Loft Aerial

[commoner]

Hi all...anybody any first hand experience with Loft aerials when used with Freeview? I would like to connect a Freeview adapter to my bedroom TV and it is just not convenient to use my existing rooftop aerial ........I could do a simple DIY for a loft model but would have to employ someone to connect up the rooftop job......thanks for any help you might offer...commoner.

[Buenchico]

Take a look at your existing external aerial (and those of your neighbours). If people in your locality are getting good reception from fairly simple rooftop aerials then you might be able to use a loft-mounted aerial. If, on the other hand, everyone's using 48-element aerials, complete with mast-head amplifiers, then there's very little chance that a loft-mounted aerial will work.

If you do decide to go ahead with using an aerial in your loft, then you'll need something like this one. (Only one person has given it a review but this is a 5-star rating - with specific reference to using it, loft-mounted, for Freeview reception):
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=22523&& amp;source=14&doy=search
(Also ensure that you use good quality, low-loss coaxial cable. Using cheap coaxial cable can lead to a significant loss of signal strength).

Chris

[19mick73]

Had a problem recently using an old roof top aerial, had to upgrade to a wide band aerial to get freeview channels. Try texting the number 83331 from your mobile along with, just your postcode in the message and they should text you back with your requirements.

[BillyNoMates]

Installed one a few months ago as we are not permitted to have an external aerial.

Works fine. I went up a grade when purchasing - I.e. could have used a medium-strong signal area type had it been going outside. Bought a weak-medium signal type and used a high quality distribution amplifier as I needed 5 outputs.

Used quality foil and copper screened cable and have had no problems whatsoever. All purchased from a well known electronics shop.

[commoner]

Thanks a bunch you guys ...most helpful.......Bill, I wonder if the one Chris gives the link to would anywhere near fit the bill?

Maplin have a store in my area so I could get that one ok...or Maybe you could say just which model you bought...thanks to you all for helping out.

[BillyNoMates]

I purchased a PT18 and the amp was a YZ86. Also purchased a loft bracket (BW45) - pole with a screw in the end which works well. I didn't buy the cable at the same place - a local Electrical wholesaler did me a 100m drum of RG6 for �11.50.

Bear in mind what the signal strength is in your area. I opted for the PT18 as I live about 38 miles from Winter Hill so have a good signal strength. You may want to go for the next aerial up with a higher gain.

Hope that helps.

[BillyNoMates]

Oops - sorry, didn't read your question properly. Yes that was the one I purchased.

Based on the very thick & heavy roofing material used here I decided I needed the extra gain. It gives me an average 8-9 in signal strength and around 80% signal quality. I've yet to see any breakup or sparkling on the picture. I must stress the importance of the cabling.

Good luck !

[commoner]

Hi all...Woweee...got the PT18 and just made a quick lash up roughly where I want it and getting amazing results with the Freeview Pace box..........well up over 90% and that's with just some old coax I had lying around from the early 50s...getting some better stuff tomorrow before I finalize the aerial position etc........I only need 6 or seven metres so can afford good stuff.......thanks to you all for your help...

, A well chuffed commoner...<G>