You might be wondering, in what direction do I point my antenna? Well, the truth is that pointing your antenna in the right direction guarantees optimal broadcast signal reception from TV stations.
Normally, the right direction is towards the broadcasting tower in the absence of obstructions.
You can employ online tools or a signal tester and compass to identify the broadcasting tower direction.
And before you install the antenna, you must consider the possible obstructions and the geographical terrain.
Today’s article helps you understand the perfect antenna position and direction for optimal signal reception. Let’s get rolling!
Table of Contents
- Which Antenna Part Is The Front?
- Differentiating Directional and Omnidirectional Antenna
- Where Should You Position Your Antenna?
- Understand The Effect of Interference on Signals
- FAQs
- Final Remarks
Which Antenna Part Is The Front?
The front part is the active or radiating element and is responsible for emitting or receiving electromagnetic waves.
Generally, we position the active element perpendicular to the radiation direction.
For example, in A Yagi antenna, the active element is the driven element, while in a dipole antenna, it’s made of two conductive elements of specified lengths.
However, in the case of a parabolic dish antenna, the concave reflector surface focuses signals on the feed element.
Therefore, understanding where the front part is in an antenna helps to streamline effective and optimal reception.
Differentiating Directional and Omnidirectional Antenna
(A directional Yagi antenna)
The main difference between directional and omnidirectional antennas results from their radiation pattern.
A directional or high-gain antenna radiates signals in a specific direction, thus supporting long-range communication.
Mostly we use these antennas in point-to-point communication where two stations communicate directly.
A reputable example of a directional antenna is the Yagi-Uda.
Conversely, omnidirectional antennas have a 360-degree radiation pattern, propagating signals in all directions.
Therefore, these antennas offer the best solution when the antenna needs communication in multiple directions or with many devices.
Where Should You Position Your Antenna?
(A parabolic antenna facing the sky)
The antenna position should depend on factors like the surrounding environment and antenna type.
But generally, correct positioning guarantees better signal reception and optimal range.
Below are some guidelines to help you.
- Line of sight: Directional antennas require the line of sight between the antenna and transmitter to remain free from obstruction. Therefore, ensure there are no obstacles like mountains or tall buildings.
- Height: The higher the antenna is, the better you expose it to the transmission tower. Moreover, we mount outdoor antennas higher on the roof to avoid obstructions and improve signal reception.
- Clear surroundings: Check your surrounding before and after mounting the antenna. Experts recommend protecting the antenna from interference sources like electrical equipment or furniture. You can either move such equipment to a different location or position the antenna differently.
- Antenna orientation: Another important aspect relates to aligning the antenna to capture optimal signals. Always ensure the antenna face in the direction of the signal path, which is the direction of the target transmitter.
- Avoid reflections: Avoid positioning an antenna closer to reflective surfaces like glass or metal structures since they cause multipath interference.
- Ground plane: Antenna options like monopoles require a ground plane to function effectively. Therefore, ensure you include a reliable ground plane on your antenna.
- Signal coverage area: The ideal position, especially for omnidirectional antennas, is at the center of the area you wish to cover. This way, all the devices around the area will achieve optimal reception.
- Cable length: A long cable between the antenna and receiver contributes to great signal losses. Therefore, position your antenna closer to the decoding device or television to minimize losses.
Understand The Effect of Interference on Signals
Interference refers to the unnecessary noise affecting the reception and transmission of signals.
Usually, it affects signal reliability and quality and can occur due to the following.
External Interference
(An external digital TV antenna)
This is interference resulting from factors outside the communication system.
First, we have radio frequency interference (RFI) coming from the radio signals and electronics operating in the same frequency band as the antenna system.
Generally, this type of interference causes data errors and affects signal reception.
Moreover, electromagnetic interference (EMI) originates from electromagnetic fields emitted by electrical equipment and power lines.
EMI introduces unwanted currents in the cables, resulting in signal losses.
Furthermore, we have atmospheric interference resulting from weather causes like thunderstorms and lighting, causing signal scattering and losses.
Internal Interference
(A technician installing an antenna)
This is interference resulting from inside the antenna or communication system.
First, we have cross-talk, which results from signals in a communication channel interfering with those in another channel.
As a result, the system will experience data corruption and signal leakage.
Then we have intermodulation distortion (IMD) resulting from mixing at least two signals. Consequently, a new frequency that wasn’t available initially is born.
Moreover, the system can experience shot noise, random electrical fluctuations, and thermal noise, thus affecting the overall signal quality.
FAQs
Should your antenna be vertical or horizontal?
You should base the decision to have your antenna vertical or horizontal on your expected signal propagation characteristics and the specific application.
For example, vertical antennas work best in omnidirectional coverage, where you must radiate signals equally in all directions.
Therefore, you will find these antennas in WiFi access points, mobile communications, and broadcasting.
Conversely, we mainly use horizontal antennas in point-to-point communication where the signal must focus in a specific direction.
These antennas include parabolic and Yagi-Uda antennas; we usually orient them horizontally for optimal gain.
Does the direction of the antenna face affect its performance?
The direction the antenna faces significantly affects its overall performance.
A good example is the Yagi antenna (directional) which experiences a high gain and better radiation pattern depending on positioning.
All directional antennas should be positioned to face the transmitter’s direction or the intended target for effective performance.
We also have omnidirectional antennas that radiate in all directions.
Therefore, such an antenna should be at the center to guarantee uniform signal distribution to the target devices.
Any incorrect alignment or improper positioning might cause signal interference, thus reducing the signal strength.
Final Remarks
The direction you point your antenna is very critical as it determines how effectively it transmits or receives signals.
The general rule is to always point the antenna in the direction of the intended target with minimal interference or obstruction.
You need to understand the ideal situation to use a directional antenna and the ones to employ an omnidirectional one.
But generally, use a directional antenna in point-to-point communication while an omnidirectional option when propagating in all directions.
