Hey,

I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with HDTV broadcast signal meters. Also, if there are any recommendations for newer and older models. All of the "whys" and such. I suppose I would like to get a used one if possible. I just do not know where to start, nor has it been easy to google for info...

I appreciate all input from laypersons and pros.

Thanks!

It's going to depend on what you want to do with it.....
For just measuring signal "strength", most professional units will work. Potomac Instruments, which makes the the expensive ones used by broadcasters for FCC testing, has a "white paper" on their website, explaining how to correlate analog and digital readings.

If you want to look at the actual signal vs. multipath and stuff, you probably need a spectrum analyzer.

There really aren't any "Radio Shack" ones (the <$100 ones) out there. For testing reception, prior to an install, the best thing is a DTV set-top box. They give a combination of signal strength + signal quality. Some also give a somewhat accurate signal-to-noise indication as well.

Ken,

Thanks for your reply. $15K is a bit on the high side for what would be an occasionally used tool. I was hoping I could find a sub $1K instrument that could be used on a roof or small tower, as opposed to inside the building or home, to assist in reading signal strength/quality at the antenna for the assurance of optimum azimuths. I suppose addressing multipath issues would be a great capability, but honestly, I am not as well versed in the particulars to really know what I should be looking for. Info at the other end of the google button has been vague and sparse at best. This has been one of the most difficult subjects to find solid sources for the purpose of self education. Should I buy a DTV set-top box just for this purpose? Any suggestions otherwise?


Thanks,

-M

This looks interesting, but more expensive than a meter, which is usually in a set top box's software anyway. Accuracy of these I'd guess are not uniform.
http://www.autumnwave.com/Commercial/StreamSleuth-LG.html

$15K is a bit on the high side for what would be an occasionally used tool. I was hoping I could find a sub $1K instrument that could be used on a roof or small tower.-M

Model 4040 (499.95 Euros)
http://test1.contenttest.net/Spektrumanalysator_en.shtml
Model PSA 1301T (1193.00 Euros)
http://www.tti-test.com/psa/rf-spectrum-analyzer.htm
Sencore SLM1453 ($1100)
http://www.sencore.com/newsletter/Apr05/SignalAnalyzers/GoodBetterBestSigAn.htm
Model 2 (cost not known)
http://www.trilithic.com/broadband_instruments/field_analyzers/model_two_or_model_two_lite.html
Ebay ($2.36)
http://cgi.*********/SENCORE-SL753D-DIGITAL-TV-ANTENNA-SIGNAL-LEVEL-METER_W0QQitemZ180137570605QQihZ008QQcategoryZ67882QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem

Ebay ($2.36)
http://cgi.*********/SENCORE-SL753D-DIGITAL-TV-ANTENNA-SIGNAL-LEVEL-METER_W0QQitemZ180137570605QQihZ008QQcategoryZ67882QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem

I didn't check out this listing, but typically, used Sencore SL753D meters wind up selling for about $200 each. If they are broken, Sencore repairs them for $200, but if the meter does not already have the sub-band upgrade installed in it, you can pay them about $185 for the sub-band upgrade and they fix the meter, if broken, for just the cost of actual parts replaced (usually, just few dollars).

While the Sencore SL753D is preprogrammed for analog measurement and can tune individual frequencies, the instruction manual does NOT explain how to program its "custom" channel plan for digital. Sencore acknowledged that and sent me an "article" on digital signal measurement that includes instructions on how to program the SL754D custom menu for digital, but I was unable to adapt those instructions to the SL753D. It can be done, but it will take some more hacking on my part.

In the meantime, if I ever want to estimate digital signal strength using the SL735D, I just measure a few frequency samples across the digital channel and add 8dB to whatever the meter gives for "peak" readings at those frequency values.

If you aren't willing to spend much money, this old Channel Master meter is the same as one that I used until 1996. Item number: 250140825684. The bid price is $15, and it won't sell for much more than that. It will work fine for peaking but, as I indicated in the above post for another meter, you'd have to add about 8dB to its readings to more accurately estimate digital signal power levels for distribution calculations.

It's going to depend on what you want to do with it.....
For just measuring signal "strength", most professional units will work. Potomac Instruments, which makes the the expensive ones used by broadcasters for FCC testing, has a "white paper" on their website, explaining how to correlate analog and digital readings.

If you want to look at the actual signal vs. multipath and stuff, you probably need a spectrum analyzer.

There really aren't any "Radio Shack" ones (the <$100 ones) out there. For testing reception, prior to an install, the best thing is a DTV set-top box. They give a combination of signal strength + signal quality. Some also give a somewhat accurate signal-to-noise indication as well.
since you are such a nice person i might be willing to talk to my cousin who just happens to own potomac instruments.

You all are GREAT!!! I really appreciate all of your research, links, and even family connections. This further proves the power and efficacy of the internet and especially this forum site and others like it. It also proves that we don't need nor want any China-like internet regulations... This would not be possible otherwise. I have begun reading the info at the links listed and hope to be able to make a more informed decision. I am still not sure as to what I will get, but I sure know much more now than I did a week ago! For that, I am grateful to all of you.

AntAltMike,
I will just try to win this one for starters. It is at a completely painless cost and would function for my most frequent and basic needs. The ROI on some of these High Dollar (technically justified I'm sure) instruments would be rather slow, but I will eventually have to gain the capability of spectrum and relevant data analysis. Things move a little slower here in KY, technically and otherwise. Some of this lag is actually rather nice say, the cost of living and moderate to no traffic. Thanks for your help!

rviele,
It would be very, very nice of you to speak to your cousin. If there is anything available that seems reasonable, I would sure like to know. I am not sure how I could repay you for the favor, but let me know either way.

Again, a gigantic THANKS to all who have responded!!! You have been a great help.

-M

... Potomac Instruments ... has a "white paper" on their website, explaining how to correlate analog and digital readings...
Can you furnish a link to that document? I opened up a couple of their techncial pdf files but didn't find the right one.

Can you furnish a link to that document? I opened up a couple of their techncial pdf files but didn't find the right one.

I think you want this one. It is a 16 page pdf that you can save for your own purposes. I think you will want to check out pages 13-16 for the formulas and discussions you are looking for, although the document as a whole is potentially valuable it is procedurally repetitive.

http://www.pi-usa.com/pdf/dtvb.pdf

This looks interesting, but more expensive than a meter, which is usually in a set top box's software anyway. Accuracy of these I'd guess are not uniform.
http://www.autumnwave.com/Commercial/StreamSleuth-LG.html

Hi guys,
This is Ryan from AutumnWave. I just discovered this thread.

You wouldn't have to buy the StreamSleuth-LG/GT package just to get signal strength testing. If you just got the 'OnAir GT' (less than $180), we've added a special 'Signal Viewer' to the software. It is a simple 'SNR' reading, but if that's all you need, then consider it as an option.

Furthermore, TSReader Lite (free, non-commercial use) works with the OnAir GT too.

- Ryan Pertusio

AutumnWave Technical Support
OnAir Solution North America
http://www.autumnwave.com/

http://www.solidsignal.com/cat_display.asp?main_cat=05&CAT=Test%20Equipment

just be careful what you purchase and read the fine print.

some test equipment only operate on analog signals