built into power unit, which is necessary for any amplifier, there are those that amplify only a certain frequency range, there are special “breakable” amplifiers that do not allow the signal to fade on a large number of TVs, but incoming signal must be good initially. In general, there are a lot of options.
Let's look at the most popular amplifiers of several types.
1. Amplifiers, "SWA" series (777, 555, 7, 3, 49,5000,3000,6000, etc.)
This type of board can be classified as " universal amplifiers" because they are suitable for many types street antennas, yes and buy such amplifiers Available in almost all stores. The amplifier requires a special power unit, which can also be buy in any specialized store. Power supplies are the same for absolutely everyone antenna amplifiers. There are a huge number of "SWA" models, some of which I have never even seen. The most basic difference between all amplifiers is the signal amplification factor, and for the “SWA” series it can be 8dB, or maybe 60dB.
Basically, without knowing the exact technical parameters amplifier, K.U. can be approximately calculated by the number of transistors on the board (small four-pin, and sometimes three-pin element, black), the more there are, the higher the gain. By average standards, 1 transistor equals 10 dB of gain, so we multiply the number of transistors by 10 and get the approximate gain. Exactly "Exemplary"...
2. Amplifiers, series "LSA, LS" (417, 421)
This type of amplification board is used in antennas " Locus" And " Strong"and they differ from each other only in the way they are mounted in the antenna box. Although they are considered interchangeable, with simple changes in the design, any board can be installed in any antenna. The average gain of such boards is about 30 dB. As well as any amplifier, this one also needs a power supply. There is one point, in “Loci” such boards are used in the basic configuration, in contrast to “Strong”, in which, according to the instructions, boards of the “SWA” series are generally installed, although this is not this way. When installing the "SWA" board, the entire circuit is immediately short-circuited, and the protection is triggered on the power supply. Moreover, these are the words of the official representative of the company that produces these antennas. The instructions in "Strong" are NOT CORRECT! Be careful.
3. Amplifiers, "LA" series (11, 21, 31, 22U).
This is it really universal amplifiers, built into the “break” of the cable. Not only can they be used absolutely with ANY outdoor antenna, which has a matching board and does not have a base amplifier, they are also more durable than boards. Even if it is broken, even a first grader can change it. The numbers in the amplifier markings practically correspond to the number of decibels of gain. The most important thing in such an amplifier is care during installation. You need to install it according to the arrows on the case (Antenna passage to power supply), if you mix it up, you can most likely run to the store for a new one. Like all amplifiers, it requires a power supply.
4. "Adjustable" type amplifiers (Alcad AL-200)
Amplifier has a built-in power supply and serves for distributing a signal to a large number of TVs. It can be classified as a more professional part, since it has adjustment for each range (UHF/MV) and requires some knowledge in this area. Its essence is simple - to prevent a good signal from fading on a large number of TVs. Note the word "Good", since the initial gain this type It has practically no amplifier. To use it, the signal must already be good, and the amplifier will make sure that the signal does not lose its quality at a large number of points.
The amplifier itself has one input and two independent outputs, onto which you can connect one or several signal dividers. The gain is so high that in our personal practice we were able to connect about 50 TVs at a tourist base.
If start signal weak, then you can combine 2 amplifiers - Alcad al-200 and amplifiers, the "LA" series, which I wrote about above. Those. You first amplify the incoming signal with an amplifier, "LA" series, and then send the amplified signal to the alcade. Just don't overdo it.
A small postscript to this topic about amplifiers, and in general about amplification of the broadcast signal in general.
Although I wrote this before, I won’t be too lazy to write it again. Regarding signal amplification, remember a few simple rules:
1. Amplifiers do not filter interference, but amplify the entire spectrum of frequencies... including interference.
2. In 99% of cases, the amplifier will not help bypass interference, reflections, etc. If your house is blocking the signal, look for ways around it.
