TV antenna “Polyachka” for long-range DVB-T2 reception: selection of an amplifier, modernization, installation

Many digital television users are wondering if a polished array antenna will be compatible with
DVB-T2 reception . This problem became especially urgent after the government took measures to improve the signal and most regions were connected to
digital television broadcasting .

Is the Polish grill suitable for digital TV reception?

The Polish mesh antenna at one time quickly spread throughout the country and gained popularity among many users. This equipment is unpretentious in maintenance and after installation does not require additional modifications. With the advent of DVB-T2 digital broadcasting in the country, users began to find various
amplifiers for this type of antenna, allowing them to capture a digital signal and broadcast it to a TV.
The antenna array itself is broadband. In other words, such equipment is capable of receiving various signals of both meter and decimeter ranges. This unique property allows the device to catch digital TV signals in DVB-T2 format.

The Polish grille is not the most suitable option used for long-distance reception of digital TV channels. This is primarily due to the fact that the device requires modifications and upgrades before it begins to function in the desired range.

Main technical characteristics of the Polish antenna

The Poles range operates from 40 to 800 MHz. This allows you to receive signals and watch TV programs from channel 1 to 20. With a little refinement and connection of an amplifier, it also becomes possible to view TV channels from 21 to 69. Additionally, in the basic configuration of any models of array-type antennas, there is a signal amplification of up to 13 decibels, as well as a wave impedance of 300 ohms. The dimensions of the equipment are relatively small (80×60 cm), weight is 1.5 kg. The list of antenna components when buying is impressive:

• active vibrators (DMV, MV);
• passive vibrators (directors);
• rails for fastening base lines of waveguides and plastic housings;
• antenna mount with reflector;
• low voltage blocks;
• various models of the amplifier at the choice of the buyer;
• standard plugs for connection.

The coaxial cables required to connect the device to the translator are purchased separately.

How does the Polyachka TV antenna work when receiving a digital signal?

The basic set
does not imply the use of equipment to receive 10 or 20 digital TV channels distributed throughout the country. In any case, until the official update of the antenna from the manufacturer appears, you will have to improve it yourself in order to achieve the required signal level. With proper refinement, the Polish grille responds well to long-range digital signal reception. There is a small percentage of the likelihood that, due to a similar signal reception range, the antenna can partially capture the image and broadcast sound without modification. However, the signal will be weak, and it will be difficult to fix it on a permanent basis. The standard amplifier that comes with the antenna arrays is also not suitable for working with digital television. It needs to be upgraded to improve signal reception quality. A positive effect is achieved only if the antenna is located close to the repeater tower.

Choosing an amplifier for a Polish lattice for long-range DVB-T2 signal reception

Without an amplifier, the Polish lattice will not be able to receive and process incoming signals of a new generation. The base amplifier in the Polish antenna is produced separately. In radio electronics stores, it can be purchased for no more than 200 rubles.
In choosing an amplifier, it all depends on which signal range the user needs to use for reception. Each radio element of a standard amplifier is fixed using a hinged method on the main part of the antenna. It is there, in the central part of the equipment, that a small protected box is placed. Through the board installed in it, you can achieve an improvement in the effect of signal reception.

The main task of digital antenna amplifiers is to improve the quality of incoming television signals. Any of the models on the market equally well amplifies the signals of the received broadcast – their quality depends on the distance from the main repeater.

To select a specific amplifier model, depending on the power and distance from the TV tower, you can be guided by the table:

In stores and on the radio market, you can find a large number of translators for the Polish antenna. There are dozens of models to choose from. All of them have the same dimensions, but differ in reception quality and signal strength from 30 to 48 decibels. All amplifier boards, including those for receiving a digital signal, have a voltage of 12 volts, which they receive from low-voltage supply units of 220 to 12 volts. All incoming voltage that goes to the main board located on the antenna passes through a special plug with a built-in capacitor. With its help, there is a division into power and the incoming signal.

When choosing the right type of amplifier for the array antenna, you can contact your neighbors or see which model they have installed on the roof. Using the table, you can calculate the approximate level of the digital signal that will reach your equipment.

Possible problems when trying to receive digital TV using the Polish lattice

Normally working Polish antennas with an amplifier and a power supply may experience the following malfunctions:

• the signal starts to disappear completely;
• when setting up digital television broadcasting, the scale showing the signal level begins to rapidly increase to 100 or, conversely, drops to 0;
• there is a reception at first, but over time it begins to weaken or completely disappear;
• the image starts to slow down, cubes appear, the sound starts to stutter;
• of the 20 channels available for free broadcasting, only 10 are shown – and even then with a poor image;
• if the antenna is located at a low height of up to 2.5-3 meters, then cars passing by it on the road can cause the signal to start to junk.

All this leads to the need for improvements to improve the quality of reception and prevent various kinds of problems.

