Hillsborough
Sheffield
S6 2LL
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Main Page List
ATV`s Choice Of Aerials (And Why We Chose Them.....)
The subjects on this page are listed in the following order :
ATV`s Choice of TV Aerials & The Great Wideband Debate (including Benchmarked aerials)
Major Transmitters (and which aerials they require) (also see Digital Transmitters)
ATV`s Aerial Tests now have their own page
(Also see ATV`s choice of FM / DAB aerials)
We are more than willing to give advice to those actually purchasing from us.
Could those only seeking information please just ring an aerial installer local to them or try calling reception advice on 08700 100 123 (BBC) or 0844 881 4150 (ITV).
ATV`s Choice Of Aerials & The Great Wideband Debate
Whether to use a wideband or not is a source of much debate. The CAI and the BBC recommend the installation of wideband aerials. For most installs, i.e. those in strong or medium signal strength areas, we agree with them and advise the installation of one or
other of the Log Periodics, which are wideband anyway. If your transmitter is a wideband
we would (obviously) also advise fitting a wideband even if you live in a marginal signal area. So far so good.
However if you live in a poor reception area and your transmitter is grouped, many of
those in the aerial industry, diverge quite markedly from this blanket wideband advice.
As shown on the Aerials page (amongst others) a grouped antenna will give you
significantly more signal, and even the BBC agree with this, see middle of page 2 on
the linked PDF. In fact a little further down the same page they advise the fitment of a
“high gain” aerial for areas of low signal strength. But if you are on a B group transmitter,
a K group transmitter and (especially) an A group transmitter there is no such thing as a
high gain wideband aerial. What is the explanation for this inconsistency ?
Well, being a cynic I think it`s yet another example of the modern trend to “pass the buck”.
It`s easy for “the powers that be” to recommend widebands because they cover themselves if (and it is an if...) they ever decide to start transmitting out of band in the future.
But it isn`t them who have to put up with a potentially weaker signal. It isn`t them who have to try and explain to a customer that they should put up with a poor picture with the excuse that “your signal should improve at DSO, by the way, how do you want to pay, cash or cheque ?”. The customers usual answer ? I think you can guess. Maybe we should invite the BBC or CAI down to make excuses to the customer for us. What do you think their answer to our request would be ? I think you can guess. Haven`t I just said that ?
You see, wideband aerials in a marginal signal area ? It isn`t that simple......
The post DSO frequencies have now been released by Ofcom so you can check for
yourself whether you may end up needing a wideband in the foreseeable future, though we have added the information to our site where relevant. As for HDTV the most likely
outcome (recommended by Ofcom in Apr 08) is that one MUX (probably MUX4 / MUXB)
be given over entirely to HDTV, and the programmes which were originally on it then squeezed onto the other 5 MUXES. Note how this would not require any more wideband aerials to be installed than are currently required, or not required as the case my be....
I would have thought that one should be more bothered about getting a reliable digital signal now, and for what`s definitely planned, rather than risking a less reliable signal for what may, or may not, happen at some time to come.
At the end of the day, even if at some indeterminate point in the future more frequencies
are added out of band, all you have to do is diplex another aerial onto your system, it really isn`t a big problem !
Finally, we are often asked whether our recommended aerials are “CAI Benchmarked”.
The simple answer is that some are and some aren`t. Why ? Well, as with wideband
aerials, this is not a simple question..... We agree that any attempt to encourage the manufacture and sale of better quality aerials is a good thing. Furthermore, most Benchmarked are of good quality, though a few of the really are “Bacofoil” aerials,
no names no packdrill.....
Our preferred model of Yagi18 Aerial, which is available in A, B, C/D, K and E groups.
Our preferred model of XB10E Aerial, whilst at our test site.
The antenna is actually pointing at Belmont.
An E group aerial is a
“semi wideband” whose response is optimised for the middle/top of the
band, at a cost of some gain down at the bottom,
see Group Gain Curves.
Our preferred model of XB10WB Aerial also at our test site.
Careful examination of
the picture will reveal Emley Moor transmitter
on the horizon !
If using a 10ft pole with an XB10 aerial we advise the use of the 2” variety.
(note how the cradles are fitted perpendicularly to the dipoles/directors)
The strong construction of the aerial allied to the substantial carton in which it is supplied makes this the ideal log periodic for us to
supply Online / by mail order !
Only available in wideband.
