Matchmaster 10mm-ma30pdf

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SoI live in a 4 unit block with a masthead antenna and vast satellite system fed through a multiswitch to each unit. Until recently I was never able to get FTA reception but during the day this is possible and I decided to play with the setup and managed to get good FTA signal 24/7 by attaching my coax directly to the dc power supply that feeds the masthead amp (removing it from the multiswitch).

I can remove it permanently from the multiswitch as I know everyone else uses VAST but I want to retain VAST too and cannot run a 2nd cable so wondered if I ran a diplexer (like this -SATELLITE-FTA-DIPLEXER-F-TYPE-FREE-TO-AIR-COMBINER/313176069241) feeding in the FTA & VAST and then splitter at my wallplate would this be the best solution? See a diagram of the current setup

Yes you can run FTA and satellite signals over the same coax with a diplexer.. Ideally you want to replace the multiswitch with one that has a built in FTA feed though, as that will minimise the losses as opposed to chaining multiple devices

thanks, I know it will work but what I want is the least loss solution. The existing multiswitch does have a FTA feed (see ) which is Dc powered however in the evening i lose FTA signal I assume through the other units using their systems (increased loss in the multiswitch?) and/or poorer signal quality at night?

ah great thanks, they obviously installed VAST due to poor signal and I know there are building in line of sight of nearest transmitter. I wonder if a more powerful mast amplifier might also solve the problem. The last antenna tech guys who came to sort another units issue tried to give me some cock & bull story when I asked if it was possible to sort out FTA. On saying that they charged $350 to replace an F connector so I wouldn't trust them.

The 16dB loss in the multiswitch on the FTA side is possibly a contributing factor. If the failure mode is a reduction of signal from the antenna at night, this may be reducing the output signal on all ports of the multiswitch below the receiving threshold of your TV.

Bypassing the multiswitch with a couple of diplexers reduces this overall loss from 16dB to 3dB, which may then be sufficient to keep the FTA signal at a level high enough to give your 24/7 reception.

Nice as built diagram. The antenna as shown on the image, is that what is really there? If so, it's probably not optimum. If not, an image, or make model of antenna would be helpful. Also the make/model of the masthead amplifier, & finally, where the unit block is located.

thanks for the help, I see on the diplexers UHF/VHF loss given as 12dB & on a 2 way splitter 3dB will I be able to find a diplexer with lower loss also do I want one with power pass through UHF/VHF too given the DC power supply for the masthead amp or does this only go one way ie to the amp (I've done a lot of reading but still learning). Also should I use a splitter at the wallplate to split to satellite & FTA antenna feeds or another diplexer?

The antenna in the diagram is purely illustrative I don't have details of it or the amp but I'll climb up today as I've been meaning to or take some pics and post up. I'm in inner north Brisbane but the transmitter at Mount cootha has some high rise buildings in the way and the area is known for below average reception

You won't get one of that type of diplexer with DC passthrough for FTA, as the satellite side usually needs that for control of the multiswitch. From your as-built diagram, that doesn't seem an issue here, as only one satellite feed is connected to the multiswitch. If you were sure no one else in the building is using the FTA feed, disconnect it from the multiswitch, feed into the diplexer & then into the cable that feeds your unit.

As usual mbozo is spot on. One building in the way shouldn't kill signal normally a power supply won't fix the terrestrial side if it's feeding through a multiswitch. Most matv systems use a commonly powered amplifier and multiswitch which leads me to question whether the terrestrial free to air side has been installed correctly. This is an issue I've run across quite a few times with apartment blocks in Melbourne. Not every tech has experience with foxtel 5 wire which is common. If you need I can try to put you in touch with someone in your area. I only get on here once in a while. A diplexer will separate satellite from terrestrial but won't pass power on the fta terrestrial side. It may also be worth speaking to the landlord or owners Corp as it's a common system.

thanks Andrew, there are at least 4 buildings between my antenna and the transmission tower (which is only 7km away) all the properties in the area have antennas mounted high on long poles/masts with amps, 1 of the buildings in the way is next to my property and another is one of the tallest in Brisbane. Now I'm not doubting the install may be flawed and similarly I think at some point whoever worked on it got lazy / greedy and decided to recommend VAST rather than fix the issue (it may be as simple as the antenna being misdirected).

I don't have a signal meter but connecting my coax feed direct to the powered amp on the FTA antenna gives signal quality of between 7-10 out of 10 and signal strength of 10/10 across the channel range on my panasonic tv. Now I know this isn't the perfect measure but I'm going to try the diplexer option and see how I go.

so after some shocking service from radioparts.com.au I finally got some diplexers and fitted one to the antenna/sat feed coax end and the other at my wall plate. Signal was perfect for FTA on a nice sunny day but come 4pm complete signal loss. Now I know this isn't the best way for testing signal quality and strength but still it's better than nothing here is what I'm getting during the day versus late afternoon / night. Any thoughts I'm wondering if it's interference to this

yes signal quality goes good to bad and strength from good to poor as per the links above (now both pics)

sorry still haven't climbed onto the roof to check the amplifier type, hopefully I can reach it

here's the antenna pic

Check the internals of the amplifier & see if it is suffering from moisture ingress etc. Since your signals are arriving on VHF, I'd also check if the antenna is connected to a combined VHF/UHF port on the masthead, or there is a selection switch, or strap, on the printed circuit board that selects combined or separate connections to the amplifier. What I would do, if possible, is connect the existing antenna so that it feeds only a VHF port.

The antenna seems to be a Matchmaster variety or knockoff thereof. It's not clear, but it looks like the balun (where the coaxial cable connects to the antenna) could be a screw & saddle type rather than F type. In either case, checking the connections for corrosion etc. would be a good idea. The antenna (if working correctly) should have sufficient gain on VHF to not warrant replacement.

So fingers crossed your advice has solved the signal strength / quality loss as I still have full FTA coverage tonight and tv shows good signal quality / strength for all, channels. I finally got onto the roof and opened the amplifier, the tape was just holding the box to the pole and inside appeared dry. Amp is a digimaster 10MM-MA30PDF see (I had already started to swap the connections over as you recommended) so this is after Power light was glowing green and I assumed it should be switched from combination to separate once connected to VHF? Also should I increase the gain to max? The antenna is matchmaster and without disassembling the pole etc I cannot reach the connector so hopefully it's ok here's a poor pic

Probably this one I can see some rust on the screw that attaches the balun to the antenna, I don't feel this is critical, but without inspection can't be sure. In my experience a bit of corrosion on connections doesn't cause issues unless it's gross, or a metal bit is open circuit.

UV damage, a problem I find with them & Kingray masthead amplifier boxes..... I don't know, I used to get stuff from Matchmaster in Sydney years ago, they weren't available then. You could ask their branch office in Brisbane.

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