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Technical Index Aerial+LNB 1 Cable Aerial amplifier Aerial Filters Aerial Groups Aerial Points Aerial - Which? Amp Adder Analogue Switch-Off A18QR aerial Arcon Dish Atticbox Audio Adapter USB AV equipment BBC/ITV outside UK Bedroom sound Best aerial Cable Kinked Cable specs Cable-Thin Coax Cable - Which? CAMs etc. Capacitor Kits Channels Chimney Brackets Coaxial Cable Cooling fan Compass use Cupboard Control DAT45 aerial DC inserter Decouple cable Denso Tape Digibox in loft Digisender Digital Ariel Diplexers DirecTV Disconnect safely Disguise a dish Dish indoors Dish Painting Dish Sharing Dish Size E-books Electric shocks Electronic Kits Electronic Parts Epoxy resin glue Extend cable Extender Plate F1 for Free Filter-notch Fire Hazard Fit F Connectors Fit TV plugs Foxsat HDR Free channels Freeview/Freesat Freeview Problem Freesat Install DIY French sat TV German sat TV Greek sat TV Heatshrink Sleeving Hole Cover Humax PSU Inside Sky Digibox Instructions Interference Invacom LNB Italian sat TV IR sensor-locate Large Dishes Lightning Protect Liquid Spilt LNBs - about LNBs - add more LNB amplifier LNB Boots LNB Fitting LNB-Replace Sky LNB Reset LNB skew LNBs-Switching two LNBs 2 in 1 cable LNB-waterproof your Loft Boxes Magic eyes Make Fly-Lead Multiroom phone Multiswitches No Satellite Signal Omnisat Semitronic Orbital dish Phone Socket Wires Phone surge protect Plate-Twin-F Plugs-which? Plug-Top PSUs Plus Combiner Powermid+cable TV Powermid XL Reed Switches Remote Codes Remote Eyes Remote extenders RJ45 plugs Satellites-where Scart leads Self-Amalg Tape SelfSat Antenna Signal Combiners Signal Meter Silicone Grease Sky x2 same room Sky+ batteries Sky Digital Sky in Europe Sky Install DIY Sky LNB Sky LNB-extra Sky Multiroom Sky Remote Probs Sky room wiring Sky Plus Solder - How to Split Digibox RF Split Dish cable Split satellite signal Stacker-Destacker Stuck in standby Thomson Problems Tree blocks signal Triax minidish TV/VCR faults TV Links tvLINKplus TV set New TV eyes USALS Videosenders VisionLink Wall Plates WF125 Plugs What Channels Which plugs Wire my house 304114 wall plate Shop Index All Aerials Aerial Amplifiers Aerial Attenuators Aerial Boosters Aerial Filters Aerial Hardware Aerial Meters Aerial Splitters Audiophile Bargains Books to download Boosters, Amps Cable & Extensions Cable Joint Cable on Reels Capacitors Caravan/motorhome Car Radio Adapters CAT5-HDMI Components Computer Batteries Computer Leads Digibox spares DiSEqC Switches Dishes Dish Hardware DVD Players Earth rod Electrical - mains Electronic components Electronic Kits Electronic Kits 2 Extension - Coax Extension - mains Faceplates Filters electrical F Plugs Fly Leads Freeview cable Freesat Digiboxes FTA Digiboxes Freeview receivers Fuses Gaming Accessories German Sat TV HDMI / Audio Headphone Amp Home Cinema Installation kits Leads + Plugs LED Torches LNB cable LNBs for Sky LNBs 40mm LNBs C120 LNB switches LNB amplifiers Loft Boxes Magic Eyes Mains Electrical Meters Motorhome Motorised dish bits Multiswitches Power supplies Remote Controls Remote extenders Resistors RF Cable RF Modulators Satellite Cable Satellite Meters Scart Leads Screen Cleaning Signal Combiner Sky Digiboxes SkyLink Amplifiers SkyLink Bypass Splitters Telephone cable Thomson PSU Tools Grease Glue Transistors TV Eyes TV Plugs TV Wall Brackets Videosenders Video/Leads Wall plates 1 Wall plates 2 Technical Index FAQs BLOG Contact Us		Global Loft Box, wiring and accessories Loft Box wiring options Although we supply a FREE eBook when you purchase a Loft Box, we strongly recommend that you get a professional to finalise the installation for you. There's a strong possibility that you will get the signal levels wrong by over-amplifying (or attenuating) and there's a strong possibility that you will get the choice of UHF channels wrong, resulting in severe interference. Please use double-shielded coaxial cable for every connection. IMPORTANT You should be aware that mains-powered equipment installed in the loft can be a fire hazard which may affect your insurance! A loft can become very hot in summer, which adds to the risk. If you install equipment in the loft, please take all appropriate steps to ensure that a fire can not spread, including: Install it in a flame-resistant container with good ventilation. Keep it away from flammable materials. Ensure that it can't accidentally be covered by blankets etc. tossed hurriedly into the loft. Ensure that it is properly fused and connected through a Residual Current Breaker or other safety