TV aerial signal booster

sparks21_2

Hi all

This may be a silly question but i need a signal booster to go on my aerial in the loft-is it possible to get one that doesn't need to be plugged into the mains i.e. that runs off a longlife battery/batteries?

And what sort of price should i be looking at for one (Mains reliant or not) they seem to range from about £7.99 to £30 probably will need one that has at least 2/3 aerial ports.

Thanks in advance!

espresso

sparks21 wrote: »

Hi all

This may be a silly question but i need a signal booster to go on my aerial in the loft-is it possible to get one that doesn't need to be plugged into the mains i.e. that runs off a longlife battery/batteries?

And what sort of price should i be looking at for one (Mains reliant or not) they seem to range from about £7.99 to £30 probably will need one that has at least 2/3 aerial ports.

Thanks in advance!

Never seen any battery operated ones but as they use very little current, it would be possible. Why not just get a mains supply from the lighting circuit? You could also buy a masthead amplifier that is powered via the downlead from a small power supply located by the TV.

BusheyAerials

Yes these are available from screwfix here:
4 way:

/www.screwfix.com/prods/51891/Electrical/TV-Range/Amplifiers-Distribution/Labgear-Screened-Masthead-Amp-4-Way-10dB

The 2 way amp will not require any power feed at all.

Moneymaker

If you are boosting the signal in order to split it to other TVs you could use a four-output low-noise masthead amplifier. If you are boosting it because your aerial signal is too weak, you may be wasting your money. Better to buy a better aerial and/or mount it above the roof, which will usually at least double the signal.

Also bear in mind that Digital transmissions are available in most of the country and analogue will soon be switched off (and Digital will then be increased in signal strength). It's pointless to spend money on analogue.

Inactive

Correct, probably a waste of time, you would be far better to mount the aerial externally.

Fifer

We have a lot of diagnosis without much detail of the problem. If the OP needs 2 or 3 aerial ports, an external aerial will not solve the problem. It may also be that the signal is marginal and may be fine with a cheap booster for the time being (mine was) and might be perfectly ok after the analogue switch-off power boost.

Can the OP let us know what the problem is and why he thinks he needs a booster? Has something changed recently?