In this recent job in Emu Heights, our technician Mark, the oldest and most experienced tech in our fleet, and a firm favourite among our customers, was called out to help a homeowner whose TV system had been deteriorating for years. The customer was dealing with poor reception, frequent signal dropouts, and pixelation across multiple channels, and the problems had become too frustrating to ignore any longer.
Diagnosing the Problem
Upon arriving at the property, Mark carried out a full inspection of the existing antenna system and quickly identified that the setup was over 25 years old. The antenna and amplifier had sustained significant damage over the years from two main causes: bird damage, which had broken elements on the antenna, and storm damage, where hail had further impacted both the antenna and the amplifier housing. The combination of age, bird breakage, and hail damage meant the system was well past the point of a simple repair.
The original amplifier, visibly damaged from over 25 years of exposure, bird breakage, and hail
The Solution: A Complete System Upgrade
Given the extent of the damage, Mark recommended a full system upgrade rather than patching individual components. The work included upgrading the old analogue antenna to a modern digital antenna for stronger, more reliable reception, replacing all external cabling that had degraded over the years, and installing a new amplifier and power supply to ensure strong signal distribution throughout the home.
Securing the Mast and Guide Wires
In addition to the antenna and electronics, Mark also resecured the roof anchors and guide wires on the existing 15-foot mast. Over the years, the fixings had loosened, and with the mast being so tall, it was important to ensure everything was properly stabilised to withstand future storms and high winds. With the mast now firmly secured, the customer can have confidence the system will hold up for many years to come.
The Result
After completing the full upgrade, Mark tested all channels and confirmed strong, stable signal across the board. The customer was thrilled with the result, going from a failing 25-year-old system to a fully modernised setup with crystal-clear digital reception.
The upgraded system with a new digital antenna, resecured mast, and fresh guide wires