Carrier Noise Ratios

It cannot be emphasized enough just how important carrier noise levels are for a digital signal

The agreed limits for C/N ratio for digital reception are:

• Reliable reception                                           26dB or better
• Marginal reception                                         23-25 dB
• Unreliable or no reception                            22dB

If the carrier noise level is not good at the aerial terminals, an amplifier will not help and the aerial strength must be helped in other ways.

If the C/N ratio is too low at the aerial terminals, then putting a mast head amplifier on will not help matters.