Amplifiers for TV antenna: how to choose and connect?

In order to improve the signal of a television receiver in rural areas and in the country, as well as in a city apartment, a special amplifier is used for an outdoor or indoor antenna. This is an affordable compact device that can be easily installed with your own hands, without resorting to the services of professionals.

In our review, we will dwell in more detail on the main technical features of amplifiers, and also consider the criteria for choosing the optimal model for home use.

In the modern world, television has long been the main means of receiving and distributing information, and this makes engineers think about improving broadcasting. The problem is that the best video and audio quality can be achieved only if the signal source is in the line of sight, when the receiver is located in the immediate vicinity of the repeater, and when it is removed, the signal decreases. That is why the signal is poorly received in many houses - this causes a deterioration in the quality of the image and creates extraneous noise. In addition, when working on a cable connection, the data transfer rate is significantly reduced.

It is especially important to use it among residents of villages and villages, as well as in private houses of urban areas, when there is no single centralized outdoor antenna located on the roof of a multi-storey building.

All TV signal amplifiers intended for use in summer cottages or in private homes have a fairly simple device. They are a pair of boards connected to each other using a special reinforced circuit - this is used to reduce the amount and amount of noise that can occur during operation.

The cable loop is equipped with a special capacitor to adjust the frequency range. In this case, the input circuit plays the role of a high-pass filter. It provides for several operating frequencies: in the first range, the parameters are close to 48.5 MHz, and in the second, they correspond to 160 MHz.

By changing the resistance parameters, it is possible to achieve a voltage setting of 5 V and a current strength corresponding to 5 A - it is these indicators that provide the maximum amplification of a television signal by 4.7 dB at a frequency corresponding to 400 MHz.

Most of the antenna amplifiers for televisions on the market require connection to a 12 V power source, even car batteries meet these criteria. In order to achieve the most correct operation of the device, it is best to use a stabilizer consisting of an electrolyte and a diode bridge.

The antenna amplifier can be connected to a TV via a coaxial cable. However, in this case, additional use of a choke will be required, and the amplifier is connected directly to the television receiver through a capacitor.

Any amplifier works according to a certain principle.

• The signals from the antenna pass through a matching transformer.
• From there they go to the first resistor connected to the common emitter. In it, the signal is amplified, and at the same time the working circuit is stabilized in parallel.
• After that, the line signal goes to the second stage, where frequency equalization is performed.
• At the output, the amplified signal goes directly to the TV receiver.

There is a generally accepted classification of all models of digital signal amplifiers for television equipment on sale.

Depending on the design features, they are divided into several types according to the frequency range, as well as the installation site.

According to this parameter, all models presented in electronics stores can be divided into 3 groups.

Let's consider each type in more detail.

• Broadband... Such models are usually used as an element in home indoor antennas for TVs with an amplifier. Their functionality boils down to improving the quality of broadcasting simultaneously on several receivers.

• Multi-band. These designs are used for receiving devices located on elevated masts. Typically, these amplifiers are installed in private homes.

• Range. Amplifiers of this type are required when it is necessary to achieve high-quality signal reception from a source located at a great distance from the receiver itself. This design corrects the signal, suppresses noise that appears as the cable changes. Most often used to enhance digital broadcast signal.

According to this criterion, all manufactured models are divided into 2 types, depending on the installation of the device and the technical features of the installation. All signal amplifiers for 20 or more channels can be divided into internal and external.

• Internal - are a compact unit that can be installed directly next to a television receiver. This option has one drawback: due to cable losses when weather conditions deteriorate, the quality of the signal going directly to the amplifier can be observed.

• Outboard and mast - are located on a long pole near the antenna. Due to the long distance, the maximum signal improvement is ensured. However, the design has a major disadvantage, such as fragility, since any lightning strike or strong wind can damage the device.

Amplifiers are also conventionally divided into passive and active.

• In active models, the board is attached directly to the antenna housing - in this way the television receiver can receive a large number of channels. However, this device undergoes gradual oxidation of structural elements, which leads to their failure under the influence of unfavorable environmental factors.
• Passive models require the additional use of an external amplifier sold separately. This option is more profitable and durable, but it requires additional costs for equipment installation and configuration.

There are a large number of antennas with signal amplifiers on the modern market.

Let's dwell on the description of some of them.

