RTÉ DTT Tests: Mullaghanish

anoble66

noticed over the last 4-5 days I have also had increased pixelation. Hoping it will all sort itself out over time.

mossym

Voyager II wrote: »

Credit where credit is due. I have to say over the last few days even with the massive amounts of ducting RTE NL transmissions from mulla to here have been spot on with no co channel interferance at all.

speak for yourself..:)

mine was gone last night, back this morning, and gone again tonight

dunleas

mossym wrote: »

speak for yourself..:)

mine was gone last night, back this morning, and gone again tonight

I agree had to watch match last night on laptop, seems more solid this evening but awfull last night.

mossym

dunleas wrote: »

I agree had to watch match last night on laptop, seems more solid this evening but awfull last night.

glad i wasn't the only one!!

dunleas

mossym wrote: »

glad i wasn't the only one!!

Gone again, massive signal drop just now.

Stinicker

My signal is back tonight and ranging from about 80 to 100%, hopefully RTE are doing some tests or trials up there is preparation of the Soft launch at the end of the month. When it works it works good.

bossdrum

Has anybody experienced any problems recently?

It's been impossible to watch for me for the last week due to picture break up.

I could never get an analogue TV3 signal but the digital picture was excellent, i hope they haven't reduced the power!

I'm near bantry btw.

The Cush

bossdrum wrote: »

Has anybody experienced any problems recently?

It's been impossible to watch for me for the last week due to picture break up.

I could never get an analogue TV3 signal but the digital picture was excellent, i hope they haven't reduced the power!

I'm near bantry btw.

My brother has been having some picture breakup recently. I've noticed Radio 1 (90.00 FM) from Mullaghanish has gone off air just after nine the last two mornings, could be maintenance work.

Stinicker

bossdrum wrote: »

Has anybody experienced any problems recently?

It's been impossible to watch for me for the last week due to picture break up.

I could never get an analogue TV3 signal but the digital picture was excellent, i hope they haven't reduced the power!

I'm near bantry btw.

It has been terrible for me for the last few weeks so I would say they are definitely doing some work to it.

Yes theres ongoing work,so for safety during that,power is always reduced.

dunleas

Stinicker wrote: »

It has been terrible for me for the last few weeks so I would say they are definitely doing some work to it.

Yes agreed and also when there is a drop or flux in quaility it hangs my MVision combo

mossym

i usually lose my signal when anything changes, weather, signal power, but it has been rock solid for the last couple of weeks, since we had that week of the weird atmospheric conditions. i'm way north of mulla

Yes but cork is a very mountainy county where terrain nearer a tx can mean it gets a lower signal power than further away.
Thats the nature of uhf,especially dtt.

My signal from the presely wales tx is far better than in parts of pembrokeshire for instance and I'm in a different country at the other side of a choppy sea.I hardly ever have picture break up from it.


So what I'm saying is,when they reduce power at mulla for engineering works and they do,it may not affect you but it will affect some people.

mossym

Deleted User wrote: »

So what I'm saying is,when they reduce power at mulla for engineering works and they do,it may not affect you but it will affect some people.

true, but generally every drop in power has hit me up until this one. rock solid picture for the last week

But you don't know theres been a drop in power everytime,it's only an assumption.
Clearly if a number of people are experiencing a worse signal but not you,something has been done at the tx to cause that.
They may have taken down a panel to get at something else and not put it back yet.

mossym

Deleted User wrote: »

But you don't know theres been a drop in power everytime,it's only an assumption.
Clearly if a number of people are experiencing a worse signal but not you,something has been done at the tx to cause that.
They may have taken down a panel to get at something else and not put it back yet.

i'm not saying there wasn't. i just surprised if people closer to it are seeing a problem, i'm not. nearly every time in the past there has been a drop i've lost signal, this time i haven't.

i'm not arguing for a minute something isn't going on. the question was had anyone experienced problems, and i've posted many times in this thread that i have, so i must be close to a threshold, i thought it might have been useful to post that this time i wasn't.

i wouldn't read a statement of mine has been good for the last week as an argument that there was no work being carried out....