(c/w clamp for poles up to 2”)
The perfect aerial for medium
or medium to poor signal areas,
pictured whilst on test up at our
test site. These 40 element Logs
are only available in wideband.
(c/w clamp for poles up to 2”)
If there is such a thing as a “universal aerial” (which there isn`t, but bear with me....) this is it.
In most cases you can`t go far
wrong with a Log 40, particularly
if you need a wideband aerial.
If you`re still short of gain then try adding a variable gain (capable of being turned down to a low level) mast head amp.
It`s reassuring to see that
the BBC use Log Periodics !
Here`s one on the site of the
Most repeaters (which have
a clear view of their main TX)
use Logs to receive their
signals. In many cases they
also use Logs to transmit the
signals as well ! This is clearly
shown in the picture on the
above link.
Note the missing elements.
This was probably caused
by ice falling off the mast.
When it comes to aerial choice, remember the basic rule (which the broadcast authorities also use...),
if you can use a Log, use a Log !
In poor areas of reception we recommend our grouped Yagi18 or XB10E, or if you have to go wideband, our XB10WB. Despite being significantly smaller ( = less wind loading)
the A and B (and K ?) grouped Yagi18s will blow away any wideband aerial.
The versions we stock perform very efficiently, are well made, have "baluns" and
elevation adjustable clamps. (Both supplied clamps for poles up to 2”)
For gain figures see test results For dimensions see table.
Yagi18 Approx wind loading (at 80mph) = 75 / 80N (greater if vertically polarised)
Examples of the major transmitters which can utilise a grouped Yagi18 are listed below.
XB10 Approx wind loading (at 80mph) = 85N (slightly greater if vertically polarised)
Due to wind loading considerations if fitting to a 10ft pole we advise using the 2” variety.
Finally in the weakest signal areas we would fit or sell the XB16 in group A, group B,
group K and group E. For wideband there`s the XB22WB, picture below.
These are all X-
The XB16 is the highest gain grouped aerial we have tested and I was amazed at how much signal it brought in (also see David Patrick`s letter).
At 7ft 8” long it`s a pretty big beast, but it shouldn`t look that big once it`s on your roof !
Similarly the XB22WB has more gain than any other wideband we`ve tested.
Note, even the XB22WB does not give “high gain” at the bottom of the frequency range,
there is no wideband aerial that will. If you must have a wideband, and you require more
gain at the bottom of the band, you`re best option is to diplex an A group with an E group,
or even an A group with another (high gain) wideband if you already have one of these.
For gain figures see test results For dimensions see table.
Approx wind loading (at 80mph) = 120N to 140N (slightly greater if vertically polarised)
Due to wind loading considerations if fitting to a 10ft pole we advise using the 2” variety.
XB22WB Aerial at our test site.
Below is a table with all the (approximate) dimensions of the antennas that we sell.
Note that although 6ft, 7ft or indeed 8ft sounds big, once it`s on your roof it wouldn`t
usually look that big !
The wind loading figures are our own estimates, though we don`t think they`re that far out. It should be borne in mind that vertically polarisng an aerial will increase its wind loading.
We have given two figures for the length, one is that from the first (front) element to the reflector and the other is the overall length of the boom. The XB10s can be mounted on the end, so the boom is extended to allow for the fitting of a clamp. I have to say I would
not normally recommend fitting an aerial of any appreciable size “on the end” as it will obviously put more strain/twisting forces on to the pole and its bracket. End mounting aerials can exert a very high torque and this was exceptionally annoying when we were undertaking aerial tests whilst there was wind about ! That said if you are restricted in how you can mount an antenna and you live in a sheltered area then it`s always an option.
Log Periodics, my favourite aerials, are also end mounted but as can be seen from the
table their wind loading is relatively low.
The dimensions for the reflector(s) are for the whole (double) unit.
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a Yagi18A.
Poorest signal locations should
use an XB16A.
See our test results for these aerials.
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a Yagi18B.
Poorest signal locations should
use an XB16B
See our test results for these aerials.
* (C/D group may well work OK
for all transmissions)
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a Yagi18C/D or an XB10E.
Weakest signal locations should
use an XB16E.
See our test results for these aerials.
* A C/D group will probably work OK
for all transmissions
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use
a Yagi18E or an XB10E.
Weakest signal locations should
use an XB16E..
See our test results for these aerials.
* A C/D group will probably work OK
for all transmissions
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use
a Yagi18K.
