How to Install an Outdoor TV Antenna

Overview

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An overview of a typical home outdoor antenna installation setup.

Successful antenna installation requires the following:

Strong collection of the TV signal

Distribution of the TV signal

Collection of the TV signal

The antenna’s ability to collect signal is decided on how many ‘elements’ are built into the antenna. Each element collects the passing TV signal and the more elements the antenna has, the more signal it collects

For houses close to the transmitter towers, there is usually adequate signal for a small antenna. Homes in poor reception areas that are further away from the transmitter towers will require a large antenna to collect more signal to feed the TV set. Installations of more than 2 TV outlets will also require a larger antenna

Distribution of the Signal

It is vital that you use correct distribution practices to send this signal from the antenna to the TV sets. It also requires that the signal collection is adequate before it can be distributed.

The distribution network should include good quality terminations, the use of a larger antenna or distribution amplifier if more than 2 TV outlets are required, and/or the use of a masthead amplifier if in very poor signal areas.

The use of RG6 quad shield cable is the most ideal cable to be using for digital signals, coupled with the use of F-connectors and associated splitters/products will ensure you have a good quality distribution network.

Safety

Always plan your installation. Carefully think through the job and don’t take dangerous shortcuts. Common sense and good judgment must be always used.

Carefully survey the job before the installation to locate secure roof areas and the most convenient placement for ladders. Work out where the strongest points are for mast and cable mounting.

Always let someone know you are working on the roof.

Do not climb on the roof when there is no one else around.

Wear proper shoes that are non-slip.

Locate and avoid overhead power lines. Antennas must always be installed away from overhead power lines and preferably at a distance equal to twice the combined length of the mast and antenna.

Do not climb on wet or icy roofs NOR attempt to install the antenna during wet or windy weather.

Only use the sturdiest of ladders and ensure they are securely anchored before climbing.

Do not step onto roof valleys, these are often weak, even in new homes.

Ensure that all roof structures are structurally sound before putting any weight on them or mounting antenna hardware to them.

Always remember that you are standing on the roof, take your time, and don’t be distracted by passersby.

If installing an antenna within the roof cavity, ensure that the ceiling will support your weight.

While these instructions have been written with great care, Antsig cannot be held accountable for any damage to property or injury to persons resulting from the contents of this manual. If, at any time, you are unsure about performing any functions relating to antenna installation, please contact a professional.

Transmitter Signal

The first step is to determine the location of the TV transmitter antenna that has the best signal coverage in your area. Multiple TV transmitter antennas are spread across the country to ensure maximum signal coverage. This information is available on https://myswitch.digitalready.gov.au/, where you can check your TV reception signal strength in your area.

STEP 1 - How to use MYSWITCH website

On MYSWITCH website enter your full address in the search bar and click get info “1”. This gives you a general idea of how the signal coverage is in the area. Dark green indicates good reception, light green indicates medium reception and orange indicates variable or bad reception “2”.

Check” the “show all transmitters box “3” and look into the transmitters available drop-down menu to see the transmitters in the region. It is essential to determine which transmitter has the strongest transmission signal in your area and point the TV antenna towards it.

STEP 2 - Interpreting the information

On MY SWITCH website click on “Antenna setup guide””4”. This will give you detailed information about which antenna to choose and install.

In this section there is information regarding :

A : Polarisation during installation
B : Type of antenna to choose

Disclaimer

Antsig has no direct control over the content of the MYSWITCH website or the changes that may occur to the content on the website. Links to external websites are provided in good faith.

We cannot warranty or represent the accuracy of the information and do not accept responsibility for errors or omissions on the website.

Choosing the Right Antenna

Firstly, choose either Combination VHF/UHF or UHF antenna based on the information in "B". See the section above.

Secondly, choose the antenna model based on the strength of the reception.

Prime antenna: Recommend for homes in Good reception areas

Medium antenna: Recommend for homes in Variable reception areas

Fringe Antenna: Recommend for homes in Variable or Poor reception areas

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Orienting the Antenna

When positioning the antenna towards the transmission tower, note the polarisation “A”.

Your neighbour's antenna will give you a good indication of the direction, orientation, and size of the antenna suitable for your area.

Further considerations:

Obstructions or undulating terrain between you and the transmitter?

Installing more than 2 TV connection points?

Installing your antenna inside your roof cavity? (Not suitable with colour bond/metallic/conductive roofing).