If you tune in to a digital broadcast reception and see the level meter start to rise and fall rapidly, it means that it is being lost. In other words, such a digital signal through the Pole is unsuitable for decoding. In this case, the equipment will need to be modified.

What should I do if the Polish grid does not accept DVB T2?

If the Pole does not accept DVB T2 and does not react in any way to manual settings, this cannot be the fault of the TV. Many users find that the basic gain available in today’s plasma and LCD devices is sufficient to access the digital broadcast level. According to many sellers, modern TVs have the ability to receive a signal without connecting antennas. However, in practice, it turns out that the farther a person is from the signal repeater, the worse the reception becomes. This state of affairs is especially noticeable in remote areas of the country, which have recently switched to digital television broadcasting. Repeater towers have to add amplification so that local residents can achieve the same quality that channels in urban areas have. In many cases, the cause of a bad signal when receiving DVB-T2 is increased power. An improperly selected translator can significantly increase outgoing throughput, leading to interference. There are four ways to correct this problem and achieve better digital TV reception. Modernization of the Polish antenna for DVB T2: https://youtu.be/SiIg8yWLaY8

First way

If the user has a regulated power supply, then there will be no problem with changing the power of the repeater. Usually such regulators have manual control. To reduce the incoming power, it is enough to turn the screws located on the center panel of the amplifier counterclockwise. In this case, the voltage drops below 12 volts. The minimum limit is 2 volts. It is necessary to reduce the signal level when the TV broadcast is on, in order to follow how it is displayed on its playback on TV. When changing the signal level, its change in the image display quality will occur with a slight delay, so you should wait a bit.

Second way

The latest TV models have various tuners with the ability to receive a digital signal. In this case, you can use a little trick to significantly reduce the power supplied to the antenna adapter. This will use the USB port from the TV. To do this, you will need to perform the following steps:

1. Take the TV cable and install the TV plug.
2. Purchase an adapter that allows you to supply power to the antenna through the USB port.
3. Connect the adapter to the port and route the power cable into the antenna booster.

The price of such a USB adapter for power does not exceed 300 rubles. It is available in almost all electronics stores and does not require special skills to install.

Third way

If there is a set-top box for receiving digital TV at home, you can direct the power from it directly to the antenna array amplifier. In this case, instead of the installed 12 volts, the mounted amplifier located at the top of the antenna will receive no more than 5 volts from the set-top box through the pre-connected television cable.
All you need to do is follow 3 simple steps:

1. Fix a standard TV plug on the TV cable.
2. Connect the set-top box to the TV.
3. Open the set-top box menu and select the item in which the antenna power is activated.

Depending on the model of the set-top box, the menu and the method of activating the antennas may differ, so you should refer to the instructions that came with the device.

Fourth way

You can experiment and completely turn off the power to the antenna. In some cases (depending on the location of the antenna and the repeater), the signal may come in this way. To do this, you will need to perform the following steps:

1. Take a TV set.
2. Prepare a TV cable with a plug.
3. Connect the cable to the set-top box and antenna directly without power.

This method is not always effective, as the power may be completely zero, and the signal will fade from the moment the TV channel is turned on.

Antenna mount

Another popular question among users is where it is better to place and how to properly install the Polish grille. First of all, you need to carefully study the information on this subject in the instructions that come with the equipment, which indicate the main parameters for placing the device. The basic equipment of any antenna model has a special mast for fixing the antenna. To secure the antenna to the mast, you will need to use the included tie-bolt retainer. This can be done immediately on the ground until the moment when the antenna is placed at the required height.

Before lifting the antenna mast and fixing it, for example, on the roof, you will need to prepare the antenna cable, as well as the power cable, which is best connected immediately when mounted on the device mast.

As for the choice of height and location of the digital signal receiver itself, the parameters here are always individual and depend on where the user lives. When installing the Pole, it is recommended to adhere to the following algorithm:

1. Connect the signal receiver to the TV.
2. Apply voltage to the signal amplifier, also connected to the antenna.
3. Determine the location relative to the nearest television tower.
4. Turn the antenna array towards the TV tower.

To improve the quality of reception, slowly raise the signal receiver on the mast. At the moment when the picture and sound are of maximum quality, you should fix the mast with the antenna in this position.

After the user has fixed all the wires so that the unit is sealed from the outside, it must be coated along the seam with waterproof glue. This will allow you to achieve maximum signal reception quality, avoiding the possibility of moisture getting inside. The Polish antenna is capable of receiving waves of the established ranges only from one side. When you turn the antenna towards the tower, it will only receive a direct incoming signal. To improve reception quality, if there are several television towers around, it is necessary to install receivers with the same range towards them. Watch the video on how to set up the Polack antenna for effective digital TV reception: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nPuYzAL0ug Upgraded, A properly tuned and fixed Polish-type antenna does an excellent job of receiving modern digital television broadcasts. The upgrade of this equipment is available to any user and does not require much effort or large financial investments.