3. The signal must be amplified moderately. Over-amplifying the signal will have the opposite effect.
4. Amplifiers do not have the concept of "Kilometers". Don't take this "parameter" seriously.
5. There are no passive amplifiers in antennas. And in general they don’t exist in principle. Passive amplifier is an amplifier that operates without power.
6. In urban areas, amplifiers are not needed.
7. Any amplifier does not work in passive mode. Those. they cannot be used as matching boards for example.
8. Some antenna models cannot be equipped with an amplifier at all.
9. The power supply on the plug (which is inserted into the TV) has no voltage.
4. Terrestrial digital TV DVB-T2.
It’s a sore subject for the entire population of Russia, or rather a sore subject for those who are interested in this... but don’t really understand it, and believe me, there are a lot of such people. I have already written quite a lot of information on this topic in principle, and it's on the website... but I will repeat one thing.
Let's start from the very beginning frequently asked question, well, maybe not the most common, but very common
"What kind of antenna is needed to receive a digital DVB-T2 signal in the city and beyond?"
And the answer is very simple - the same as for an analog signal. They are no different, and our smart-ass, I apologize for my French... marketers... make money from naive people by selling them a “type” antenna for digital TV, although it is an ordinary antenna, UHF. Remember once and for all, ANALOG AND DIGITAL ANTENNAS DO NOT EXIST. This is an antenna, and it cannot have such concepts at all. This is the same as the red board nails and the "other" board nails that are blue.
"Reception of HD channels on digital DVB-T2 television"- this does not happen, does not exist, and technically it is impossible. Forget about this nonsense altogether.
In general, there are a lot of questions and misconceptions, and as I said earlier, the answers to them are on our website.
I noticed very much here interesting thing, regarding this topic about terrestrial DVB-T2 television, or rather, it was a discussion on one of the forums devoted to similar topics, and this is what I read there.
The discussion itself started because someone wrote something like this
"In a few years, digital television will reach new levels and will broadcast many channels for free, including in HD format. Such a turn will lead to the bankruptcy of all satellite providers and total financial losses some organizations that provide digital TV connection services"
This is what it sounded like. And so I decided to also think about this topic, in fact, I didn’t think about it for long... It was quite easy to guess the logic of the person who wrote this, since it can only be called nonsense, written by a very naive user.
We all know that progress does not stand still, and this also applies to television. The gradual transition from analogue to digital TV has caused many strange emotions among people. Some people think that a complete transition to digital TV will take place in a few years, and we will get all the same channels, only in best quality, some people think that progress has moved sharply, and now everything can be watched for free, and even HD, and some people generally “don’t give a damn” about all this figure... and I’m just one of the latter.
Now to the point. Full transition from analogue to digital TV will actually take place in a few years, and analogue broadcasting will be removed altogether. It’s true that there will be the same channels that we can watch now on analog TV, or rather there will be even a little more of them, about 25... I think. After the complete translation, the introduction of additional PAID multiplexes will begin, the price for which will not be known soon. And about the fact that we will watch everything in HD, not pay anything, etc. - forget these fairy tales, dear ones. Firstly, no one will allow this to be done, as was written earlier - this will cause the bankruptcy of many large companies, or simply huge losses. The same "NTV Plus" and "Tricolor TV" belong to the same holding company - the Gazprom Company. Do you think Gazprom will provide such services" Free viewing"? Of course not...
It will be said not quite on topic, but when some person, about 10 years ago, invented a device that divides ordinary water into 2 components - oxygen and hydrogen. Those. in simple language, he got fuel from water. If he sold this device, or its circuit, say... to a large automaker that would start producing cars that run on water, then all the oil companies would simply go bankrupt and there would simply be a global revolution of the entire system. Real chaos would begin. Since then, nothing has been known about the person who succeeded. Either they just paid very well so that the invention would not go to the masses, or they “removed it”... let's think about the best option.