If yes to any of the above 3 points, consider increasing the size of your antenna to the next size up, i.e. select medium antenna instead of prime antenna.

Antenna Accessories

Once you know the signal strength in your area and how many TV points you will have in your house. Next, plan for what accessories you need to mount the antenna and distribute the signal from the antenna to the TV.

Things that need to be considered are Cables lengths, Number of Connectors, Mounts and clamps, Splitters and Amplifiers Cables

Cables

There are two types of cables that are used for TV signal transmission: RG6 (Dual and Quad) and RG59.

Antsig recommends using RG6 quad shield Cable for best TV transmission results due to its superior features with higher bandwidth, low signal loss, and better shielding properties.

When running a coax cable from Antenna to a TV, the lengths should be made as short and as even in length as necessary.

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Connectors

There are two types of connectors: PAL and F-Type

Antsig recommends using F-Type connections as it provides a secure connection with less interference.

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Antenna Mounting Hardware

There are different types of antenna mounting options, depending on where the antenna is being installed, browse the range of different types of antennas Antsig offers.

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Splitters and Amplifiers

Splitters

Splitters are used to split the antenna signal to multiple TV points.

When splitting the signal, it is beneficial to make splits as evenly as possible, i.e. in a central location.

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Note: A splitter splits the signal to the outputs regardless of the connections made. i.e. A 4 to 1 splitter will always give a ¼ of the power at each output, even if you only connect 1 TV.

Amplifiers

Amplifiers are used to boost the antenna signal that you are receiving from the antenna.

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Amplifiers are only as good as the signal you are receiving, if the signal reception is good the amplifier amplifies the good signal, if the reception is bad in the first place adding an amplifier can make it worse as it amplifies the bad signal.

Distribution amplifiers and splitters:

Depending on the no of TV’s there are a selection of amplified with 1 port, 2 ports, 4 ports, and 8 ports.

Electronic amplifiers require a good quality signal as an input to ensure a good quality signal is the output – the closer to

the antenna the better – thus it is recommended that distribution amplifiers be installed within your roof cavity.

Tools

Selection of tools to use for antenna installation :

Cable strippers – make it easier to cut different layers of the shielding and insulation without damaging the core conductor.

Crimping tools – to connect the coax cable to PAL or Satellite (F-type) connectors it is recommended to use a compression tool and connector for the best connections followed by crim and twist-on connectors.

Signal Tester – Helps to determine the TV signal strength at every stage of the antenna installation, constant checking the strength will make it easy to fix any issues.

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Additional tools may be required for installation:

Electric drill & drill bits, screwdrivers, stud finder, step ladder, adjustable wrench, and torch.

Troubleshooting

Key points to remember:

Note your neighbour's antenna type

Your position to transmitter towers

Mount the antenna as high as possible with the fewest obstructions in the line of sight with the transmitter

Use RG6 of quad cable for installation is recommended

Terminate with F-connectors

Keep cable lengths to a minimum

Pixelation/no signal

Digital TV sets now require the received signal level to be within its operating boundaries. A signal level between 45dBuV and 80dBuV is ideal and will present a perfect picture. If the signal is outside of these levels pixelation will occur whether it is too much or too little. The most likely cause of pixelation will be poor signal collection. Though in some cases, having too large an antenna for your distribution network, or an amplifier that is not required, can cause too much signal for your TV. This can be reduced easily with the introduction of a splitter.

To fix/prevent pixelation you can try the following:

Check antenna direction;

Check for sources of interference and noise – power cables, exhaust fans, air-conditioners, etc. Try to avoid running coax cable within close proximity to these;

Check all connections in the system for wear, corrosion, and proper termination;

Start behind the TV, then the cable connection with the antenna balun, before continuing through the distribution network;

Try re-terminating connection points – this should eliminate any poor terminations – the most common cause in new installations. Again start at the rear of the TV, the antenna balun, then through the distribution network

Effects of Weather

Rain : TV reception can be affected by heavy rain, strong winds, and high-pressure systems. While normal precipitation does not have an impact, heavy rainfall can weaken the TV signal. This occurs when there are enough fine raindrops to absorb some of the signal’s power. The signal can either be dissipated or, more commonly, scattered, causing interference.

Weather : When high and low-pressure systems collide, it can sometimes result in an atmospheric temperature inversion, which can alter the reception of signals.