The domestic model is a passive in-phase antenna with 4 pairs of V-shaped vibrators. A distinctive feature of such antennas is the ability to upgrade them to achieve optimal signal gain. The operating frequency range allows you to receive 64 channels in the corridor from 40 to 800 MHz.

Some users point out that the build quality of such amplifiers is not the highest. Nevertheless, the manufacturer assures that, being installed on a mast, antennas with such an amplifier can withstand wind gusts up to 30 m / s.

Quite a budget device that has received many favorable user reviews. On the positive side, the thoughtfulness of the design is noted, as well as the high gain, due to which the TV receiver can receive the signal. at a distance of up to 70 km from its source.

The surface of the product is treated with a special anti-corrosion compound, which provides a working resource for 10 years.

Another antenna that offers the best value for money. Refers to active models, therefore it needs to be connected to the mains. The power adapter contains a regulator - this allows you to set the required gain, the maximum value of which corresponds to 35 dB.

All elements of the device are made of metal, thanks to which it can withstand temperature fluctuations. The amplifier is capable of receiving both digital and analogue channels. However, the length of the network cable is not long enough, so you will need to buy an extension cord additionally.

Residents of the first floors of multi-storey buildings are often forced to purchase an indoor antenna equipped with a signal amplifier, since the surrounding objects can create some interference. This model is the leader among such devices.

This is a multifunctional device with an affordable cost. The antenna processes simultaneously 3 radio signals, 10 analog and 20 digital. Thanks to the convenient ergonomic controls, you can perform the necessary control of the signal level to ensure maximum quality. Among the advantages are noted sufficient cable length to allow the amplifier to be installed anywhere. The disadvantages are the low quality of the plastic from which the body is made, and the periodic loss of reception stability in case of adverse weather conditions.

The amplifier has quite good technical and operational characteristics. Users are attracted by the price, and experts highlight the functionality of the microcircuit. The metal sealed body protects it from adverse mechanical influences. However, users should still additionally provide reliable protection from atmospheric precipitation, since this design is located as close as possible to the terrestrial antenna.

The only negative point that some consumers point out is that such an amplifier supports frequencies from 470 to 900 MHz. This model is in great demand among summer residents and owners of country houses.

Another popular amplifier model, the distinctive feature of which is the division of incoming signals into streams. However, in order to function in this mode, the structure needs to amplify all the frequencies it produces. The advantage of the model comes down to its versatility, since it supports a fairly impressive frequency range from 5 to 2500 MHz. In addition, the amplifier can work with digital, cable and terrestrial television.

For comparison: all other analogs have only two connectors for cables. However, as practice shows, for such an impressive set of advantages, combined with the democratic cost of the structure, one had to pay with its reliability. As testimonials indicate, during use, one of the branches of the splitter may simply fail.

When choosing a home TV signal amplifier for digital and analogue broadcasting, you must first of all pay attention to the frequency range and the possibility of its placement. The technical characteristics of the structures are of no less importance. Let's list the most important ones.

• Noise coefficient. The principle works here - the higher it is, the worse the audio quality is. Experts recommend buying models in which the noise figure does not exceed 3 dB.
• Electricity consumption. The optimal amplifiers are those that consume electricity in the range from 30 to 60 A.
• Gain parameter. This coefficient is directly influenced by the distance from the signal source to its final consumer. There is absolutely no point in using an amplifier if your house is in the line of sight of a repeater - in all other cases, the design must be selected taking into account this parameter, expressed in decibels.
• Output signal size... The optimal parameter is 100 dB / μV.
• frequency range... It must completely match the analogous parameters of the TV receiver, otherwise the purchase of an amplifier will be useless.

In order to correctly put an active amplifier to a television antenna, it is necessary to perform a number of simple manipulations. In general, the connection diagram is quite simple and looks like this:

• stripping the coaxial cable, after which it is necessary to loosen the screws on the terminal to further clamp the antenna cable;
• then the wire is threaded in such a way that the braid is under the brackets, and press under the terminal - this will avoid a short circuit;
• then you need to tighten the retaining tapes well, and put the cover on the amplifier;
• after that, the device is installed on the antenna, fixed with a pair of screw connections.

Thus, we can confidently say that the procedure for connecting an amplifier is by no means complicated, nevertheless, it requires the utmost accuracy and care.

How an antenna amplifier for TV reception looks like, see below.