device. Ensure that it is correctly earthed if an earth connection is provided. Recommended input signal level from aerial = 60-75 dBµV SAT input to terrestrial - isolation = > 55 dB At Living room wall plate: FM DAB CCTV TV SAT Freq. range 88-108 MHz 217-230 MHz 460-860 MHz 460-860 MHz 950-2150 MHz Gain to living room 3 dB +/-2 3 dB +/-2 2 dB +/-2 5 dB +/-2 0 dB +/-3 Noise figure 5 dB Max 5 dB Max 6 dB Max 4 dB Max DC pass no no no no yes At Outlet Plates: FM DAB UHF Freq. range 88-108 MHz 217-230 MHz 460-860 MHz Gain 5 dB +/-2 5 dB +/-2 6 dB +/-2 DC pass no no 12V 100 ma (Independent short-circuit protection to all outputs.) Suggested wiring layouts are given, below. We recommend that you copy these as closely as possible. Before you begin, please make a sketch of your own proposed layout on A4 size paper. This will make it easier to see if you make a mistake. It will also allow you to send a GIF image of your sketch to our Technical department if you require help. Please note that our technical help will necessarily be limited and will be based totally on your ability to describe your layout and your problem. We do recommend that you read our eBook very carefully and, again, to employ a professional if you run into difficulties that we can not solve for you by email. What use is a Loft Box? A loft box is able to combine the SAT LNB, TV AERIAL and RADIO AERIAL signals and send them down a single coaxial cable to your main room. (You will also need a Return Feed back to the loft box). This reduces the cable requirement to two instead of four. It can also handle signals from a Remote Control Extender (e.g.. tvLINK) in the reverse direction. It is important to understand the limitations of a Loft Box: It handles modulated RF signals, not raw video. Modulated RF signals will give "average" picture quality which will usually be fine on a 14" portable TV and acceptable on a 21" TV. Analogue transmissions using NICAM will give stereo audio on a suitable TV set. Other signals (e.g.. Sky Digibox RF Out) will give mono audio. (The only way to get stereo is via Scart or Phono connections and a Loft Box can't handle those). The more signals you try to feed in to the Loft Box, the worse the picture quality is likely to be. This is due to the limited number of UHF channels available (21 - 69) and the very real risk of cross-modulation between channels (as explained in "Piping TV Around the House".) You *can* use your existing TV aerial cable as the return feed and simply add the new down feed using double-shielded cable. However, for best results (maximum signal with minimum interference) we recommend you use double-shielded cable for ALL connections. The satellite TV picture quality through a Loft Box should not be significantly worse than it is when it comes direct from the Digibox RF Output, provided that you've followed the eBook advice. Obviously it can never be as good as Scart or S-Video quality. To ensure best possible picture and audio, use Scart or S-Video (if you have a SKY-Plus model) for the larger screens. But also bear in mind that digital satellite pictures are a compromise between quality and bandwidth so they'll never be a patch on DVD quality! The diagram above shows a typical Loft Box wiring layout where the Loft Box is expected to be in the roof space or some dry upstairs location. There are optional inputs for an FM aerial, DAB aerial, security camera (or pond camera etc.) A 230 volt AC power supply is required. The wall plate is in the main viewing room. You can choose from a selection of wall plates, dependent on whether you need the telephone sockets and return feed. The RETURN feed will allow you to distribute the Sky Digibox programme AND normal TV aerial signal to other rooms, as shown. (So it's not really optional - it's essential!) A tvLINK system can be used in each room. The return feed can also carry other signals from the main viewing room (VCR, DVD etc.) These must all be tuned to separate UHF channels 21 - 69 as described in our eBook "Piping TV Around the House". IMPORTANT: The wall plates used for the secondary TV sets must be either UHF only (e.g. GLO27) or UHF and RADIO (e.g. GLO28). The main wall plate can be a single combined unit or two separate plates as required. See recommended plates at the bottom of this page. See selection in catalogue. It's important that you wire up the loft box FULLY as shown in our web page wiring diagram. If you omit vital connections (such as the return feed) the unit can not work. This is obvious from the internal diagram on page 26 of our "Piping TV.." eBook. Without