Should I switch from CM4220 to ANT751?

[timbrwlf55]

Hello Folks,

I've been OTA for a few years now, in the Portland, OR area. I bought a CM4220 antenna back when I started and mast mounted it on the edge of my second story roof pointed in the direction of my local towers which are about 6-8 miles away as the crow flies. I have about 20 feet of RG6 coax between it and a CM3042 13 dB amp, then another 10-15 feet to my TV. I can get the vast majority of channels with no problems, but I have trouble pulling in 28.1 and 28.2 in bad weather. On a good day they come in with occasional drop outs. I want to see if I can get these to come in solid, but I really want to try and keep to a smaller size form factor antenna, as a big antenna would probably have to be attic mounted due to wife's objections and my desire to remount and rewire everything is next to nil. I have read good things about the RCA ANT751 model, but am having a hell of a time finding gain numbers that are directly comparable to the CM4220. From what I read the gain isn't significantly better with the ANT751, but I wonder if this antennas different structural design could help me in this situation?

Here's my TV Fool info

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d7ebb0883ac319e

Thanks,
Jeremy

[John Candle]

The Tv transmissions are so strong that the amplifier is likely overloading causing problems , I recommend remove it. The ANT751 is a simple VHF/UHF local reception antenna it will have the same Low gain figures as a Winegard HD7000R and other antennas of this size and shape. You can get antennas like these at Lowes , radio shack and etc.. You can ask about returning it if does not improve reception. . If you think a longer antenna will fit in the attic then I recommend a Winegard HD7082P. . And again there is no reason to have a amplifier , the Tv transmissions to the east are S-T-R-O-N-G.

[John Candle]

I also recommend grounding the coax in the attic , use a coax grounding block. Most houses will have a BARE copper ground wire running along with the other electric wiring , can use a split bolt clap to connect a wire from the coax grounding block. The electrical hardware department of Home Depot and Lowes will have all manner ground wire and connecting hard ware. . So why ground the coax in the attic?? Grounding the outer shield of the coax directs interference to ground thereby providing a cleaner signal to the Tv's.