ATV`s Choice Of Aerials for digital TV

Despite being significantly smaller (wind loading wise) than most “high gain” wideband aerials, the group A will blow away any wideband antenna, and the group B outperform the vast majority of them. The version we stock has the best performance of all the Yagi18s on the market, it has a "balun", a cradle and a tilting clamp for poles up to 2”.

Last, but by no means least, these Yagi18s are one of the sturdiest aerials on the market. Many people replace Bacofoil aerials with these and are amazed at the difference in build quality, and you will be too....... I`ve always liked them, they`re one of my favourites.

For gain figures see test results. For dimensions see table.

See Aerial Reports for the Yagi 18A, Yagi 18B, Yagi 18C/D, Yagi 18K and Yagi 18E.

Yagi18 Approx wind loading (at 80mph) = 75 / 80N (greater if vertically polarised)

Examples of the major transmitters which can utilise a grouped Yagi18 are listed below.

Incredible as it may seem these aerials are actually Bench Marked.....

But it`s not just the fact it`s a “Bacofoil” aerial, it`s bleedin` gold for God`s sake !

Who would want one of these on their house ?

Answers on a post card to :

A.T.V,

“1970s TV Competition Reminiscences”,

419 Langsett Rd,

Sheffield,

S6 2LL

We didn`t like having to send in postcards did we ? Ohh no.

What we really wanted to do was pay through the nose to waste our time phoning up premium rate phone lines instead ! Yes Siree Boss Hogg !

Anyway, back to Benchmarked aerials. But, and it`s a significant but, just because an

aerial is not benchmarked does not mean that it is in any way inferior. Quite apart from the fact that there are four different levels of Benchmarking (so you have to be specific about what you mean) most grouped variants of the same model of aerial are not Benchmarked whilst the wideband version is Benchmarked ! Bearing in mind that at over its designed for frequencies the grouped model will perform better than the wideband (sometimes by a large margin) this seems somewhat bizarre. With a bit of background information the reason is not hard to comprehend. It costs the aerial manufacturers up to one thousand pounds to

put an aerial through the Benchmarking process so they will only do this for products which they will sell a fair number of and/or make a fair bit of money on. When you realise that widebands outsell grouped aerials by a large margin (most aerial suppliers - to the public - and all DIY shops only sell widebands) it all becomes clear.

In short, a version (usually the wideband) of all our recommended aerials is Benchmarked.

But, as far as I`m concerned, it`s irrelevant. I`ve done my own tests thanks.

See “the wrong aerial for Crystal Palace” (or any A group transmitter)

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Our Aerial Recommendations

We sometimes get people asking to buy “the best aerial you stock, regardless of cost”.

Unfortunately, contrary to what others may tell you (particularly if they`re trying to sell

you an expensive antenna.....), there is no such thing as a “best aerial”. It all depends on

the signal strength in your area and (if you`re in a poor spot) which transmitter you are on.

Basically I have made a decision to only stock the best aerial of each type that anyone

might require, and days of testing (by my good self) ensures I can say this with a certain

amount of authority. Therefore the simple answer is that all of our aerials are the best !

Any aerial (or indeed any product) we stock will be a top notch product, because, to put it

simply, if it wasn`t we wouldn`t stock it. Incidentally, unlike most suppliers, we endeavour to provide spares for aerials purchased from us.

The Log Periodics are amongst our cheaper aerials but if you live in a strong or medium

signal area they are the best aerials to use, “better” than an XB22WB £52.50 !

Similarly if you live in a marginal area but can utilise a grouped antenna, a grouped Yagi18

at £26 is more suitable than the aforementioned X Beam, despite being much cheaper.

After much experimentation and research we have settled on seven types of aerial.

DM Log P eriodic Wid eband (For good signal areas)

Log 40 Log Periodic Wideband (For medium to medium/poor signal areas)

Yagi18 A / B / CD / K / E (For poor signal areas) (or XB10A / B / K for loft use)

DY14 Wideband (For poor signal areas)

XB16 A / B / K / E (For the most marginal signal areas)

XB22 Wideband (For the most marginal signal areas)

See our advice for which aerial to use with which transmitter.

