Testing the TV signal - help please.

[Ex-SolentBoy]

I have a Status 315 aerial with powered amp.

Yesterday, I had no signal at all. I plugged in a little non-powered reserve aerial and everything worked fine, so I know it is the signal from the mast-top aerial that has a problem.

I am intending opening up the various parts of the boat so I can trace the fault back to the source, but need advice on how to check the strength of the TV signal.

I know I can simply plug in a TV and try to retune it, but i was rather hoping there was some sort of gadget that I could use, like you can use a small voltmeter for testing circuits.

Any suggestions would be appreciated?

Thanks.

 

[st599]

I have a Status 315 aerial with powered amp.

Yesterday, I had no signal at all. I plugged in a little non-powered reserve aerial and everything worked fine, so I know it is the signal from the mast-top aerial that has a problem.

I am intending opening up the various parts of the boat so I can trace the fault back to the source, but need advice on how to check the strength of the TV signal.

I know I can simply plug in a TV and try to retune it, but i was rather hoping there was some sort of gadget that I could use, like you can use a small voltmeter for testing circuits.

Any suggestions would be appreciated?

Thanks.

Spectrum analyser - but they're not cheap.

 

[elton]

Maplins do a UHF meter

 

[lenseman]

Spectrum analyser - but they're not cheap.

I have a spectrum analyser and a signal generator if that is any use (Solent area).

 

[elton]

Spectrum analyser would be a sledgehammer to crack a nut in this case surely.

 

[simonfraser]

second the maplin gadget, works a treat and will find the dud connection for you.

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Thanks for the help.

I am very close to Maplins so will try them tomorrow.

Lenseman, if the Maplin cheapie doesn't do the job, then I would love to take you up on your kind offer.

Regards

 

[st599]

Spectrum analyser would be a sledgehammer to crack a nut in this case surely.

Depends on if the problem is frequency selective or not.

 

[elton]

Depends on if the problem is frequency selective or not.

Somewhat unlikely I think.

 

[DavidGrieves]

Hi

I run a TV aerial and satellite installation business. A very common fault I see are Power Suppy Units(PSU) failing. The PSU sends 12volt up the coax to power up the mast head amplifier, when the PSU fails it will not allow any signal through. The meter I use allows me to switch on a 12v supply into the coax when I'm testing, if the signal then shows on my meter I know its the PSU.

Your aerial must have the same sort of arrangement. Try and test after the PSU to see if it is getting 12v on the coax with multimeter. If no voltage, try a temp 12v connection into the coax. Expose part of the outer and inner cable put + to the inner and - to the outer. Keep your telly switched on, if you get a picture with the temp supply, its your PSU. Is your TV a digitat set? if it is, it will probably have a signal strength meter built in, just dig around in the menues.

If that doesn't work its a trip up the mast. You could always look for an aerial installer in your area to measure the signal, but get a price of him first to check only.

David

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

Thanks. I will check the power supply in the morning.

 

[William_H]

TV antenna

As said the amplifier will be at the antenna. It needs 12v or similar to run the amp. The 12v can come via the coaxial cable that also brings the signal down or it can get to the top via separate wires. You need to find out if it has separate wiring to the amp (antenna) if so check for voltage. Your problem is most likely to be a fuse or wiring problem or coax cable problem. Of course it may not have an amplifier in which case it must be the able down. good luck olewill

 

[st599]

Somewhat unlikely I think.

Not really. Connector corrosion, water ingress etc. Tend to reduce top of band performance first. So if your digits are in band 5, they may roll off badly.