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Planning Your Installation

This page is not intended as a comprehensive guide to planning your

whole installation, the individual subject pages will (more or less) provide that.

It is a reminder of the order you should approach things and where to find the

information on the relevant points, if you haven`t got time to read the whole site !

For general hints on installation, but how not to do it,

and also to laugh whilst you learn,  see Cowboys` Locker.

Also see Patrick Holdaway`s article on using Google Earth to line up an aerial.

Unsure if you`ve included everything you need in your order ? See TV Aerial Kits or try using this sequence, which follows the route of the signal from start to finish !

Aerial, Cable, Diplexer and/or Splitter and/or Amplifier (if required), Pole,

Bracket, Wall Screws/Plugs/V Bolts or Chimney Lash Kit, Cable Clips, Hole Tidy, Plug(s).

Finally see Online Shop or Mail Order

If you`ve found this site informative and, hopefully, interesting as well,

please help us increase the number of people reading it.

We are more than willing to give advice to those actually purchasing from us.  

Could those only seeking information please just find the answer somewhere on this site,

or ring an aerial installer local to them, or call the reception advice phone numbers.

The most important decision is choice of aerial because it is only at the antenna that the vital

signal quality can be attained, but this is dependent on which transmitter you`re on and your signal strength, see below.

Thinking of installing the aerial in the loft ?             If so read this page.

The next thing to decide is which transmitter

to use, see the article on this subject.

Once you have identified the transmitter(s) check if

we have a page dedicated to it, if not look on Digital

Transmitters Nationwide. Both these pages will give

information on the aerials we recommend for the

relevant transmitter(s). If your transmitter is not

listed on either source check the generalised article

on Which Aerial For Which Transmitter.  

If your signal strength is strong or medium you

don`t really need to know what transmitter you`re

receiving your signals from, just use a Log 40 !

For radio aerials see FM/DAB.

If you`re unsure which aerial to choose, go for a Log40.

If this does not give an adequate signal try adding a Mast Head amplifier.

Many people find the relevant aerial reports are helpful in deciding which antenna to go for.

The next step is to know the signal strength in your area, remember that signal strength predictors are unreliable. Hints on how to work out your own signal strength can be found

in the applicable article,

Signal strength is important not only for aerial choice but also if you are planning to run more

than one TV from your antenna.

If your signal strength is strong or medium you don`t actually need to know what transmitter you`re receiving your signals from, just use a Log 40 !

Unless you already have decent satellite quality

cable installed (which you know is definitely in

good condition) the downlead should be changed

as a matter of course.

The choice of cable is easy because we only stock

one type, and that is the best,

i.e. copper/copper double screened satellite cable !  

The only choice is what colour do you want, Black,

Brown or White ? !

Also see  The Importance Of The Cable And The Routing Of It.

Poles are available in 3ft, 6ft and 10ft lengths.

For help on deciding on pole height see

Use Of Longer Poles, or to research cranked poles or "standoffs" (usually to clear the eaves above the install) consult the relevant highlighted links.

Once pole height has been decided next comes

the bracket, try consulting Which Bracket For Which Pole.

Also see Wall or Chimney Mount ?

Are you going to feed more than one TV

(and/or radio) ? If so, knowledge of your signal

strength is also very important so you can

decide if you should use a splitter or if you

need an amplifier.

If you are in a poor reception area an aerial

amplifier may help, but is a mains amp or a

"mast head" more appropriate ?

Whatever you decide, when it comes to a poor

signal area, remember the golden rule :

  "aerial more important than amplifier" !

( amplifiers are sometimes known as "boosters" )