We recommend Log Periodics for good or medium reception areas as they have even

gain characteristics across the band, decent anti-ghost properties, low wind loading,

efficient impulse noise suppression and (some) are physically strong in construction.

Unfortunately they are only available in wideband and have relatively low gain, though the

Log40 is better in this respect and is suitable for medium or medium/poor areas.

The Log is one of the best antennas, particularly for digital (Freeview), which is why we and the broadcast authorities, use them wherever possible, see why choose a Log Periodic ?

For gain figures see test results. For dimensions see table.

See Aerial Reports for the DM Log Periodics and for the Log 40

Approx wind loading (at 80mph) = 35N / 40N (greater if vertically polarised)

ATV`s Choice Of Aerials & The Great Wideband Debate

Whether to use a wideband or not is a source of much debate. The CAI and the BBC recommend the installation of wideband aerials. For most installs, i.e. those in strong or medium signal strength areas ( = 90% of homes ?), we agree with them and advise the installation of one or other of the Log Periodics, which are wideband anyway. If your transmitter is a wideband we would (obviously) also advise fitting a wideband even if you

live in a marginal signal area. So far so good.

However if you live in a poor reception area and your transmitter is grouped, many of

those in the aerial industry, diverge quite markedly from this blanket wideband advice.

As shown on the Aerials page (amongst others) a grouped antenna will give you

significantly more signal, and even the BBC agree with this, see middle of page 2 on

the linked PDF. In fact a little further down the same page they advise the fitment of a

“high gain” aerial for areas of low signal strength. But if you are on an A group transmitter there is no such thing as a high gain wideband aerial. Reading this customer aerial report (and the others) is very educational on this point. To a lesser extent this high gain wideband inferiority also applies to B group transmitters and K group transmitters.

What is the explanation for this inconsistency ?

Well, being a cynic I think it`s yet another example of the modern trend to “pass the buck”.

It`s easy for “the powers that be” to recommend widebands because they cover themselves if (and it is an if...) they ever decide to start transmitting out of band in the future.

But it isn`t them who have to put up with a potentially weaker signal. It isn`t them who have to try and explain to a customer that they should put up with a poor picture with the excuse that “your signal should improve at DSO, by the way, how do you want to pay, cash or cheque ?”. The customers usual answer ? I think you can guess. Maybe we should invite the BBC or CAI down to make excuses to the customer for us. What do you think their answer to our request would be ? I think you can guess. Haven`t I just said that ?

You see, wideband aerials in a marginal signal area ? It isn`t that simple......

The post DSO frequencies have now been released by Ofcom so you can check for

yourself whether you may end up needing a wideband in the foreseeable future, though we have added the information to our site where relevant. As for HDTV the most likely

outcome (recommended by Ofcom in Apr 08) is that one MUX (probably MUX3) be given

over entirely to HDTV, and the programmes which were originally on it then squeezed onto the other 5 MUXES. Note how this would not require any more wideband aerials to be installed than are currently required, or not required, as the case my be....

I would have thought that one should be more bothered about getting a reliable digital signal now, and for what`s definitely planned, rather than risking a less reliable signal for what may, or may not, happen at some time to come.

At the end of the day, even if at some indeterminate point in the future more frequencies

are added out of band, all you have to do is diplex another aerial onto your system, it really isn`t a big problem !

Finally, we are often asked whether our recommended aerials are “CAI Benchmarked”.

The simple answer is that some are and some aren`t. Why ? Well, as with wideband

aerials, this is not a simple question..... We agree that any attempt to encourage the manufacture and sale of better quality aerials is a good thing. Most Benchmarked aerials

are of good quality, though structural durability is not taken into account in the scheme.

In fact it has to be said that a few of them are “Bacofoil” aerials, no names no packdrill.....

Oh go on then, SLX/Labgear/Philex/Maxview.

We are more than willing to give advice to those actually purchasing from us.

