TV aerial alignment meter

[RickH]

Occasionally getting breakup on some channels, so I intend putting in a newer aerial.
Obviously makes sense to align it optimally.

I see many ‘bands’ of alignment meters, that all look like made in same factory …these are digital supply with 4 strength led’s
( eg Proception at ToolStation is sold as SLX 27867R/S at Screwfix, or a a view at Amazon)

https://www.screwfix.com/p/slx-27867r-s-digital-aerial-signal-finder/58244?

Alternatively there is analogue meter sold under several names. via the likes of Amazon …
Under band names such as Fasizi or Beufee

Amazon.co.uk

Either of these types better ?

I know there are likely to be Professional pieces of kit, but this is one-off for domestic install.

 

[Wayners]

I just used the compass on phone or you could use the compass feature on Google maps.
Point a 50 dB aerial in the direction of transmitter.
Free view TV will have a signal strength meter built in already.
What's that reading with your current setup?
Good quality cable with no joins.
That's it.
You can look online for your area signal strength and if your in a poor area. Also which transmitter to use.

If you are in a poor signal area consider internet TV or satellite. Don't bother with boosters and giant TV aerials. Just not worth the effort

 

[mattylad]

Rather than drag the TV up onto the roof, get someone downstairs with a phone talking you through how the signal level is on the TV

 

[RickH]

On TV it shows strength at 66%. Quality 97%

 

[pete01]

Just point the new ariel roughly the same way as all the neighbours, not very technical I know but it's worked for me in the past.

 

[ETAF]

Kilvey Hill (Swansea, Wales) Full Freeview transmitter

Freeview HD transmitter: Kilvey Hill, Multiplexes: 7, Height: 243.7m/m, Power: 2kW/kW, Channels: 22/23/25/26/28/29/30, Polarity: Vertical

ukfree.tv

it appears , there are some spots on jersey marine which is NOT green

You can put postcode here and get a prediction for freeview

Get to see your Freeview predictions map

Get to see your Freeview predictions map

ukfree.tv

otherwise I just look at the transmitters around , google maps and a compass and have setup a couple of Aerials - USING the TV Quality and Strength meter for channels on each of the MUX

Kilvey Hill (Swansea, Wales) Full Freeview transmitter

Freeview HD transmitter: Kilvey Hill, Multiplexes: 7, Height: 243.7m/m, Power: 2kW/kW, Channels: 22/23/25/26/28/29/30, Polarity: Vertical

ukfree.tv

You can what channels are broadcast on which MUX and so you can look across all the MUX to check Quality & Strength

 

[Sureitsoff?]

the higher the quality of the signal the better rather than the strength

 

[RickH]

My current aerial was put in by pointing in the direction of Kilvey Hill ..... and I adjusted for best reception. just wanted to align better if I buy a new aerial.
Where I live is not a strong signal area - SA10 6HR Unfortunately there is part of village (confirmed in maps above) which is marked as poor coverage, right where my house is.
Same reason I have very poor mobile signal, walk 50m to end of the road it's OK.

 

[ETAF]

the chances of a very slightly better adjustment may not gain much
Have you tried the Quality on the each MUX to see what reading you get

 

[pete01]

I did have a similar issue once, I re-scanned for channels and it sorted it.

Maybe the wind helped, who knows.

 

[Murdochcat]

Be much cheaper just to buy a fire stick , if you have decent broadband

 

[RickH]

the chances of a very slightly better adjustment may not gain much
Have you tried the Quality on the each MUX to see what reading you get

Typically 66% on the ones that break up.

 

[RickH]

Be much cheaper just to buy a fire stick , if you have decent broadband

I do have an Amazon Fire TV box, not as good as direct to TV

 

[ETAF]

I do have an Amazon Fire TV box, not as good as direct to TV

Whats your broadband like ???
Should be OK , unless you have poor broadband , our catch up is a good as broadcast - and we only have about 35mb download speed - which for HD is more than enough to stream
We often stream on 2 TVs in the house - plus the usual phone laptops , emails etc , in fact also have youtube on as well on laptop

Have you spoken to neighbours and looked at their aerials to see what type they have - number of elements etc and how they find terrestrial TV

 

[RickH]

My current aerial (fitted in loft) is an XB5 and been advised that an XB10A is right aerial for Kilvey Hill and will give me much improved reception.