Aerials- High or low gain???

Endaaaagh · 29-11-2021 7:53am #1

Hi Folks

I'm looking to get an aerial to receive the Saorview channels (already have a box). I'm a bit confused by the whole "gain" thing when it comes to aerials. Should I buy a specific type or does it matter? Saorview coverage checker results below

The Cush · 29-11-2021 9:42am

64 Kms from a hi-power transmitter will be no problem for a €15 standard contract aerial mounted outside. Group K aerial for Maghera.

Hi-gain aerials for difficult reception areas or locations distant from a transmitter.

Endaaaagh · 29-11-2021 10:15am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118238433#Comment_118238433

Thanks for that, very helpful.

wysara · 29-11-2021 11:47am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118238433#Comment_118238433

Kms???

Glaceon · 29-11-2021 12:25pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118239071#Comment_118239071

Kilometres

wysara · 29-11-2021 12:36pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118239289#Comment_118239289

The unit for kilometres is "km".

zg3409 · 29-11-2021 12:58pm

I am not sure how experienced you are with aerials. Ideally you want roof mounted higher than all nearby houses pointed in right direction at correct polarity. If in doubt pay someone to install one. You may get away with aerials in attic or indoor one, depending on what obstructions are between your aerial and the transmitter such as nearby hills etc. The coverage checker just tells you if you mount aerial on chimney it will probably work, it won't tell you if it will work in attic etc. It's a bit if a black art with specialized equipment and safety gear for rooftop access, but it may work indoors. Indoor set ups tend to be less reliable so you may get the odd break up. You will only get the few free Irish channels, if you want free UK channels a dish is normally needed.

muffler · 29-11-2021 1:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118239349#Comment_118239349

Can't see you lasting long with the grammar attitude

wysara · 29-11-2021 2:27pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118239777#Comment_118239777

It's Junior Cert science.

Endaaaagh · 29-11-2021 3:09pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118239490#Comment_118239490

Thanks for the advice.

Where I live I've clear line of sight to the south with no obstructions so hopefully it won't be an issue. I've 0 experience with aerials but will def give it a go myself first to see if I can install it i the attic. If that doesn't work, I've a pole on the side of the house that I can lower and mount the aerial on so no climbing up on roofs will be required!.

coylemj · 29-11-2021 5:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118240412#Comment_118240412

Based on the Saorview coverage checker data you posted above, I make out that Cairn Hill in Co. Longford is only slightly further way at 72 kms so may be worth keeping in mind in case you don't get a good signal from Maghera. They're both 160 kW and horizontal polarity so keep it in mind. It's bearing from you is 64 true or ENE.

Aerials- High or low gain???

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