Could those only seeking information please just find the answer somewhere on this site,

or ring an aerial installer local to them, or call the reception advice phone numbers.

DY14WB

In poor areas of reception if you have to go wideband, we recommend our DY14WB.

The DY14 Wideband is a “Double Yagi” type aerial and is well made. It has a "balun", a cradle

and a tilting clamp for poles up to 2”.

Size for size the DY14WB is aerial is the best wideband I`ve ever come across, in fact its performance is even reasonable in the A and B groups, though obviously a decent group A aerial, (or our XB16 group B aerial) will have more gain in the relevant groups frequencies.

These antennas have significantly better build quality than any X Beam aerial I`ve seen.

The DY14 is a good choice for someone needing to fit a high gain wideband aerial in the loft because it`s only 5 ft long, which is pretty compact for an aerial with this amount of gain.

Due to wind loading considerations if fitting to a 10ft pole we advise using the 2” variety.

For gain figures see test results. For dimensions see table.

See Aerial Reports on the DY14WB

Approx wind loading (at 80mph) = 90N (greater if vertically polarised)

DY14WB on test at our shop. Note the use of a

side pole to prevent the cradle affecting the performance of the aerial, although this would not be required if the aerial were mounted at the top of the pole, like the DY14 in the lower picture.

DY14 Wideband up at

our test site.

(note how the cradles are fitted perpendicularly to

the dipoles/directors)

If you are unsure of the transmitter you will use,

but you are sure you need

a “high gain” aerial (most people don`t need one....) then this is the antenna

I`d go for.

XB10 up at our test site.

On balance we prefer the

equivalent Yagi18s for

outside installs, but the

XB10s are over a foot shorter

making them more suitable

if required for loft mounting.

They can also be end mounted, though we would normally recommend cradle mounting (pictured right) for outside installs.

Note Emley Moor in the background.

Although we normally recommend the grouped Yagi18s (above) for outside installs in poor areas of reception, if you are using the aerial in a loft we`d go for the XB10A over the Yagi18A, or the XB10B over the Yagi18B. The XB10K does have a bit more gain than the Yagi18K.

The XB10s smaller size enables more flexibility over where to install them within the roof space and they can also be end mounted, although we`d cradle (included) mount for external installs.

For an X Beam type these aerials are pretty strongly constructed., c/w cradle and tilting clamp

for poles up to 2”. (For loft installations on wideband transmitters we recommend the DY14WB).

For gain figures see test results. For dimensions see table.

XB10 Approx wind loading (at 80mph) = 95N (greater if vertically polarised)

Examples of the major transmitters which can utilise an XB10A / B / K are listed below.

Strong signal areas should use
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a Yagi18A for outside installs, or an XB10A (particularly if mounted in the loft).
Poorest signal locations should
use an XB16A.

See our test results for these aerials.

Strong signal areas should use
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a Yagi18B for outside installs, or an XB10B (particularly if mounted in the loft).
Poorest signal locations should
use an XB16B.

See our test results for these aerials.

Strong signal areas should use
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a Yagi18C/D* or a DY14WB.
Weakest signal locations should
use an XB16E.

See our test results for these aerials.

Strong signal areas should use
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a Yagi18E or a DY14WB.
Weakest signal locations should
use an XB16E.

See our test results for these aerials.

Strong signal areas should use
a DM Log Periodic.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a Yagi18K or a XB10K, the latter aerial particularly if mounted in a loft.
Weakest signal locations should
use an XB16K.

See our test results for these aerials.

Strong signal areas should use a DM Log.
Medium areas should use a Log 40.
Weak reception areas should use a DY14WB.
Those with the weakest reception should use
an XB22WB.

See our test results for these aerials.

The K group aerials we stock outperform the equivalent wideband up to CH55

Post Digital Switchover (DSO)

Belmont (Switched)

Knock More (Switched)

Reigate

Rumster Forest (also see group A) (Switched)

Waltham (Switched) (only MUX 4 is out of band, also see group C/D) *

Note, even the XB22WB does not give high gain at the bottom of

the frequency range, there is no wideband aerial that will do this.