5. Consumables. Wiring elements.
In addition to information about the antennas themselves, it will also be useful to know about consumables, and about wiring elements.
1. Cable.
For terrestrial television, and not only for it, the usual coaxial cable, markings RG-6 75 ohm, well, you can do 50 ohms, of course, as you like. It is better to always take a cable that is denser, which will be harder to bend with your hands, this means that the cable will be more resistant to external influences, due to which a longer service life is guaranteed, this is especially important for street installation. Do not buy cheap Chinese cable, the average retail price of which is 5-7 rubles. per meter, it will crack at the first frost, as a result of which moisture will get inside the cable and with high probability will leak into the TV tuner, which will disable it (maybe not immediately, but over time). And in general, such cables are torn almost by hand, not to mention exposure to strong wind, frost, shock, etc.
2. Connector for switching.
Everything is simple with them. In our time for connecting RG-6 cable With dividers, adders, amplifiers, plugs, loop-through amplifiers, cable connectors, etc. They use this little thing called " F connector".
The connector is actually universal, although there is also an option for a thin RG-6 cable, but they are rare.
3. Dividers. Adders.
For branching the on-air signal to several points special ones are used dividers, which have a bandwidth of 5-1000 MHz, and also have certain losses in the signal, which are also measured in “dB”. These parameters are usually indicated on the dividers; the more signal output points, the greater the attenuation will be. It can be from 2 to 8 dB, and in Chinese cheap dividers it can be as much as 15 dB. You can distinguish them by sight, if you have a little experience in these matters, or with the help of a tester, but this method does not always work. We just need to “ring” the divider from input to output with the tester; if it “rings”, then most likely it is China. Normal dividers (for example, RTM) do not ring, they have a capacitor, unlike Chinese ones, they have a resistor. And the price of Chinese dividers is usually 50 rubles.
All dividers have a screw connector for the F-connector, which I wrote about above.
The adder is a completely “reverse” device, although it looks the same. Only its purpose is not to separate the signal, but, on the contrary, to mix it. Adders are used to mix two UHF and MV signals into one. The switching principle is similar to dividers. The adders also have an attenuation percentage. In general, any cable connection produces attenuation.
4. Other devices.
Other devices include, for example, antennas, whose purpose is the opposite of amplifiers, namely, to attenuate the signal. Such devices are needed when you live near a tower, or in its immediate vicinity, where the signal is too strong. The antennuator is mounted in the “gap” of the plug.
Well, this is probably where we will finish our article on broadcast television. If you have any questions, ask them on our forum in the “Terrestrial TV” section, just don’t forget to read the section rules)
With this I say goodbye to you! All the best!) P.S. Do not pay attention to the text below, this is for indexing)
On our website you can always buy an antenna for your home, buy an antenna for a cottage, or for the dacha, and just as simply indoor antenna with amplifier and without. Choice antennas for the city and for the region we have quite a large one, and that’s why you can always find an option terrestrial antenna for myself. Except analogue television reception, antennas receive And DVB-T2 signal. Terrestrial digital television in Nizhny Novgorod And region is now gaining great popularity, and therefore antennas for digital tv will be necessary if you still haven't had time purchase a DVB T2 antenna, then we advise you buy her cheap. By the way street antennas in Nizhny Novgorod Can buy an indoor antenna for digital TV, which will provide confident DVB T2 signal reception near the transmitting station. In addition to antennas, our store has SWA amplifiers , L.A. , LSA , Alcad and others. Buy amplification boards for the Locus antenna, Delta or Alpha you can also via the Internet, or in retail store. Amplifiers for over-the-air antennas provide stability signal reception in places with an unstable signal.
An antenna amplifier is a device that is installed on the antenna in order to strengthen the signal and, as a result, improve the quality of the picture on the TV screen. It will be especially relevant in areas far from television towers. As a rule, these are villages and villages located far from civilization.
Installing an antenna amplifier is necessary to improve signal quality.