Poorest signal locations should
use an XB16K.
See our test results for these aerials.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a XB10WB.
Those with the weakest reception should use
an XB22WB.
See our test results for these aerials.
* A C/D group will probably work OK
for all transmissions
NB It is sometimes possible to take advantage of
the superior gain of a grouped aerial by forsaking
one or more of the available channels and this can be checked either on Digital Nationwide or the relevant page on Nationwide Transmitters.
Alternatively two aerials can be diplexed together.
> The K group aerials we stock outperform the equivalent wideband up to CH55
Post Digital Switchover (DSO) (Note how much shorter this list has become)
Belmont (also see group A)
Knock More
Rumster Forest (also see group A)
Waltham (only MUX 4 is out of band, also see group C/D) *
Note, even the XB16WB does not give high gain at the bottom of the frequency range,
there is no wideband aerial that will. If you must have a wideband, and you require more
gain at the bottom of the band you`re best option is to diplex an A group with an E group,
or even an A group with another (high gain) wideband if you already have one of these.
Ofcom released the planned “post DSO” channels (for the 81
transmitters currently broadcasting digital) on the 5 July 07 and
details can be found by clicking on this link.
ATV`s Aerial Tests now have their own page
Back to the top of aerialsandtv.com ATVs choice of aerials
Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)
Hannington(also see group B)
Mendip (also see group C/D) *
Post Digital Switchover (DSO)
Beacon Hill (also see group C/D) *
Llanddona (also see group C/D) *
Sudbury (also see group B)
Tacolneston (also see group
Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)
Bilsdale (also see group A)
Caldbeck (also see group A)
Caradon Hill (also see group A)
Craigkelly (also see group A)
Sandy Heath (excl MUX 4, or wideband)
Post Digital Switchover (DSO)
Bilsdale (also see group A)
Craigkelly (also see group A)
Sandy Heath (also see group A)
Note. Due to Wideband antennas poor response at the bottom of the band nobody should ever fit a “high gain” wideband on any K group transmitter.
If the site is in a poor spot a K group aerial should be used.
On the other hand if the signal is strong (or medium) then by definition it doesn`t need a “high gain” antenna anyway ! Under these circumstances a Log Periodic should be fitted instead.
Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)
Angus
Beacon Hill
Carmel
Dover
Huntshaw Cross
Limvady
Llanddona
Mendip (excl analogue C5, or wideband)*
Midhurst
Selkirk
Tacolneston
Winter Hill ( Winter Hill B ? see Link)
Post Digital Switchover (DSO)
Angus
Beacon Hill
Carmel
Dover
Huntshaw Cross
Limvady
Llanddona (excl MUXES 4 & 5, or E group) *
Midhurst
Selkirk
Tacolneston (excl MUXES 4 & 5, or E group) *
Waltham (excl MUX 4, or wideband) *
Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)
Black Hill (excl MUX6, or group E)
Chatton
Hannington (excl analogue C4, or group E)
Keelylang Hill
Presely
Redruth
Rosemarkie
Wenvoe (see Digital Nationwide entry)
Post Digital Switchover (DSO)
Black Hill
Chatton
Hannington
Keelylang Hill
Presely
Redruth
Rosemarkie
Sudbury (PSBs only, or group E)
Wenvoe
Post Digital Switchover (DSO)
Belmont (PSBs only, or wideband)
Bilsdale (PSBs only, or group K / wideband)
Blaenplwyf
Brougher Mountain
Caldbeck
Caradon Hill
Craigkelly (PSBs only, or group K)
Darvel
Divis
Durris
Knock More (PSBs only, or group K, see Digital Nationwide entry)
Rumster Forest (PSBs only, or wideband)
Sandy Heath (PSBs only, or group K)
Stockland Hill
The Wrekin (PSBs only, or group K)
Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)
Bilsdale (excluding MUX6, or group K)
Blaenplwyf (excl analogue C5)
Brougher Mountain
Caradon Hill (excl MUX3, or group K)
Craigkelly (excl MUX5 + ana C5, or group K)
Darvel
Divis (excl analogue C5)
Stockland Hill
The Wrekin (excl MUXES 5 & 6, or group K)
Major A group transmitters
Note. Due to Wideband antennas poor response at the bottom of the band nobody should ever fit a “high gain” wideband on any A group transmitter. (see Tom Davis`s letter)
If the site is in a poor spot an A group aerial should be used.
