See OTA Signal Strength, Bit-rate, etc.

[flyoffacliff]

I am making my first jump to OTA TV. I wanted an ATSC 3.0 DVR for future proofing, but since this is not available yet, I ordered an ATSC 1.0 FireTV Recast.

The Recast has no signal strength indicators, and the ones on my TV are not very good. I would like something to measure signal levels, and hopefully other geeky things like the bit-rate.

So spent a few hours looking for a meter to do this, and haven’t had much luck. I guess it needs to support 8VSB instead of QAM. What do most techs use when pointing antennas? I found the Wingard RFL-332, but it’s designed for RVs. My budget is $70-$200 depending on features, and I am willing to buy used.

Thank you!

 

[comfortably_numb]

HD Homerun. I have the "Connect" model.

 

[Tower Guy]

You can find a suitable meter on eBay. The Sadelco 800 is one option.

 

[comfortably_numb]

 

[comfortably_numb]

 

[Tower Guy]

Sencore has just announced a signal level meter for ATSC 3.0. The model SLM 1530 includes a demodulator, color display, and also works with ATSC 1.0 and QAM.

ATSC 3.0 Handheld Signal Level Meter - Sencore

The ultra-portable SLM 1530 ATSC 3.0 Handheld Signal Level Meter is the perfect solution for broadcast professionals testing all-new ATSC 3.0 equipment and installations. Beyond the ATSC 3.0, it includes full support for legacy ATSC 1.0 and also QAM-B cable signals making it an all-around tool...

www.sencore.com

https://www.sateng.com/shared-downloads/7678385331-datasheet_sen_slm1530_en_v2_2020.05.12-edited.pdf

 

[FTA4PA]

Sencore has just announced a signal level meter for ATSC 3.0. The model SLM 1530 includes a demodulator, color display, and also works with ATSC 1.0 and QAM.

ATSC 3.0 Handheld Signal Level Meter - Sencore

The ultra-portable SLM 1530 ATSC 3.0 Handheld Signal Level Meter is the perfect solution for broadcast professionals testing all-new ATSC 3.0 equipment and installations. Beyond the ATSC 3.0, it includes full support for legacy ATSC 1.0 and also QAM-B cable signals making it an all-around tool...

www.sencore.com

https://www.sateng.com/shared-downloads/7678385331-datasheet_sen_slm1530_en_v2_2020.05.12-edited.pdf

Definitely not priced for the hobbyist crowd at $1995. Looks like a nice one though!

ATSC 3.0 Signal Level Meter

 

[comfortably_numb]

Definitely not priced for the hobbyist crowd at $1995.

ATSC 3.0 Signal Level Meter

I am waiting until September for Silicondust's Quatro 4K tuner. I believe it debuts at $150. I'll be ordering one as soon as they are available (assuming the KCMO/KCKS DMA has something in 3.0 to watch by then).

A new toy!