TV Signal Meters (Dragon-AV perhaps)

[eskimo39]

Hi does anyone on here install TV aerials??? I get asked now on nearly every new build or rewire and always seem to be let down by aerial installers (4 out of 5 times).
I did my working at height qualification and have bought the nescessary harness, ropes etc and am now looking for a reasonably cheap meter for checking I have the best signal whilst on the roof.

I was hoping to spend between £200-£300 which is easier to recover on a few jobs than the £2k specialist ones. I have spent a few hundred pounds on roof ladders, crimping & compression tools, waterproof connectors etc so think I have most things required in theory.

I only intend to use it when installing new aerials and even saw a Fringe one for £30 which many reviews said is suitable for 80% of installations. However I would like one that is perhaps perfect for 100% (or as close to) as possible.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

 

[ghost]

I do a few TV jobs and use a cheap 10 quid tester to line the aerial up. Seems to do the job in most areas. I have no idea what the specialist meters do but I do know they are very expensive.
This is the website of the shop I use in teesside.
TRAC - digital reception products store
Hope this helps.

 

[ghost]

This is the cheap n cheerful meter I use.
[ame=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philex-27866R-Terrestrial-Digital-Meter/dp/B001GHM1K8]Philex 27866R Terrestrial Digital Meter: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics & Photo[/ame]

 

[ghost]

I've been doing a bit of research on this today. The more expensive meters give you a true reading of signal on each carrier. They also give you the important signal to noise ratio which is needed to avoid over amplifying the signal. My little meter just tells me I have a good strong signal, not a breakdown like the expensive meters.
Have a look at this company, they manufacture these meters and supply direct. I could be tempted to invest in one myself.
Welcome to Swires Research!

 

[dragon-av]

Only just seen this (almost a year late sorry chaps) the better ones do alot more but if it occasional use you can hire them for £30 ish a day. I sub out the roof work as it its not my cuppa, If you can find a good reliable CAI installer it can work both ways as often they need peopel for electrics (flat distri systems earth bonding, supplies etc) Rigging the aerial isnt hard its getting the rig right so that its stable isnt an eye sore and works well in all seasons there are plenty of none spectrum analysers that do the job

 

[rocker]

I use the cheapo ebay one, was about 12 quid and it's bang tiday for sticking up aerials in normal signal areas, I got one of the little satellite ones as well which was on offer for three quid (!) and it's brill as well.

But as said, obviously this doesn't give all the data and that, just lights up more leds the stronger the signal is.