How to Install a Power Unit & UHF Masthead Amplifier

Summary: A power unit and UHF masthead amplifier are used to pass a 12v signal directly to a UHF aerial. The amplified aerial is capable of 'pulling' in far more signal than a simple un-powered TV aerial. There are various types of power units and UHF masthead amplifiers but they all work in basically the same way ie. a single wire from the power unit feeds the masthead amplifier, which feeds the UHF TV aerial. For the purpose of this example, it is assumed the UHF aerial is to be mounted on a pole outdoors and the power unit is to be mounted in the main TV room.

Tools Needed

Snips
Screwdriver

Equipment needed

Power unit (qty: 1)
UHF aerial (qty: 1)
VHF aerial (qty: 1)
VHF/UHF masthead amplifier (qty: 1)
'F'-Connector (qty: 2-10)
Satellite cable

Step 1 - Assemble the VHF/UHF Masthead Amplifier

Take an assembled UHF and an assembled VHF aerial
Cut the satellite cable coming from each aerial so that it is longer than needed. Estimate enough to allow the aerials to be mounted on a pole without the aerials touching each other. Estimated length is 1.2-1.5m long. Note: Mounting the amplifier any closer to the aerial can cause interference problems
Pear down the end of each of the aerial cables and the output cable
Put an 'F' type connector on the 2 aerial cables and the output cable
Click open the cover on the VHF/UHF masthead amplifier
Use the f-connectors to screw the UHF and VHF cables to the 'UHF' and 'BIII' inputs on the base of the amplifier.
Similarly connect the output cable to the 'OUT/SORTIE' port
A flat head screwdriver can be used at a later stage to adjust the gain on both the VHF and UHF legs.
Leave the output cable long enough to reach the RG6 cables that are feeding the power unit and the various TV points in the house

Step 2 - Connect the Power Unit

Step 3 - Connect the Power Unit and Masthead amplifier

In the attic put an f-type connector on the cable from the power unit and from the Masthead amplifier
Join the cables with an F-type Joiner
If the aerial is to be run to several rooms install a power passing splitter in the attic