If you`ve found this site informative and, hopefully, interesting as well,

please help us increase the number of people reading it.

Back to the top of aerialsandtv.com ATVs choice of aerials

Major Wideband transmitters

Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)

Bluebell Hill

Heathfield *

Reigate

Major E group transmitters

Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)

Hannington (also see group B)

Hemel Hempstead

Tunbridge Wells

Post Digital Switchover (DSO)

Beacon Hill (also see group C/D) * (Switched)

Bluebell Hill

Hemel Hempstead

Llanddona (also see group C/D) * (Switched)

Sudbury (Switched)

Tacolneston (also see group C/D) * (Switched)

Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)

Bilsdale

Fenham

Post Digital Switchover (DSO)

Bilsdale

Bromsgrove (Switched)

Craigkelly (Switched)

Idle (Switched)

Lark Stoke (Switched)

Nottingham (Switched)

Sandy Heath (Switched)

Sheffield (Switched)

The Wrekin (Switched)

Major K group transmitters

Note. Due to Wideband antennas poor response at the bottom of the band nobody should ever fit a “high gain” wideband on any K group transmitter.

If the site really is in a poor spot a high gain K group aerial should be used, e.g. an XB10K or even an XB16K. On the other hand if the signal is strong (or medium)

then by definition it doesn`t need a “high gain” antenna anyway !

Under these circumstances a Log Periodic should be fitted instead.

Major C/D group transmitters

Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)

Dover

Limvady

Midhurst

Pontop Pike

Whitehawk Hill

Post Digital Switchover (DSO)

Angus (Switched)

Beacon Hill (Switched)

Brierley Hill (Switched)

Carmel (Switched)

Dover

Huntshaw Cross (Switched)

Knock More (Switched)

Limvady

Mendip (Switched)

Midhurst

Oxford (Switched)

Pontop Pike

Rosneath (Switched)

Selkirk (Switched)

Whitehawk Hill

Winter Hill (Switched)

Major B group transmitters

Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)

Chatton

Guildford

Hannington (excl analogue C4, or group E)

Post Digital Switchover (DSO)

Black Hill (Switched)

Bluebell Hill

Chatton

Emley Moor (Switched)

Guildford

Hannington

Heathfield *

Keelylang Hill (Switched)

Moel Y Parc (Switched)

Presely (Switched)

Redruth (Switched)

Rosemarkie (Switched)

Sutton Coldfield (Switched)

Tunbridge Wells

Wenvoe (Switched)

Pre Digital Switchover (DSO)

Brougher Mountain

Crystal Palace

Divis (excl analogue C5)

Rowridge

Post Digital Switchover (DSO)

Blaenplwyf (Switched)

Brougher Mountain

Caldbeck (Switched)

Caradon Hill (Switched)

Crystal Palace

Darvel (Switched)

Divis

Durris (Switched)

Fenham

Fenton (Switched)

Kilvey Hill (Switched)

Lancaster (Switched)

Pendle Forest (Switched)

Ridge Hill

Rowridge (Switched)

Stockland Hill (Switched)

Major A group transmitters

Note. Due to Wideband antennas poor response at the bottom of the band nobody should ever fit a “high gain” wideband on any A group transmitter.

If the site is in a poor spot an A group aerial should be used.

On the other hand if the signal is strong (or medium) then by definition it doesn`t need a “high gain” antenna anyway ! Under these circumstances a Log Periodic should be fitted instead. See “the wrong aerial for Crystal Palace” (or any A group transmitter)

Major Transmitters (and which aerial to use with which transmitter)

For the full list of the 80 main digital transmitters see Digital Transmitters

(which includes the dates for each transmitters DSO)

Also see “Which Transmitter Am I on ?”

If your transmitter is not listed here (or on Digital Transmitters Nationwide) click on the

BBC transmitter listing to establish the group of your transmitter. For example Buxton in Derbyshire is listed as an A group so scroll down to the A group section below and our recommendation of which aerial to use can be found there. Don`t forget to check the transmitters post DSO status on this list or (preferably) with Ofcom.

