FAQ
TL;DR: Żukowo/Gdańsk DVB‑T is served by the Gdynia transmitter (~17 km); "Mux8-k 6 vertical." Use a directional UHF+VHF combo, aim UHF horizontal and VHF vertical for MUX‑8. [Elektroda, olador, post #17219903]
Why it matters: Correct transmitter choice and polarization deliver stable reception and prevent wasted antenna purchases for Gdańsk/Żukowo viewers.
Quick Facts
- Gdynia/Chwaszczyno: ~17 km to Żukowo; MUX1 ch37 H, MUX2 ch35 H, MUX3 ch48 H, MUX8 ch6 V. [Elektroda, olador, post #17219903]
- Zaroślak: Biskupia Górka blocks line‑of‑sight; reception from Chwaszczyno/Jaśkowa often only via reflections. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17224050]
- For Żukowo, T-urbo‑T‑COMBO or T‑urbo‑T‑COMBO Smart were recommended; local factory support in Gdańsk. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17232617]
- “Under favorable conditions, a piece of the proverbial ‘wire’ may be enough.” [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17212594]
- Accurate advice needs exact location, mount point, floor, TV count, and cable lengths. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17211682]
Is the Q100 directional DVB‑T antenna reliable around Gdańsk suburbs?
A user in Zaroślak reports that an antenna like the Q100 "is fine" with no signal problems. They also note that exact location matters because “suburbs” is too general. If you’re near Żukowo or have clear line‑of‑sight to Gdynia/Chwaszczyno, a directional antenna is a reasonable pick. In obstructed spots, results vary and aiming becomes critical. If your retailer allows returns, testing on‑site is a practical approach before committing. [Elektroda, JaroK87, post #17223571]
Which transmitter and polarizations should I target in Żukowo/Gdańsk?
Use the Gdynia/Chwaszczyno site. Parameters: MUX1 ch37 horizontal, MUX2 ch35 horizontal, MUX3 ch48 horizontal, MUX8 ch6 vertical. Distance is about 17 km from Żukowo. Set your UHF elements horizontally and your VHF element vertically to capture MUX‑8. This mix dictates either a combo antenna or separate UHF/VHF antennas mounted with correct polarizations. [Elektroda, olador, post #17219903]
What antenna would you choose for Żukowo for hassle‑free DVB‑T?
A local expert suggested Telmor’s T‑urbo‑T‑COMBO or T‑urbo‑T‑COMBO Smart for Żukowo and noted, “There will be no problems with them.” These handle UHF and VHF in one package and are locally supported in Gdańsk. They suit the mixed polarization (UHF H, VHF V) required by regional MUXes. If your installation struggles, these models are robust first choices to try. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17232617]
Is there a Dipol combo that covers UHF and VHF with mixed polarizations?
Yes. A recommended option was the Dipol professional set with H/V capability (15/5‑12/21‑60). It’s designed to receive UHF multiplexes in horizontal polarization and VHF (MUX‑8) in vertical polarization, matching the Gdynia/Chwaszczyno parameters for the area. Such combos simplify installs where both bands and polarizations are needed, reducing mast space and alignment complexity. [Elektroda, olador, post #17219903]
I’m unsure: satellite or terrestrial—what should I buy?
Decide first: DVB‑T (terrestrial), satellite, or both. To match equipment to your needs and site, provide exact install location (address/coordinates), mount type (roof, wall, balcony), floor, number of TVs, and cable lengths. “To choose the right equipment…it is necessary” to share these details so recommendations fit your reception conditions. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17211682]
I’m in Zaroślak with Biskupia Górka blocking the view. What are my options?
This area is difficult. Biskupia Górka obstructs both Chwaszczyno and Jaśkowa Kopa, making direct reception “practically impossible, except from reflections.” You may need to exploit reflections and carefully aim, ideally with a meter. Purely directional antennas without tools can miss the reflected beam. Consider wider‑beam antennas or professional alignment to locate usable reflections. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17224050]
Can I point to Jagodnik instead, and how far is it?
From Spadzista (Zaroślak), Jagodnik is almost 60 km away. Long‑distance reception worked using a long passive UHF antenna, but site geometry matters. The expert noted Zaroślak streets are unfavorable; either a solid high‑gain antenna or one with a wider angle for reflections can help. Clear days improved visibility and stability toward Jagodnik, but expect careful setup. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17226103]
Do I really need a big antenna, or can a simple setup work?
In strong‑signal locations, minimal setups can succeed. As one pro put it, “Under favorable conditions, a piece of the proverbial ‘wire’ may be enough.” That said, reliability improves with proper outdoor antennas, correct polarization, and clean cabling, especially when splitting to multiple TVs or dealing with obstacles. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17212594]
How do I set polarization for MUX‑8 versus UHF (How‑To)?
MUX‑8 uses VHF with vertical polarization; UHF MUX1/2/3 are horizontal. How‑To:
- Identify target: Gdynia/Chwaszczyno (MUX1 ch37 H, MUX2 ch35 H, MUX3 ch48 H, MUX8 ch6 V).
- Mount a UHF+VHF combo; set UHF elements horizontal and VHF element vertical.
- Scan channels and fine‑tune azimuth for peak quality. [Elektroda, olador, post #17219903]
Why do I see low signal strength but high quality (e.g., 30%/90%)?
A reported case showed about 30% strength yet 90% quality, and it was stable. Quality reflects error‑free decoding; strength is RF power at the tuner. With clean reflections or sufficient SNR, the picture can remain robust even if indicated strength seems modest. Prioritize quality and stability when assessing reception. “Strength was about 30%, quality about 90% and stable.” [Elektroda, irekr, post #17225919]
What details should I share to get precise antenna advice?
Provide exact address or coordinates, mounting location (roof, wall, balcony), floor height, number of TVs, and approximate cable lengths. These factors determine antenna type, gain needs, and whether amplification or splitting is required. Without them, recommendations are guesswork and may waste time and money. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17211682]
Is aiming a directional antenna at reflections difficult without a meter?
Yes. In blocked areas like Zaroślak, hitting the correct reflected path is challenging without proper measurement gear. The expert warned that a directional antenna without the right device makes it hard to find and lock onto the reflected beam. A field meter or professional alignment improves results. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17224050]
Which local brands were suggested for the Gdańsk area?
Telmor’s T‑urbo‑T‑COMBO and T‑urbo‑T‑COMBO Smart were recommended for Żukowo, with the note that there would be no problems and that the factory is in Gdańsk. Local support can simplify troubleshooting and warranty logistics. [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17232617]
Is MUX‑8 always vertical in the region?
No. From Gdynia/Chwaszczyno, MUX‑8 is vertical. However, Jagodnik broadcasts MUX‑8 on the same channel but in horizontal polarization. If you switch transmitters, recheck and adjust the VHF element’s polarization accordingly. This difference matters when aiming for distant alternatives. [Elektroda, irekr, post #17225919]