Can anyone suggest an aerial installer conversant with FM radio requirements covering the Waltham Abbey (edge of Essex) area please?
I hesitate to use the word 'recommend' as opposed to suggest because I recognise the associated responsibility should things not go as one would hope.
All my enquiries made to listed installers have so far have resulted in negative responses such as don't bother because of FM shutdown and move to DAB. Well I have some DAB radios and they're not too bad however, FM quality to my ear is superior especially when provided with a decent aerial signal. From what I can make out, FM shutdown doesn't appear to be happening just yet.
Many thanks.
Posted on: 07 November 2016 by Ron Toolsie
I think that although George still runs the company, he lives in Spain, and personal installations in the UK may be no longer available. If DAB is anything like internet radio, the drop in quality compared to off-air broadcasts is huge and non-trivial. Do not be fobbed off by people pushing convenience over quality.
FM radio is as dead as vinyl...which is to say rumors if its death were greatly exaggerated.
Posted on: 07 November 2016 by Clive B
It would still be most worthwhile to buy a Galaxie aerial from George, and get someone to install it for you here. I know your post was seeking a good installer and what I've said still leaves you with that problem, but Ron and George Smith used to install their aerials on poles the size of scaffolding poles. I'm sure these could be specified to a local installer. They also wrapped the full length of the pole with black electrical tape so that it didn't look too bright in the sun.
Moderated Post: Clive, I've removed your last paragraph as yes, it does break forum rules.
Posted on: 07 November 2016 by hungryhalibut
Bear in mind that Ron Smith Galaxy aerials are very large, and you may need planning permission. We got fed up with a monster on the house and ditched it when we sold the NAT 01. These days we have a standard five element FM jobbie and it's fine. We have a direct line of sight to the transmitter on the Isle of Wight and it works very well. The local aerial people popped it up fine.
Posted on: 07 November 2016 by ken c
i had the same problem last time -- and in the end just put this project on hold. The guys who used to do Ron Smith installations is not doing it anymore. and local inquiries result in "why bother"... good luck with your searches,...
enjoy
ken