There can be many reasons for poor signal reception. Even residents of large cities face this problem, although it would seem that they are in close proximity to the towers. The most common causes of interference:
- the signal source is too far from the receiving point;
- obstacles located in the signal path - trees, high-rise buildings, etc.;
- landscape gap between the signal reception point and the tower;
- weak signal.
The choice of antenna amplifier depends on many factors. However, the first thing you need to understand is what kind of antenna is installed. There are two types: passive and active. A signal amplifier is already built into the active antenna design by default. If you have problems with the signal, then most likely you have a passive antenna. Such an antenna should be installed only if the tower transmitting the signal is within sight and there are no obstacles between it and the antenna.
The next thing you need to find out is the distance to the nearest tower.
ADVICE. Depending on the distance to the tower, you should select a device with a suitable gain. As a rule, it is worth buying an antenna amplifier only if the distance from the tower to the house is more than 10 km. If the distance is shorter, then the problem is in an incorrectly selected antenna and the position amplifier will not correct it.
Gain is a characteristic that you need to be careful with. This is a case where more is not better. If there is a deficiency, the signal will not be strong enough, and if there is an excess, noise will appear, which will still interfere with high-quality broadcasting. For this reason, many amplifier models with different characteristics are produced for one type of antenna.
For the right choice coefficient, you must use a special table. There's nothing complicated about it.
Types of amplifiers
We will not go into the intricacies of the design of the antenna amplifier - for the average person this information will be useless. Let's talk about two types of amplifiers and their purpose.
Amplifier SWA
SWA antenna amplifiers are used in ASP-4 and ASP-8 array antennas, which are often called “Polish” antennas. These antennas themselves have a very low gain, and they cannot do without an amplifier.
The two most important characteristics when choosing an SWA amplifier will be gain and noise figure. When purchasing, pay attention to them. We have already talked about the first above. With the second it is still simpler - the less, the better.
Amplifier LSA
This type of amplifier has a very narrow field of application. They are produced for repairing failed Locus antennas. Certain LSA models can enhance their corresponding Locus antenna models.
power unit
As a rule, the antenna amplifier design is equipped with a built-in power supply. The device connects to the network and, due to its low power, consumes only about 10 W. There are built-in and external power supplies. Built-in power supplies are low-power devices small size. At unstable work They are of little use to the electrical network. However, if power surges are very rare, it will be quite sufficient.
External power supplies are characterized by large dimensions and power consumption. They provide stable operation of the antenna amplifier even in unstable network conditions. Such power supplies are designed for different input voltages: 5, 12, 18, 24 V. This parameter must exactly match the supply voltage of your specific amplifier.
Antenna amplifier installation
Externally, the amplifier is a small electronic circuit. It is attached directly to the antenna itself using bolts and nuts. The amplifier will show greater efficiency if it is installed near the antenna on the mast, between the matching device and the feeder. The signal passing from the antenna through the feeder significantly reduces its level. After installation, you need to check whether the signal has improved. Without equipment, this can be done by simply turning on the TV.
If the antenna is already installed, it will not be difficult to connect the amplifier and, using a special adapter, power the power supply. However, if the antenna is not connected, then you will have to worry about running the cable to the TV. If you are not confident in yourself, then the best solution will call a telemaster who will quickly and efficiently complete this task.
Connecting a TV cable to your TV
The first step is to choose TV cable. This is a very important moment, since even an expensive TV will not provide you high-quality picture without the correct wire.
The most common on the market are coaxial cables various manufacturers with characteristic impedance 75 Ohm brands RG 6U, SAT 50, SAT 703B and DG 113. Brands are listed in ascending order of quality. Marking is applied to the cable sheath along its entire length.
IMPORTANT. We will not describe all existing antenna cables, since this is not possible. However, please pay your attention to the following - the cable must have a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms and the outer diameter of the sheath must be at least 6 mm. By adhering to these two criteria, you can choose the appropriate cable.
