Note: always used as a set in conjunction with a Power Unit
USES of a High Gain UHF Masthead Amplifier
This unit is used in conjunction with a Power Unit and a UHF TV Aerial to
Boost TV signal in poor reception areas - which might be caused by:
Long distance from the transmitter
Interference caused by an obstruction e.g. (hill)
A low gain TV Aerial is being used
The filter screens inputs of <470 MHz to prevent interference from CB, private mobile radio, Tetra etc
ADVANTAGES of High Gain UHF Masthead Amplifier
Can achieve a 27dB gain which can transform a hazy picture into a clear picture.
The fact it is screened means it can boost the signal without dragging in excess interference - from CB, private mobile radio, Tetra etc
Reliable robust unit
Low cost unit
Can be used with Power passing splitters to feed a number of rooms
Generally more effective than a using a distribution system at improving signal quality
Can be used in conjunction with a power passing splitter to feed TV signal to several TVs
DISADVANTAGES of UHF Masthead Amplifier
Can only handle UHF signal - not VHF
High gain can be a problem if there is a lot of background interference - as the gain is not adjustable (sometimes the medium gain is better)
If used incorrectly or if there is a large amount of background interference, a power unit and a masthead amplifer can actually make matters worse - particularly in a strong reception area
Summary: A Power unit and UHF masthead amplifier are used to pass a 12v signal directly to a UHF aerial. The amplified aerial is capable of 'Pulling' in far more signal than a simple unpowered Aerial. There are various types of power units and UHF masthead amplifiers but they all work in basically the same way i.e. a single wire from the power unit feeds the masthead amplifier, which feeds the UHF aerial. For the purpose of this example, it is assumed the UHF aerial is to be mounted on a pole outdoors and the power unit is to be mounted in the main TV room.
Tools Needed
Snips
Screwdriver
Equiment needed
Powerunit(qty: 1)
UHF aerial (qty: 1)
VHF aerial (qty: 1)
VHF/UHF masthead amplifier (qty: 1)
'F'-Connector (qty: 2-10)
Satellite cable
Step 1 - Assemble the VHF/UHF Masthead Amplifier
Take an assembled UHF and an assembled VHF aerial
Cut the satellite cable coming from each aerial so that it is long other. Estimate enough to allow the aerials to be mounted on a pole without the aerials touching each other. Estimated length is 1.2-1.5m long. Note: mounting the amplifier any closer to the aerial can cause interference problems
Pear down the end of each of the aerial cables and the ouput cable
Put an 'F' type connector on the 2 aerial cables and the output cable
Click open the cover on the VHF/UHF masthead amplifier
Use the f-connectors to screw the UHF and VHF cables to the 'UHF' and 'BIII' inputs on the base of the amplifier.
Similiarly connect the ouptut cable to the 'OUT/SORTIE' port
A flathead screwdriver can be used at a later stage to adjust the gain on both the VHF and UHF legs.
Leave the output cable long enough to reach the RG6 cables that are feeding the power unit and the various TV points in the house
Step 2 - Connect the Power Unit
Step 3 - Connect the Power Unit and Masthead amplifier
In the Attic put an f-type connector on the cable from the power unit and from the Masthead amplier
Join the cables with an F-type Joiner.
If the aerial is to be run to several rooms install a power passing splitter in the attic
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