A group B group C/D group E group K group Wideband

Finally in the weakest signal areas we would fit or sell the XB16 in group A, group B,

group K and group E. For wideband there`s the XB22WB, picture below.

These are all X Beam type antennas but they are still of reasonably strong construction, unlike some of that type. (c/w cradle & tilting clamp for poles up to 2”)

The XB16s are the highest gain grouped aerials we have tested and I was amazed at how

much signal they brought in.

Similarly the XB22WB has more gain than any other wideband we`ve tested, including

the DY14WB, though it isn`t that much more ! However even the XB22WB does not give

“high gain” at the bottom of the frequency range, I have never seen a wideband aerial which will do this. If you must have a wideband, and you`re sure you need more gain at the bottom of the band, your best option is to diplex an A group with an E group, or even an A group with another (high gain) wideband if you already have one of these.

For gain figures see test results For dimensions see table.

See Aerial Reports for the XB16A, XB16B, XB16K, XB16E and XB22WB.

Approx wind loading (at 80mph) = 120N to 140N (slightly greater if vertically polarised)

If fitting an XB16 or XB22 on a 10ft pole we advise using a 2” diameter rather than a 1.5”.

* The original C/D group aerials

will probably work OK for all

transmissions, though this is

less likely for cheap crappy

Contract aerials.

* C/D group aerials will probably

work OK for all transmissions,

though this is less likely for

cheap crappy Contract aerials.

* C/D group aerials will probably

work OK for all transmissions,

though this is less likely for

cheap crappy Contract aerials.

Approximate sizes and weights of our stocked aerials

Aerial Dimensions

Below is a table with all the (approximate) dimensions of the antennas that we sell.

Note that although 6ft, 7ft or indeed 8ft sounds big, once it`s on your roof it wouldn`t

usually look that big !

The wind loading figures are our own estimates, though we don`t think they`re that far out. It should be borne in mind that vertically polarising an aerial will increase its wind loading. Incidentally the approximate wind load figures for satellite dishes (at 80mph) are 300N for a 43cm x 53cm Sky zone 1 dish / 380N for a 60cm dish / 450N for a 60cm x 75cm zone 2 Sky dish / 1050N for a 1m dish (1 Kg = 9.81 Newtons). However, satellite dishes aren`t usually mounted on the end of long poles, which greatly increase the force on the bracket and the wall (or chimney) that it`s mounted on. The angle of the wind onto the dish is obviously very significant, a southerly (i.e. onto the front of the dish) being the worst case.

We have given two figures for the length, one is that from the first (front) element to the reflector and the other is the overall length of the boom. The XB10s can be end mounted if required, making them even more suitable for loft installations. However I would not usually recommend end mounting an aerial of any appreciable size, as it will obviously put more strain/twisting forces on to the pole and its bracket. End mounting aerials can exert a very high torque and this was exceptionally annoying when I was undertaking aerial tests whilst there was wind about ! Log Periodics, one of my favourite aerials, are end mounted but as can be seen from the table their wind loading is relatively low.

The dimensions for the reflector(s) are for the whole (double) unit.

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XB22WB Aerial at our test site.

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Some of our customers need to transport the aerials after delivery ( particularly to avoid carriage supplements to NW Scotland and Northern Ireland ! ) so below we have a table showing the approximate sizes of the boxes which the aerials come in.

These dimensions are also used by customers arranging their own collection, which, to some

far flung addresses is cheaper than us organising the delivery through TNT.

XB16 A Aerial at our test site.

Do not confuse this aerial with smaller 10 bay A group X beam type aerials.

As far as we`re aware there is no other A, B, or K group aerial of this size/gain available for retail in this country.

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XB16 E Aerial at our test site.

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* See "covering all eventualities"

XB16 B / K Aerial at our test site.

Do not confuse this aerial with smaller 10 bay B or K group X beam type aerials.

As far as we`re aware there is no other B or K group aerial of this size/gain available for retail in this country.

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