After you have chosen a cable, it must be connected to a plug, since bare wires cannot be connected to the TV. Nowadays, F-plugs are the most widely used. Three plugs are available different sizes for cables of different diameters. Be careful when purchasing - make sure the plug fits your cable. After purchase, all that remains is to install the plug. This can be done according to the diagram below.
Antenna Grounding
However, that's not all. The antenna must be grounded before use. This is a very important and responsible procedure, and it should be approached with all responsibility.
IMPORTANT. Be careful! In the previous stages, the most you could ruin was the cable. When grounded, there is every chance of getting an electric shock - which can be fatal. Therefore, under no circumstances try to do grounding yourself! Call a specialist who will do everything quickly and efficiently.
If you live in an apartment building, as a rule, the antenna will be installed on a balcony or loggia. In such cases, there is no need for grounding, since it is already provided for when the house was built. Grounding will be relevant in a private house or on a summer cottage.
That's all. In this article we talked about existing types antenna amplifiers and how best to install them. We hope the article was informative and helped you in this difficult issue.
And suddenly I receive a message on Telegram from my mother that all the channels on our TV have suddenly been charged. I went to see what was the matter. I come home, look, and the power light on the antenna splitter is not on. Here are the ones on... Well, I think the power supply of the splitter has failed. Moreover, when you pull out and insert the power plug of the splitter into the socket, the light comes on a little but immediately goes out.
I was already wondering where to buy a new splitter, when suddenly he came to me el_pir, who also helped that day in the construction of the barn. I described the situation to him, and he said:
-Unplug the incoming antenna wire from the splitter!
-Do you think the antenna is short? - I answer and disconnect the wire and, lo and behold, the power light comes on!
I measure the resistance of the antenna amplifier, and it is 43 ohms. el_pir rummaged through my smartphone and said that the amplifier input resistance should be kilo-ohms (in fact, about 95 kOhm). Well, he is an electronics engineer, he understands this. Then, before it got dark, I climbed onto the roof and disconnected the antenna. I tried the cable - the cable is fine. So it's definitely an antenna.
I have a fairly old Locus antenna from the cool Meridian series. But now Meredian produces only aluminum, but back then it was still possible to choose steel. The amplifier body is not flattened, as they do now, but round, like the simplest Zenit series. The amplifier in it is type LSA-417-04. The last number means the modification number, expressed in the method of attaching the amplifier to the antenna antenna.
In my magic barn I had a used, but more modern antenna amplifier LSA-417-05, pulled out of the antenna not long ago
An antenna amplifier is a device that is installed on the antenna in order to strengthen the signal and, as a result, improve the quality of the picture on the TV screen. It will be especially relevant in areas far from television towers. As a rule, these are villages and villages located far from civilization.
Installing an antenna amplifier is necessary to improve signal quality.
There can be many reasons for poor signal reception. Even residents of large cities face this problem, although it would seem that they are in close proximity to the towers. The most common causes of interference:
- the signal source is too far from the receiving point;
- obstacles located in the signal path - trees, high-rise buildings, etc.;
- landscape gap between the signal reception point and the tower;
- weak signal.
The choice of antenna amplifier depends on many factors. However, the first thing you need to understand is what kind of antenna is installed. There are two types: passive and active. A signal amplifier is already built into the active antenna design by default. If you have problems with the signal, then most likely you have a passive antenna. Such an antenna should be installed only if the tower transmitting the signal is within sight and there are no obstacles between it and the antenna.
The next thing you need to find out is the distance to the nearest tower.
ADVICE. Depending on the distance to the tower, you should select a device with a suitable gain. As a rule, it is worth buying an antenna amplifier only if the distance from the tower to the house is more than 10 km. If the distance is shorter, then the problem is in an incorrectly selected antenna and the position amplifier will not correct it.