Stinicker

mossym wrote: »

i'm not saying there wasn't. i just surprised if people closer to it are seeing a problem, i'm not. nearly every time in the past there has been a drop i've lost signal, this time i haven't.

i'm not arguing for a minute something isn't going on. the question was had anyone experienced problems, and i've posted many times in this thread that i have, so i must be close to a threshold, i thought it might have been useful to post that this time i wasn't.

i wouldn't read a statement of mine has been good for the last week as an argument that there was no work being carried out....

I got this email from RTENL a few days ago when I complained about Wind Turbine interference.

Hello,



Thanks for your query. The current test Digital Terrestrial Television transmission are subject to regular variations in power output, and content configurations. It can not be regarded as a dependable service for regular viewing at this point in time. Recently, we carried out extensive mast replacement and antenna replacement projects at Mullaghanish, both of which have had considerable impact on our Analogue and Digital transmissions for periods of time.

DTT is being rolled out nationally on a phased basis. Initially only the larger sites covering large population areas will receive DTT, with some of the smaller transmitter sites receiving DTT prior to analogue switch-off. Not all the current analogue transmitter sites will be upgraded to DTT, and at this stage it is unlikely that your area will receive a DTT transmitter, as we anticipate that Mullaghanish will cover that area adequately. Once Mullaghanish is operating in its final configuration we will be in a better position to assess the potential impact of windfarm related interference on the DTT signal.


I hope this answers your query, but should you require any further information please feel free to contact me.


Regards,

mossym

mossym wrote: »

i'm not saying there wasn't. i just surprised if people closer to it are seeing a problem, i'm not. nearly every time in the past there has been a drop i've lost signal, this time i haven't.

i'm not arguing for a minute something isn't going on. the question was had anyone experienced problems, and i've posted many times in this thread that i have, so i must be close to a threshold, i thought it might have been useful to post that this time i wasn't.

i wouldn't read a statement of mine has been good for the last week as an argument that there was no work being carried out....

Thing is that Mulla could be firing out different powers in different directions at different times during this so called test period.
So for whatever reason,they may be trying something different in one direction than another or they may have temporally removed something to gain access at something else on the mast.
It is possible and has happened from my experience with kippure reception a lot during this unnecessarily prolonged (imho) period of testing.

Machinehead

Looks like 2nd mux on Ch:24 is fired up again, mirror line up & double my signal quality from Ch:21. & Ch:48 from Mulla.
15:58 gone again.

cillo2000

Hi Guys,

I rescanned my panasonic TX-L37G10B and lost all my channels from Mullaghanish. Does anyone in the Mullaghanish still have their channels for a panasonic TV? If so, can you please do a backup of your channel list so I can copy them and get my TV working again. The procedure is posted in this thread http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056079528&page=2.

This seems to be a commom problem for panasonic TV's

Stinicker

cillo2000 wrote: »

Hi Guys,

I rescanned my panasonic TX-L37G10B and lost all my channels from Mullaghanish. Does anyone in the Mullaghanish still have their channels for a panasonic TV? If so, can you please do a backup of your channel list so I can copy them and get my TV working again. The procedure is posted in this thread http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056079528&page=2.

This seems to be a commom problem for panasonic TV's

My Panasonic TX-P50G10B has lost all channels too but I had them backed up before the service type change.

Before my TV lost the channels I had:

RTE One
RTE Two
TV3
TG4
RTE News Now
RTENL HD Test screen (which has since become 3e)

There is a new RTENL HD Test channel launched now but my TV is unable to see it or tune it in, which means that unless RTÉ does a service flag type amnesty or Panasonic gets a firmware update release then us Freesat Panasonic owners will be left high and dry.

Incidentally over the weekend I bought a Panasonic DVD Recorder 160GB PVR, It is Freeview only and I knew buying it that it wouldn't work with Saorview as I only want it as an overflow for the Sky+ HD box really and to have a good quality DVD recorder unlike the piece of junk I had before.

The DVD recorder from Panasonic despite being Freeview MPEG2 only can "see" the transmissions fine and tuned them in and I had my channels and proper EPG info working from Mullaghanish just no picture only sound (it is MPEG2). This proves that Panasonic products are perfectly capable of "seeing" the transmissions if not decoding them.

cillo2000

Hi Stinicker,

Could you please post or PM me the back-up of your TX-L32G10L, it might help with my TX-L37G10B.

Thanks,
Cillo

Stinicker

cillo2000 wrote: »

Hi Stinicker,

Could you please post or PM me the back-up of your TX-L32G10L, it might help with my TX-L37G10B.

