Proper Installation of Digital TV Antenna

The procedure of installing an antenna for Digital TV is pretty simple, but there are a few things you need to consider. It will depend heavily on your location and signal quality available at that location. In other locations, particularly hilly or mountainous terrain, more work may be required. These will let you provide your address and a predicted reception quality will be given which takes into account the terrain and your distance from the Digital TV transmitters. You will need to purchase a TV Antenna with the correct band coverage and polarisation.

Choose the Type and Location of TV Aerial Mount

The type of mount will be determined somewhat by the reception quality in your area. In some areas with a strong signal and good reception quality, it won’t really matter much where you put the antenna. In most areas, though you will get a better end result by choosing the right location and type of mount. Here are my rules of thumb:

• Choose a location on the same side of the roof as the TV transmitters.
• The higher the better.

If it doesn't have ceiling cavity or an asbestos roof is available, use a fascia mount into a wooden fascia board. Otherwise, I’d generally recommend a tripod for either metal or tile roofs. A metal pole and stays or tell mast can be used if additional height is required. If you have a Digital TV signal strength meter you can relocate it up and down or around your roof to determine the best possible location.

Installing the Antenna

Build the antenna as per whatever instructions are provided for your particular antenna. Pay attention that any corner reflectors or other elements are pointing the correct direction towards the TV towers. Also, ensure it’s set to the correct polarisation for your local TV transmitters. Release the mounting clamp or U-bolt just enough to accommodate the diameter the mounting pole then slide it onto the pole. When the pole tighten the nuts to finger tight, so that the antenna holds itself on the pole, but can be easily rotated. Once aligned to the best possible position, tighten off the u-bolt or other another mount type with a spanner. Don’t over-tighten, but it should be fixed such that you can’t move the antenna with your hand.

Run the Lead In Cable

Run RG6 Quad Shield Coax cable from the antenna location to either the only TV socket or to a central splitter location. Where this is will depend on your intended installation, the number of points you want to install and the style of construction of the house. If you have a ceiling cavity, it’s usually best to install the splitter in there. You can run a cable under a roof tile on a tile roof house. Alternately on a metal roofed house, a small hole can be drilled in the metal roof to be covered by a Deck-Tite. Liberal amounts of silicon sealant should be used to ensure no leaks.

Connect the Lead In Cable to the Antenna

There are two steps to connect a TV Antenna to a coaxial cable. These are saddle and clamp or F type connectors. Clamp connections and Saddle are less common now as they’re not recommended for Digital TV. You may still find some antennas intended for DIY use may have them though. If you do use one, just make sure the plastic box containing the connection is well sealed. Many antennas I used to replace had rusted out saddle and clamp connections. Looking for a trusted antenna specialist that can assist you in installing your digital TV antenna? Contact AntennaPros today!