Gain is a characteristic that you need to be careful with. This is a case where more is not better. If there is a deficiency, the signal will not be strong enough, and if there is an excess, noise will appear, which will still interfere with high-quality broadcasting. For this reason, many amplifier models with different characteristics are produced for one type of antenna.
To select the correct coefficient, you must use a special table. There's nothing complicated about it.
Types of amplifiers
We will not go into the intricacies of the design of the antenna amplifier - for the average person this information will be useless. Let's talk about two types of amplifiers and their purpose.
Amplifier SWA
SWA antenna amplifiers are used in ASP-4 and ASP-8 array antennas, which are often called “Polish” antennas. These antennas themselves have a very low gain, and they cannot do without an amplifier.
The two most important characteristics when choosing an SWA amplifier will be gain and noise figure. When purchasing, pay attention to them. We have already talked about the first above. With the second it is still simpler - the less, the better.
Amplifier LSA
This type of amplifier has a very narrow field of application. They are produced for repairing failed Locus antennas. Certain LSA models can enhance their corresponding Locus antenna models.
power unit
As a rule, the antenna amplifier design is equipped with a built-in power supply. The device connects to the network and, due to its low power, consumes only about 10 W. There are built-in and external power supplies. Integrated power supplies are low-power, small-sized devices. If the electrical network is unstable, they are of little use. However, if power surges are very rare, it will be quite sufficient.
External power supplies are characterized by large dimensions and power consumption. They provide stable operation of the antenna amplifier even in unstable network conditions. Such power supplies are designed for different input voltages: 5, 12, 18, 24 V. This parameter must exactly match the supply voltage of your specific amplifier.
Antenna amplifier installation
Externally, the amplifier is a small electronic circuit. It is attached directly to the antenna itself using bolts and nuts. The amplifier will show greater efficiency if it is installed near the antenna on the mast, between the matching device and the feeder. The signal passing from the antenna through the feeder significantly reduces its level. After installation, you need to check whether the signal has improved. Without equipment, this can be done by simply turning on the TV.
If the antenna is already installed, it will not be difficult to connect the amplifier and, using a special adapter, power the power supply. However, if the antenna is not connected, then you will have to worry about running the cable to the TV. If you are not confident in yourself, then the best solution would be to call a telemaster who will quickly and efficiently complete this task.
Connecting a TV cable to your TV
The first step is to select a television cable. This is a very important moment, since even an expensive TV will not provide you with a high-quality picture without the right cable.
The most common on the market are coaxial cables from various manufacturers with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms, brands RG 6U, SAT 50, SAT 703B and DG 113. Brands are listed in ascending order of quality. Marking is applied to the cable sheath along its entire length.
IMPORTANT. We will not describe all existing antenna cables, since this is not possible. However, please pay your attention to the following - the cable must have a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms and the outer diameter of the sheath must be at least 6 mm. By adhering to these two criteria, you can choose the appropriate cable.
After you have chosen a cable, it must be connected to a plug, since bare wires cannot be connected to the TV. Nowadays, F-plugs are the most widely used. Plugs are available in three different sizes to accommodate cables of different diameters. Be careful when purchasing - make sure the plug fits your cable. After purchase, all that remains is to install the plug. This can be done according to the diagram below.
Antenna Grounding
However, that's not all. The antenna must be grounded before use. This is a very important and responsible procedure, and it should be approached with all responsibility.
IMPORTANT. Be careful! In the previous stages, the most you could ruin was the cable. When grounded, there is every chance of getting an electric shock - which can be fatal. Therefore, under no circumstances try to do grounding yourself! Call a specialist who will do everything quickly and efficiently.
If you live in an apartment building, as a rule, the antenna will be installed on a balcony or loggia. In such cases, there is no need for grounding, since it is already provided for when the house was built. Grounding will be relevant in a private house or on a summer cottage.
That's all. In this article we talked about the existing types of antenna amplifiers and how best to install them. We hope the article was informative and helped you in this difficult issue.
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