Exposed Wires: The Complexities Of Electrical Installation

Exposed Wires: The Complexities Of Electrical Installation

Some Troubleshooting Tips for Your TV Antenna

Loretta Hughes

If you've installed a TV antenna on your own and are having a hard time getting clear signals to your set, you may need to reconsider the installation or the antenna itself. Having a TV antenna work means more than just buying any type of model you see and then bolting it to your home's roof, expecting it to pick up signals and provide you with a strong picture and sound. Note a few simple but important troubleshooting tips for your TV antenna installation so you can ensure you've chosen the right antenna and installed it properly.

1. Gain

Some homeowners mistakenly think that the actual size of a TV antenna is what allows it to pick up more signals. However, the actual ability of an antenna to receive signals is measured in what is called gain, and the gain of an antenna is measured in decibels or dB. The higher the decibels or dB measurement, the stronger the antenna is and the more signals it can pick up. Note if you've purchased an antenna with a very low gain or low decibel level first before you worry about the installation, as the antenna itself may simply be too weak to provide a clear picture.

2. Bounced signals

Metal will reflect television signals, so it's important to note if there are metal structures such as silos between your home and the TV tower that is sending those signals. Tall buildings will also bounce around signals so that they're not able to be captured by your antenna or may take longer to be picked up by your antenna so that the picture and sound are actually delayed. If you've positioned your antenna on your roof in what you think is a direct path between your home and the TV tower, note if there are any metal structures or tall buildings in the way. You might want to move the TV antenna to the side of your home or another part of the roof so that these metal structures, hills, and tall buildings are not in the way of it receiving signals.

3. Radio interference

Signals from citizen's band radios or CBs can interfere with the work of a TV antenna. If you use a CB in your home, you can install a type of filter to this radio that actually eliminates some frequencies so your TV antenna can more readily pick up TV signals. If there is a CB operator in your area, you might call them and ask if they would cooperate in installing these filters to their radio.


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About Me
Exposed Wires: The Complexities Of Electrical Installation

Jonathon here. I am currently completing my electrical apprenticeship and I have to say, it has been a challenge. Before I started, I didn’t realise that there was so much involved in wiring a house or building. Safety, efficiency, aesthetics and costs all have to be taken into account. My boss is so patient. One customer asked us to leave electrical wires exposed because he wanted an “industrial effect”. My boss explained that it would be illegal and they compromised. I have really learnt that electrical installation is one area in which people should not take short-cuts or undertake home handiwork. This blog should help you to gain a little more insight into electrical installation and its intricacies. I hope you find it enlightening. Thank you for stumbling into my corner of the blogosphere.