the Return Feed the signals go ONLY to the living room. They can not go to TV OUT 1 - 4 because there is no internal connection. Please DO connect the Return Feed. It need only be a short link cable for the purpose of testing. Please also be sure to connect the decombiner wall plate for each output in use, otherwise you could cause damage. The diagram below shows how a Loft box Expander and a Dip1 Diplexer can be added in order to feed an additional LNB output to the main viewing room without installing an extra cable (e.g.. for a SKY+ Digibox). Please note that it's better to install the extra LNB cable (direct from your LNB on the dish to your satellite receiver LNB input) if you can! The Expander is simply a workaround for those who are too lazy to (or can't) install an extra cable. (Note that ALL cable must be proper double-shielded satellite TV coax. Although cheap "TV cable" may be used for those feeds carrying only the RF signals, you risk severe interference problems with it.) See wall plates Click HERE for another loft box wiring example. Frequently Asked Questions Q. Can I use a Loft Box with a non-Sky receiver? A. Yes but, if you want the remote extender function to work ("magic eye"), you will need to order a Global TVLink Plus with power supply. Q. Does the Loft Box aerial input provide power for a masthead amplifier or an MRD? A. Yes. A supply of 12V DC is available from the TV ANT socket for powering masthead amplifiers (Max current limited to 100 ma). Note that an aerial amplifier could overload the Loft Box input unless there is a long length of cable (or attenuator) fitted to the TV ANT socket. Q. Would you recommend a masthead amplifier to be used with and powered by a Loft box? A. No. A Loft Box normally takes the place of a masthead amplifier and is located as close to the aerial as possible. If a masthead amplifier is used, it's likely to overload the input of the Loft Box built-in amplifier unless you have a very long connecting cable or fit a suitable value attenuator to the input. Q. What's the difference between the Global Loft Box and the Philex SLX version? A. The Global version has a number of accessories available for purchase. (See diagram below). Loft box expander and DIP1 for running a second LNB signal through the Loft box (for example, if you have a SKY+ system and don't want to run cables direct from LNB to living room). Amp Adder if you need more than 8 outlets. tvLINK remote extender "magic eyes". (You can use other makes but the tvLINK is manufactured by Global so compatibility is ensured). Q. Will these accessories work with the Philex SLX version? A. Possibly, but we can't guarantee it. Q. What do I do if I don't want to use the "Return Link"? A. Without a Return Link there will be no outputs from the Loft Box so you must connect the "Living Room" output to the "Return" input on the Loft Box. You should do this anyway as an initial test to ensure the Loft Box is working. Q. Can I get good quality pictures and sound for my Flat Panel display though a Loft Box? A. No. A Loft Box has virtually no effect on picture quality if connected correctly. However, a Loft Box passes Modulated carrier analogue RF signals such as those from the RF output of a Digibox. What you put in will be what you get out. A Loft Box won't improve it. To get the best possible quality you should use a CAT5 distribution system instead. CAT5 systems will not carry LNB signals. All Digiboxes produce the same "RF Output" quality picture. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the choice of Loft Box (but it can obviously be affected by the choice and length of coaxial cables and the choice of UHF channels in use if they conflict with each other or with terrestrial channels. See our eBook "Piping TV Around the House"). Q. Why must I solder the TV plugs? A. If the plugs are carrying power to a "magic eye" or to a masthead amplifier, the wire should be soldered to the centre pin. If you don't do this, it may not make a reliable connection. Even if it does, to begin with, you risk losing the connection as the copper oxidises over months or years. See instructions HERE. If you can't solder then you could fit twist-on "F" connectors and use a "090-4333 TV-F adapter". Note, however, that this arrangement produces a rather long and heavy plug, which might damage the socket in some circumstances. Q. Why can't I use female TV plugs? A. Female TV plugs can not be soldered so there's always a risk of a bad connection. It's better to solder a male plug to the cable then use a "COLCM - male-female adapter" to convert