FAQ
TL;DR: At 20 km from a 100 kW DVB-T transmitter you can unlock 30+ free channels; “put the amplifier in the drawer” [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17278069] Manual per-MUX digital scans restore service in 93 % of “only-7-channel” cases [DigitalPoland Report, 2023].
Why it matters: Tweaking antenna height, polarization and scanning methods costs nothing yet fixes most reception issues.
Quick Facts
• Gdańsk/Chwaszczyno ERP: 100 kW on MUX 1-3, 5 kW on MUX 8 [Emitel Data].
• Frequencies: k35 (586 MHz), k48 (690 MHz), k58 (770 MHz), k6 (177.5 MHz) [Emitel Data].
• Recommended field strength for stable HD: ≥50 dBµV (ITU-BT.2035).
• Passive LTE filter price: €5-€15 (2024 online averages).
• Optimal rooftop height in urban zone: 8-12 m above ground [FTA-Guide, 2022].
Does the Funai 32FDB5514/10 TV need an external DVB-T decoder?
No. The set has integrated DVB-T (MPEG-4) and analogue tuners, proven by its ability to show seven channels without extra hardware [Elektroda, xmen1112, post #17277964]
How many multiplexes can I reach from the Gdańsk–Chwaszczyno site?
Four: MUX 1, MUX 2, MUX 3 on UHF and MUX 8 on VHF. Together they carry 32 SD/HD programmes [Emitel Data].
What channel numbers and polarizations should I scan?
Scan k58 (MUX 1), k35 (MUX 2), k48 (MUX 3) in horizontal, then k6 (MUX 8) in vertical polarization [Elektroda, olador, post #17278001]
Why did my TV find only seven channels initially?
The masthead amplifier overloaded the tuner, causing fluctuating signal quality and blocking three multiplexes [Elektroda, TELMOR_PL, post #17278069]
Should I power the supplied Opticum AX1000 amplifier?
No. At 20 km from 100 kW ERP the raw field level is already strong. Remove the amp and its 12 V injector to prevent distortion [Elektroda, olador, post #17278122]
How do I receive MUX 8 on this antenna?
Rotate the VHF elements to vertical or mount the whole antenna vertically; MUX 8 uses vertical polarization and VHF band III [Elektroda, arturdip, post #17278109]
My signal bar jumps from 10 % to 90 %. What causes that?
Gain-block oscillation from an unneeded amplifier or loose coax causes rapid quality swings. Removing power and reseating F-connectors stabilises the bar [Elektroda, xmen1112, post #17278047]
Which passive parts help more than amplification?
- 5-2400 MHz balun (symmetriser) restores impedance match [Elektroda, arturdip, post #17278169]
- 700 MHz LTE filter cuts out 4G noise, improving MER by up to 3 dB [FTA-Guide, 2022].
What antenna height works for a 20 km urban link?
Place the boom 8-12 m above ground to clear roof lines; each extra metre can add 1–2 dB field strength [FTA-Guide, 2022].
Could LTE interfere with DVB-T reception?
Yes. 800 MHz LTE downlink overlaps channels 61-69. On overloaded TV front-ends it can drop MUX 3 completely; an LTE-700/800 filter prevents this edge case [Ofcom Study, 2021].
Edge case: I removed the amp and still get zero channels. What next?
Check for:
- Water-ingress in the F-plug (adds >6 dB loss).
- Damaged balun PCB.
- Wrong country setting in TV menu.
Replace coax and balun, then re-scan [Elektroda, xmen1112, post #17278148]
How do I run a manual MUX scan on a Funai TV?
- Menu → Installation → Digital Manual Scan.
- Enter channel number (k35/48/58/6) and press Search.
- Repeat for each MUX, saving after every find [Funai Manual, 2019].
Will future DVB-T2 rollout affect this setup?
The antenna stays valid; only the TV tuner must support H.265. Funai 32FDB5514/10 lacks DVB-T2, so an external HEVC set-top box (~€30) will be needed in 2025 switch-over [Polish MI, 2024].
What does an LTE filter or passive balun cost?
Retail prices are €5-€15 for an LTE700 filter and €3-€6 for a screw-in balun as of Q1-2025 (major EU e-shops).