How to Install TV Antenna Amplifiers
Installing TV Antenna Amplifiers
We all want to watch T.V. right? Countless hours are wasted watching the rectangular light that shows the sights of the world that we could only hope to see in person. Families and friends alike gather around the television set to watch the latest episodes or the gut-wrenching games of their favorite teams. The venerable television set has united people all around the globe as a time burner, complete with side chips for the hungry. Now what happens if the signal is bad?
Many things can cause a bad T.V reception. The installation of the antenna/dish could b wrong. Some bastard rats might have gnawed the wirings, causing the deterioration of the quality of the signal. Or simply, the screen of the T.V set that you have is old/broken. Sometimes however, the whole system is pristine but the reception is still unsatisfactory. If the problem persists, a T.V. antenna amplifier might be the solution to your reception woes.
What is a T.V Antenna Amplifer?
T.V antenna amplifiers, as the name suggest, aim to boost the signal that is being received by the antenna that powers your television sets. This kind of amplifiers use electricity as a some kind of jumpstarter to boost the signal that is being gleaned by your antenna. This allows the signal to travel further.
The most important thing is that the existing antenna is already receiving a signal. The amplifier must have something to amplify. Barring that and the amplifier will have been another piece of useless tech connected to your antenna.
Check if there is an existing signal.
Take note that the T.V. antenna amplifier is not a one-size-fits-all solution for your reception woes. As always, contact a pro near your area to diagnose your television set and the T.V. Antenna. You do not want to buy an amplifier only to discover that it will not solve your problem.
Another term for T.V. antenna amplifier is pre-amplifier. It can also be called as an antenna booster. Make sure to consult pros or read the manual to avoid confusion.
How to install the T.V. Antenna Amplifiers?
Below are the usual steps in installing a T.V Antenna/ Pre-amplifiers
Step One: Gather the materials
As with any other process. The first step should always be about the materials. Listed below are the materials that may be needed for this activity.
- T.V. Antenna Amplifier itself
- T.V. Cables (Coax Cables)
- Clamps (e.g. U-bolt)
- Screw Drivers
- T.V. Set plus the antenna
- Power Injector or Supply
Coax cables are recommended but copper coated cables may work too. The only problem with the copper coated ones is that they may not be that effective at long distances. Use coax cables if available.
You are now ready to accomplish the rest of the steps once you have accumulated the aforementioned items. Double check the condition of each item at hand to ensure that the installation will proceed without a hitch.
Step Two: Actual installation of the TV Antenna Amplifier
The steps listed below must be followed in order:
- The T.V antenna amplifier must be installed as near to the antenna as possible to ensure optimum operation.
- Connection varies but in this case, connect the amplifier on the antenna mast. Use a clamp to fasten the tv antenna amplifier to the antenna mast. In this case, the u-bolt connector is promoted.
- Connect a cable (coax or copper coated, whichever is available) between the antenna and the TV antenna amplifier.
- The end of the cable that is connected to the TV antenna amplifier should be inserted on the INPUT port. Different brands may have different terms used for the INPUT port. Usually, brands use the names ANT.Input or VHF/UHF.
- Get another piece of cable (again, coax or copper coated) and insert it to the other port of the TV antenna amplifier which is the output port.. Again, brands may have different labelling systems and this may even vary per country. The port is named here as TV OUT. This will be the cable that will traverse the outside of the house (or the building where the antenna is located) in to the inside of the house.
- Another important component is the Power Injector or supply. Install this inside the house (or building).
- There must be no other devices inserted between the TV antenna amplifier and the Power Injector/Supply. Failure to do so may cause voltage blockage. As mentioned above, TV antenna amplifiers rely on electrical charges to amplify the signal from the antennas themselves. A blockage may result in 80% reduced signal.
- The cable that is connected from the TV OUT (output port) must be connected to the Power Injector/Supply. The aforementioned cable must be inserted to the From Ant port of the Power Injector/Supply. Again, some brands may have different naming systems so always consult the manual or call customer service when in doubt.
- One of the ports in the Power Injector/Supply is named To TV. This port should have another cable connected to it. The other end of the cable should be connected to your Television set or splitter.
- Caution should be used when using splitters because signal may deteriorate. Splitters are devices used to split of the reception for multiple TV screens to use. Adding a splitter makes the overall system more complicated. This means that another venue for failure is added. Make sure that the splitter is installed correctly.
That’s it. You've finished the bulk of the job if you’ve reached this phase. You may now enjoy your TV set with your family and friends if all went according to plan.
Step Three: Testing Phase
As with all activities, testing is essential to discover if you’ve been successful. This is the step where you make sure if you’ve done all the right things.
- Make sure that the Power Injector/Supply is giving power to the TV antenna amplifier.
- Turn on your television set.
- Gauge if your reception is better than before the amplifier was installed.
Step Four: Troubleshooting
If the reception is better then give yourself a pat in the back. Sometimes, the reception will still be the same or worsen after the installation. The following are simple troubleshooting tips to combat the deterioration of reception.
- Overdrive your amplifier. This can only be done if there is a TV station nearby.
- Check if the Power Injector/Supply is supplying power to the TV antenna amplifier. Problems usually arise if devices between the Power Supply and the amplifier is not relaying the electricity.
- FM and other kind of signal may TV signal. Some amplifiers have the option to block FM signals. Turn that on if that option is available.
Conclusion
Calling the help of pros around the area is recommended if problems persist. First-timers and novices may have a hard time in installing the system because of its technical nature. Great care must also be observed while installing the amplifier as it will entail climbing up.
