Picking up far channels but not closer ones

[FlaEileen]

I live in Pensacola, Fl. I have an indoor antenna (Philips SDV6122/27) which works pretty well. I can receive most channels on the list.

I can receive WKRG from Mobile, AL., which is 36.4 miles away just fine.
I cannot pick up WALA from Mobile, AL., which is only 34.7 miles away. (Missed the Super Bowl, dang it!)

Why am I not able to pick up a closer station? It boggles my mind. If anyone has advice as to a stronger indoor antenna, I would appreciate it. I rent and can't put up an outdoor antenna.

My TV Signal Analysis Results:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3de07ce416d1a67e

[Tower Guy]

I live in Pensacola, Fl. I have an indoor antenna (Philips SDV6122/27) which works pretty well. I can receive most channels on the list.

I cannot pick up WALA from Mobile, AL., which is only 34.7 miles away. (Missed the Super Bowl, dang it!)

Why am I not able to pick up a closer station?

I'd suspect FM overload.

WALA is on VHF channel 9. Your antenna does have a VHF rabbit ear section, but it has an amplifier. Strong FM stations can overload the amplifier.

You can try shortening the rabbit ear elements to 16" on each side, that will favor channel 9 while also reducing the FM signal strength. The other solution is to try an un-amplified antenna. Even then, 35 miles is far for an indoor VHF antenna.

[John Candle]

Here is information of NON Amplified indoor Tv antennas , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=233 , Here is information of aiming Tv antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html , Here is where to buy a Fm Trap for use with a NON Amplified indoor Tv antenna. http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/33-341

[FlaEileen]

Thanks for the replies. I adjusted the rabbit ears and turned the amplifier down. Didn't help. I may try the FM trap. If that doesn't help, I suppose I'll just live without channel 9.

[Dave Loudin]

The FM trap won't help, as you need to place it between the antenna and amplifier, which you don't have access to. An unamplified version of your antenna is a simple rabbit ears/loop combo that would cost all of $12 at most.

[Tower Guy]

Thanks for the replies. I adjusted the rabbit ears and turned the amplifier down. Didn't help. I may try the FM trap. If that doesn't help, I suppose I'll just live without channel 9.

As Dave states, the FM trap won't help with your existing antenna. The FM trap needs to be between the antenna and the amplifier. Your existing antenna has an internal amplifier.