On the other hand if the signal is strong (or medium) then by definition it doesn`t need a “high gain” antenna anyway ! Under these circumstances a Log Periodic should be fitted instead. See “the wrong aerial for Crystal Palace” (or any A group transmitter)
Major Transmitters (and which aerial to use with which transmitter)
For the full list of the 80 main digital transmitters see Digital Transmitters
(which includes the dates for each transmitters DSO)
Also see “Which Transmitter Am I on ?”
If your transmitter is not listed here (or on Digital Transmitters Nationwide) click on the
BBC transmitter listing to establish the group of your transmitter. For example Buxton in Derbyshire is listed as an A group so scroll down to the A group section below and our recommendation of which aerial to use can be found there. Don`t forget to check the transmitters post DSO status on this list or (preferably) with Ofcom.
XB16 B / K / E Aerial at our test site.
XB16 A Aerial at our test site.
It`s not just the fact it`s a “Bacofoil” aerial, it`s bleedin` gold for God`s sake !
Who would want one of these on their house ?
Answers on a post card to :
A.T.V,
“1970s TV Competition Reminiscences”,
419 Langsett Rd,
Sheffield,
S6 2LL
We didn`t like having to send in postcards did we ? Ohh no.
What we really wanted to do was pay through the nose to waste our time phoning up premium rate phone lines instead ! Yes Siree Boss Hogg !
Anyway, back to Benchmarked aerials. But, and it`s a significant but, just because an
aerial is not benchmarked does not mean that it is in any way inferior. Quite apart from the fact that there are four different levels of Benchmarking (so you have to be specific about what you mean) most grouped variants of the same model of aerial are not Benchmarked whilst the wideband version is Benchmarked ! Bearing in mind that at any particular frequency the grouped model will perform better than the wideband, sometimes by a large margin, this seems somewhat bizarre. With a bit of background information the reason is not hard to comprehend. It costs the aerial manufacturers up to one thousand pounds to
put an aerial through the Benchmarking process so they will only do this for products
which they will sell a fair number of and/or make a fair bit of money on. When you
realise that widebands outsell grouped aerials by a large margin (most aerial suppliers
-
In short, a version (usually the wideband) of all our recommended aerials is Benchmarked.
But, as far as I`m concerned, it`s irrelevant. I`ve done my own tests thanks.
See “the wrong aerial for Crystal Palace” (or any A group transmitter)
We sometimes get people asking to buy “the best aerial you stock, regardless of cost”.
Unfortunately, contrary to what others may tell you (particularly if they`re trying to sell
you an expensive antenna.....), there is no such thing as a “best aerial”. It all depends on the signal strength in your area and (if you`re in a poor spot) which transmitter you are on.
Basically I have made a decision to only stock the best aerial of each type that anyone might require, and days of testing (by my good self) ensures I can say this with a certain amount of authority. Therefore the simple answer is that all of our aerials are the best !
Quite apart from anything else, remember things aren`t always what they seem.
The Log Periodics are amongst our cheaper aerials but if you live in a strong or medium signal area they are the best aerials to use, “better” than an XB16 at £55 or £60 !
Similarly if you live in a marginal area but can utilise a grouped antenna, a grouped Yagi18 at £25 is more suitable than the aforementioned XB16WB, despite being £30 cheaper !
After much experimentation and research we have settled on six types of aerial.
DM Log Periodic Wideband (For good signal areas) £25.00
Log 40 Log Periodic Wideband (For medium to medium/poor signal areas) £25.00
Yagi18A / B / CD / K / E (For poor signal areas) £25.00
XB10E / Wideband (For poor signal areas) £35.00
XB16A / B / K / E (For the most marginal signal areas) £55.00 / £60.00
XB22 Wideband (For the most marginal signal areas) £55.00
See our advice for which aerial to use with which transmitter.
We recommend Log Periodics for good or medium reception areas as they have even gain
characteristics across the band, decent anti-
efficient impulse noise suppression and (some) are physically strong in construction.
Unfortunately they are only available in wideband and have relatively low gain, though the
Log40 is better in this respect and is suitable for medium or medium/poor areas.
The Log is one of the best antennas, particularly for digital (Freeview), which is why we
and the broadcast authorities, use them wherever possible.
For gain figures see test results. For dimensions see table.
Approx wind loading (at 80mph) = 40N / 45N (greater if vertically polarised)