May Have Issues With VHF

[Temory]

I have a question regarding reception of a couple of specific channels in our viewing area. I live in NE Modesto, CA -- zip code 95355. I have installed an Antennas Direct - ClearStream 4 on the roof at approx. 15’ off the ground. The reception we receive from channels 3 (KCRA-NBC) and 13 (KOVR-CBS) is fantastic -- we also have pretty good reception of channels 29 (1-4), 31, 40 (FOX), 58 and several Spanish language channels.

My mystery is, we are not getting a decent signal from channels 10 (KXTV-ABC) or 6 (the Sacramento PBS channel). I’ve done a little research and found that channel 10 actually shares a tower with one of the channels I receive quite well and nearly all of the towers from which we receive are located in Walnut Grove, CA. I have been on the roof several times adjusting the direction of the antenna to see if that makes a difference. I have yet to find the “sweet spot.” (Using a compass, I have it “eye-balled” to approx. 310° as per data from this site.) Also, according to Google Earth, channel 10’s tower is a little closer to us than the others.

Additional information should include that we have had cable and DirecTv in the past. I am currently using DirecTv’s splitter (the one they left behind when we cancelled) to feed the signal into the house. We currently have three TVs attached to coax in different rooms -- two digital and one retro with a converter box.

OK. So, I took a second look at the “TV Signal Analysis” I generated and I noticed that both KXTV and KVIE are on a chart at the bottom labeled “VHF Hi” while the other channels are listed on the “UHF” chart. Could that have something to do with my problem? If so, is there an inexpensive solution? I’m pretty sure my antenna is supposed to work with both VHF & UHF. If not, is there something I can add that will enhance the performance? :confused:

My TV Signal Analysis is located here: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d1dda4569f9576d

[teleview]

Aim a Antenna Craft CS600 , VHF low band / VHF high band , antenna at about 320 degree magnetic compass direction.

Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

Aim the CS4 UHF antenna at about 250 degree magnetic compass direction.

Connect the CS600 and CS4 antennas together with a UVSJ = UHF/VHF - Separator/Joiner.

Type the letters uvsj in the , http://www.solidsignal.com , search box.

Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.antennacraft.net.

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The Digital Pending Applications Included tvfool radar map and channel list shows that your location has receivable Digital Broadcast Tv stations/channels to the , north , north west , west , south west , south , east.

So that the CS4 antenna will receive better at the back of the antenna.

Remove the reflector screens from the CS4 antenna.

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As always trees and tree leaves do a good job of , multipath/reflecting , absorbing , blocking , Digital Broadcast Tv Reception and so do buildings and other obstructions including your own roof and house.

It is best to install the antennas at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions of any type or kind in the directions of reception including your own roof and house.

Digital Broadcast Tv Tuners can develop - Digital Glitches - that are not cleared out with simple channel scans.

Do a Double Channel scan.

http://www.dtv.gov/rescan.html.

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The current Digital Broadcast Tv Channels are.

VHF low band channels 2 thru 6.

VHF high band channels 7 thru 13.

UHF band 14 thru 51.

[Temory]

Thank You Teleview. I appreciate the information and advice. I am a little puzzled regarding the comment about removing the reflector screens -- are you saying I can then receive usable signals from both directions? That could be interesting.

Thanks again.

[teleview]

Yes you can receive more usable signals at the back of the antenna with the reflector screens removed.

The reflector screens increase forward antenna reception by reflecting signal to the reception elements at the front of the antenna then the reception elements receive with no reflector screen.

Removing the reflector screens is a trade off.

With the reflector screens removed , less signal will be received at the front of the antenna , However with the reflector screens removed , More signal will be received at the back of the antenna.