Thanks,
Cillo

PM sent

dunleas

very bad break ups today

Machinehead

dunleas wrote: »

very bad break ups today

Crystal clear from Maghera the past few days - highest signal quality for quite some time.
Just checked Mulla - quality 50-60%, picture rock solid.

mossym

Machinehead wrote: »

Crystal clear from Maghera the past few days - highest signal quality for quite some time.
Just checked Mulla - quality 50-60%, picture rock solid.

same here, picture has been rock solid

dunleas

Lads how are doing from mulla tonight? I'm suffering very bad picture break up. Is it just me?

Voyager II

No problems here.

STB

cillo2000 wrote: »

Hi Stinicker,

Could you please post or PM me the back-up of your TX-L32G10L, it might help with my TX-L37G10B.

Thanks,
Cillo

Emmm. Dont even think of doing what you are about to do.

Use the hex hack and follow it step by step. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=69329339&postcount=107

dunleas

Voyager II wrote: »

No problems here.

Thanks might check the attic aerial over the weekend.

galtee boy

2nd mux ( Ch 24 ) fired up at the moment from Mullaghanish, carrying current 7 tv and 10 radio channels. Any chance they are getting it ready for "new" channels like RTE 1+1 etc ? Any other 2nd muxes fired up around the country ?

Voyager II

Ya same here. Just a duplicate of the 1st mux. Might be gearing up for new content but dont hold your breath

pa990

i noticed mulla was broadcasting mux2 yesterday, i also did a scan of spur hill, and that still only has mux1

glimmerman123

Mux 2 not switched on at the moment from Maghera just Mux 1 .

The Cush

galtee boy wrote: »

2nd mux ( Ch 24 ) fired up at the moment from Mullaghanish, carrying current 7 tv and 10 radio channels. Any chance they are getting it ready for "new" channels like RTE 1+1 etc ? Any other 2nd muxes fired up around the country ?

This post might shed some light on it

glimmerman123 wrote: »

I just received this email regarding the switch on of mux 2 from RTENL.

We will be carrying out engineering tests on mux 2 on a semi regular basis. At this point in time there are no concrete plans or dates for commencement of broadcast on mux 2.

Regards,

Brian Geraghty

Make of that what you will guys. I suppose tests will start as soon as they have a channel line up for mux 2.

All the current and planned channels will fit in Mux 1. The recent announcement from the Dept regarding the "BAI to Seek Expressions of Interest in Providing Content for the Digital Terrestrial Television Platform" probably includes expressions of interest for Mux2 capacity. Mux 2 is probably quiet a while away.

The main sites were I believe upgraded for 4 muxes (incl. the pay DTT ones) so maybe they are occasionally powered up to ensure the equipment is still serviceable.

glimmerman123

Maybe RTENL might put on a Saorview Promo channel on mux 2 for retailers and customers explaining what equipment is needed to receive RTE DTT when it officially launches.

Voyager II

glimmerman123 wrote: »

Maybe RTENL might put on a Saorview Promo channel on mux 2 for retailers and customers explaining what equipment is needed to receive RTE DTT when it officially launches.

Good call. But alas it would be considered to be a good idea by RTENL and therefore unlightly to happen.

glimmerman123

As The Cush says RTENL are most likely making sure everything is in good working order. You never know something new might turn up on mux 2 and surprise us all. Most likely a test card.

Antenna

glimmerman123 wrote: »

Maybe RTENL might put on a Saorview Promo channel on mux 2 for retailers and customers explaining what equipment is needed to receive RTE DTT when it officially launches.

What do you mean exactly?

Anyone who can receive this HAS the right equipment, unless you are proposing to transmit this in MPEG2???

How much would the running costs of a whole MUX nationwide just to transmit this be?
DTT transmitters don't run on just fresh air!

Even if only a small fraction of a MUX capacity is used, the electricity running costs are going to be the same as if the whole MUX was 100% occupied

watty

Mux2 is needed if Film or Oireachtas channel is started, or if a 2nd channel goes HD, or if RTEjr/RTE+ starts and they still want a test channel.

IMO there is long term no spare space for "other channels" from Current BAI "interest" thing as capacity need to be reserved for RTE1, TG4 and TV3 in HD.

