Faq's of Antennas Best

Antennas are mounted on roofs or in attics and may need to be peaked for optimal reception. A line running from the antenna to the high definition satellite receiver will have you receiving signals from the built-in off-air tuner which decodes the high definition signal to allow you to view local broadcasts in HD. Satellite receivers can be set-up to display the HD local channels in program guides along with other satellite channels. The larger the area of the antenna, the stronger will be the signal. Small indoor antennas may pull in few channels, but to make the most of your HD system you need to get high quality outdoor antenna installed.

No. Although the roof is usually the highest place on your property to reasonably mount an antenna and is the preferred location to obtain the best signal, it is still possible to acquire an adequate signal if the antenna is mounted indoors in a place such as the attic. There is generally a 30% signal loss when installing an antenna indoors. The use of an amplifier may help boost signal strength enough to overcome this. However, the best place to install an antenna is always outdoors.

When running the antenna through an HDTV terrestrial tuner, the quality of the picture you will receive is better than even satellite or digital cable can deliver Combined with an HD television high-quality HD cabling you will experience the highest quality HD programming available anywhere. Good thinking must be utilized when deciding when more height is needed and how much longer the cable will be. On the other hand, if excess cable length is present, either remove it or run a long path to the antenna, never coil or fold up the cable.

This is the common term used when measuring decibels (dB) to determine the effectiveness of an antenna in a given direction or plane. Simply put, it is the measure of the intensified signal where it is wanted or needed because antennas cannot create gain. The antenna is designed to manage the power in the wanted direction and thus reduce it in unwanted directions. The antenna needs to be mounted as high and in the clear as possible. But there is a point at which increasing height to gain 1dB can cause an extra 3dB in cable losses.

Radio signals travel polarized or oriented vertically, horizontally, circularly or combination's of these. In cellular and most commercial applications signals are vertically polarized. Your cellular mobile antenna on the car is vertically polarized, for example. Your Yagi must be installed with its elements vertically polarized too.

The front of the antenna has to be directed at the target, the cell site or repeater tower or other user. It is best to use a map and compass and knowledge of target location but usually you can locate the target if it has a signal being sent to you. By simply rotating your Yagi until best signal is found then centering on the estimated location, satisfactory results may be had.

Slowly rotate the antenna and stop every 10 degrees. Record signal levels. Note the peak and decline positions and soon a center can be figured out then tighten the mounting bolts. Be sure to stand at least a couple of feet away from the antenna and to the back or sides. Never in front of the antenna. Your body can greatly alter signal patterns.