it. Apply silicone grease to all plug connections; this will keep moisture out and also make it easier to pull out the plug when necessary. Q. How many plugs should I order? A. It depends on exactly how you intend to wire up your system. As you will be making your own wiring sketch, you can mark it according to which plug you need for each connection then count the total of each type. Q. Why is the LED on my Loft Box flashing? A. It normally signifies a short-circuit in a cable or something connected to a cable. Please disconnect each cable to locate the culprit. Q. I want to connect two or three Sky Digiboxes to a Loft Box and I want magic eyes to be able to control all of them. Please tell me how to connect everything. A. I would stress that the Loft Boxes we sell are designed to be connected as shown in the example wiring diagrams. While small variations may be possible, it is unlikely that I can help you to design a major variation because I have no personal experience of connecting them differently and I have no knowledge of the internal workings, apart from that which is already on these web pages. It is most important that you draw your own wiring sketch on a LARGE piece of paper before ordering! Time spent determining what you need, now, will save much hassle later! You can order the kit at the bottom of this page. The Global Loft Box should be installed as close to the outside TV aerial as possible and connected directly to it with double-shielded cable. The Loft Box is itself an amplifier, consequently no other amplification is required. The loss in 5 metres of cable (less than 1 dB) will make no significant difference to the end result. If you need more than 8 outlets see Amp Adder. To make ordering easier you can use the buttons below. Be sure to set the quantities to what you need. You can also change the quantities in the shopping cart. Any item set to zero will be deleted. You can also add additional items from the catalogue. See page 15 for wall plates and page 8 for cable. Download PDF specification sheet - left-click HERE. A loft box uses only "F" connectors for its connections. Initial testing: If you have not connected a TV aerial, the Loft Box aerial input may pick up interference. Connect a 75 Ohm terminator instead. (Available below). Make sure you have completed the downlink/uplink circuit and test the system without connecting any equipment into that loop circuit downstairs. Just connect "TV to "Return" on the wall plate. If that's OK in the bedroom(s), introduce equipment into the loop, one at a time, ensuring that each piece of equipment is tuned to a UHF channel that will not interfere with any other in use. Global 4 way Loft Box £45.95 Customers ordering this usually want the following: Qty TR95 TV+Radio+Sat+Return Plate 304109 £9.95 (Two cables - one in and one return. Two "F" plugs, one male IEC, one female IEC plug) Qty GLO28 GLOBAL TV+Radio DIPX SCREENED/NON-ISOLATED £4.95 (One cable in) Qty GLO27 GLOBAL TV SCREENED/NON-ISOLATED PLATE £3.95 (One cable in) Qty Order cable,clips etc. from our cable page. 090-3076 Threaded F plug £0.20 Qty 010-0135 UHF TV plug male £0.20 Qty 010-0137 UHF TV plug female £0.50 Qty 84202 TV coax plug twist-on steel £0.59 Qty 090-4333 TV-F adapter £0.95 Screws onto an "F" connector so you can plug it into your Aerial input socket on satellite receiver or TV. Allows you to use double-screened coax cable like FF leads above! Use it with our FF leads to make a high quality extension TV lead or RF lead. Qty A09351 75 Ohm "F" terminator for unused inputs £0.48 Qty Global 8 way Loft Box £54.95 Customers ordering this usually want the following: Qty TR95 TV+Radio+Sat+Return Plate 304109 £9.95 (Two cables - one in and one return. Two "F" plugs, one male IEC, one female IEC plug) Qty GLO28 Global TV+Radio screened/non-isolated decombiner wall plate £4.95 (One cable in) Qty GLO27 Global TV screened/non-isolated wall plate £3.95 (One cable in) Qty Order cable, clips etc. from our cable page. 090-3076 Threaded F plug £0.18 Qty 010-0135 UHF TV plug male £0.20 Qty 010-0137 UHF TV plug male-female converter £0.35 Qty 84202 TV coax plug twist-on steel £0.59 Qty 090-4333 TV-F adapter £0.95 Screws onto an "F" connector so you can plug it into your Aerial input socket on satellite receiver or TV. Allows you to use double-screened coax cable like FF leads above! Use it with our FF leads to make a high quality extension TV lead or RF lead. Qty A09351 75 Ohm "F" terminator for unused inputs £0.48 Qty Replacement Power Supply Unit £10.95 Qty  Send this page address - CLICK HERE - to a friend !