Any Commercial pay TV would need to be on 3rd to 6th Muxes. Not the 2nd one.

maddladd

Hi all, you guys on this thread seem to know what's happening re reception in west cork, any help appreciated, I've already posted this as a new thread but it might be better served here, thanks all-
Hi all, I recently got a new samsung mpeg 4 tv and tuned in the rte digital service. The trouble is the reception is awful and is virtually unwatchable as it keeps breaking up, the analogue is also none too hot either. I live in Kealkill near Bantry, could it be that the signal here is very bad or should I try a new aerial to try to improve it. I enclose a pic of the existing aerial which is faced for Mullaghinish, I presume the bottom one is the uhf/digital aerial, would a new one improve the situation or is the digital signal still bedding in as such ?
Thanks in advance
Just looked at polarisation map would turning it to vertical as Mullaghinish transmitter do the trick?

downwiththatsor

maddladd wrote: »

Hi all, you guys on this thread seem to know what's happening re reception in west cork, any help appreciated, I've already posted this as a new thread but it might be better served here, thanks all-
Hi all, I recently got a new samsung mpeg 4 tv and tuned in the rte digital service. The trouble is the reception is awful and is virtually unwatchable as it keeps breaking up, the analogue is also none too hot either. I live in Kealkill near Bantry, could it be that the signal here is very bad or should I try a new aerial to try to improve it. I enclose a pic of the existing aerial which is faced for Mullaghinish, I presume the bottom one is the uhf/digital aerial, would a new one improve the situation or is the digital signal still bedding in as such ?
Thanks in advance
Just looked at polarisation map would turning it to vertical as Mullaghinish transmitter do the trick?

Location location! From this http://www.bci.ie/DTT/easy_tv/map_st...se_q1_2011.jpg map it looks like reception from mullaghanish in your area is poor unless you are in an area shaded green. Boosting the signal may help but maybe not enough?
I am no expert but your polarisation looks fine to me, the uhf aerial should also have a red plastic insert in the end of the centre horizontal pole to signify that its the right band. I live in mid kerry and am lucky that i have a local transmitter for dtt as my reception from mullaghanish sounds similar to yours even with an amplifier just after the aerial (masthead amp) maybe you should try getting an amplifier if not already installed? Otherwise there are bigger uhf aerials with "High gain" that should also improve your signal strength.
Last resort will be the future satellite infill for areas not covered by the main transmitters.
Best of luck
regards

watty

Only a really a bigger aerial "boosts" signal. Amplifiers are to overcome cable and splitter losses.

Machinehead

Channel 24 second mux on Mullla fired up again today. Same channel list as channel 21.

The Cush

Machinehead wrote: »

Channel 24 second mux on Mullla fired up again today. Same channel list as channel 21.

I'd now expect the other transmitters to begin regular testing of the 2nd Mux now that the Dept requires RTÉ 2 HD and RTÉjr to transfer to that multiplex by 1st Sept as announced yesterday.

glimmerman123

Maghera is not fired up yet i suppose this will follow soon.

Machinehead

Found nothing extra from Maghera today & ch. 24 from Mulla is gone again. Coincidentally my TV has now locked onto the stronger signal on ch. 21 from Mulla rather than the usual ch. 48 from Maghera.

glimmerman123

Can anyone confirm if mux 2 from mulla is fired up today. Although i get my DTT from Maghera anytime mux 2 from mullaghanish is switched on i get a very week signal quality on channel 24. Not enough signal quality for my idtv to store anything on channel 24.

The Cush

glimmerman123 wrote: »

Can anyone confirm if mux 2 from mulla is fired up today. Although i get my DTT from Maghera anytime mux 2 from mullaghanish is switched on i get a very week signal quality on channel 24. Not enough signal quality for my idtv to store anything on channel 24.

Mux 2 (Ch 24) is fired up, same programming as Mux 1. Also RTÉ 2 Temp Channel (epg #7) is showing test card on both muxes.

glimmerman123

The Cush wrote: »

Mux 2 (Ch 24) is fired up, same programming as Mux 1. Also RTÉ 2 Temp Channel (epg #7) is showing test card on both muxes.

Thanks The Cush for the info. RTE 2 Temp seems to be on a test card in the morning time and afternoon and then switches back to RTE 2 Temp epg 7 at 5o clock. I don't know what time it switches back to the test card,it must be the early hours of the morning.