HOW TO TEST YOUR ANTENNA SIGNAL: TV SIGNAL STRENGTH

In this article we will focus on how to test your antenna signal strength, as well as look at some of the better TV signal strength meters readily available on Amazon. To answer this question, “How to test your antenna signal”, it will be helpful to look at the different aspects that make up your antenna signal as well as those aspects that tend to diminish it.

So how do you test your antenna signal? To test your antenna signal, follow these steps:
1.Disconnect the antennas RG6 coaxial cable from your television or tuner.
2.Attach the antennas “F” connector to the socket on your antenna signal meter marked “Antenna”.
3.Connect your television to the socket on your antenna signal meter marked “TV”.
4.Turn your antenna signal meter ON, and tune-in the lowest broadcast channel for your area.
5.Slowly rotate your antenna 360 degrees and stop at the highest antenna signal strength (usually indicated by LEDs).
6.Use a compass to read the direction of the highest antenna signal and record the result.
7.Continue this pattern (steps 4 and 5) for each channel recording each result.
8.Use your compass readings to calculate an average for optimal signal strength if you do not have a rotor and point your antenna in that direction. If you have a rotor, create a list of optimal directions for each channel.

What is an HDTV Antenna Signal?
An HDTV antenna signal is a radio frequency that is measured in noise margin decibels NM(dB), and power ratio in decibels-milliwatts or Pwr(dBm).  The first reading, NM(dB) tells you how “clean” the signal is and the second one tells you how “strong” the signal is.

More modern digital broadcasts are transmitted in what is known as the UHF band (Ultra High Frequency) between the range of 300 megahertz (MHz) and 3 gigahertz (GHz). The other frequency, which is less common for digital over-the-air broadcasts is the VHF band or “Very High Frequency”. This band operates in the lower frequency range of 136-174 MHz. In general, VHF channels are number 2 to 13 and UHF channels 14 to 51.


Antenna Signal Strength
You can see that the “Virtual Channel” is channel 6, while the actual “Digital Broadcast Channel” is 25. Since most digital broadcasts are transmitted in the UHF band, almost any modern HDTV antenna you purchase on Amazon will be optimized for this band. Some will support both the UHF and VHF bands as well.


HDTV Antenna Shopping Tips:
If you’re in the market to purchase a new HDTV antenna, here are couple of quick tips to narrow down your selection:

1.Ensure the antenna supports Full HD 1080p digital broadcasts.
2.Make sure the antenna is capable of receiving digital broadcast signals 50 miles or greater.
3.Choose an antenna that support UHF or is dual band UHF/VHF capable.


How To Test Your Antenna Signal
The above method is a tried and true way to test your cable for defects, however, this article is intended to show you how to test your HDTV antenna signal strength. To do this you will need to purchase an antenna signal strength meter readily available on Amazon for a reasonable price.

Step #1:
Disconnect the antennas RG6 coaxial cable from your television or tuner. The idea here is to install your antenna signal meter in-line between your antenna and your television set or tuner. This will allow your antenna signal to pass through the measuring device so that you can find the optimal direction for your antenna for a given channel.

Step #2:
Attach the antennas “F” connector, or more commonly, “RG6” connector to the socket on your antenna signal meter marked “Antenna”. Make sure this is the cable coming in from your antenna.

Step #3:
Now connect your television or tuner to the socket on your antenna signal meter marked “TV”. This will complete the in-line connection from your antenna, to your Signal Meter, to your television.

Step #4:
Turn your antenna signal meter ON, and tune-in the lowest broadcast channel for your area. This will be the starting point for our tests.

Step #5:
Slowly rotate your antenna 360 degrees and stop at the highest antenna signal strength. On the Signal Meter this will be the green LEDs. The more LEDs that you have illuminated, the higher the incoming signal strength is.

Step #6:
Use a compass to read the direction of the highest antenna signal and record the result. 

Step #7:
Continue this pattern (steps 4 and 5) for each channel recording each result. What you want to do now is increment to the next channel and repeat steps #4 and #5. Tune in the channel and record the direction  of the highest signal level for that channel.

Step #8:
Use your compass readings to calculate an average for optimal signal strength if you do not have a rotor and point your antenna in that direction. If you have a rotor, create a list of optimal directions for each channel. This YouTube video below show you how the Signal Meter is used not only as a signal strength meter, but also as a antenna signal troubleshooting device.


If you would like to build a radio station, boost your FM radio transmitter or need any other FM equipment, please feel free to contact us: [email protected].

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