Can't get certain channel

[mikka_x]

Hello!

I have an RCA ANT751 antenna with a preamp, attic mounted, splitter for two TVs. Here is my Signal Analysis: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d46aeddfd04c9e9

My question is why can't I get Channel 16.1, WUSF-DT at all? I have tried adjusting the position of the antenna, tried w/out the preamp, with the preamp and nothing. Pretty much all other channels come in at full strength. Looking for a solution besides the obvious move the antenna outside :)

Thanks.

[GroundUrMast]

Consider "testing" reception outside. Simply use the ANT-751, a cable not longer than 50' and one TV. Can you see WUSF in that configuration?

[mikka_x]

With Just one TV (the one furthest from the antenna) hooked up in my current configuration I was getting channel 16. Now, with 2 TVs it won't come in at all, zero signal.

I tried changing the splitter, cables (were I could), and moved the antenna about a foot inside the attic.

[GroundUrMast]

What's the make/model of preamp? (The wrong choice of preamp can cause you more trouble than it solves.)

I'm still very suspicious of the attic environment... I've seen reception trouble with better signal levels and higher performance antennas in attics.

[mikka_x]

It is an RCA TVPRAMP1R Outdoor Antenna Preamplifier.

I choose the attic install out of convenience. All the cables and an electrical outlet are right near my attic access hatch.

I tried without the preamp and got almost no channels. Would I still need the preamp if I ended up moving the antenna outside?

[teleview]

As a Test install the ANT751 antenna above the roof in such a manner that the roof and house are not , obstructing , impeding , blocking , reception in the directions of , South West , South , South East , East , North.

Aim the ANT751 antenna at about 125 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

Use a Real and Actual magnetic compass to aim antenna.

[ADTech]

I tried without the preamp and got almost no channels.

Hmm... That indicates that either you had a bad cable, bad antenna, or a "bad" attic or an outside signal obstruction that cannot be calculated.

Such an attic would be one that has any of the following: Metal roof, stone or tile roof, radiant barrier, decking with radiant barrier on the top, TechShield shingles, "shooting through a gable that has metal or cement content, or similar. For a simple layout that you've described and from your TVfool plot, there should be sufficient signal power at your address such that you could run multiple TV sets throughout the whole house without ever using an amp.

Outside obstructions would be houses or other buildings or trees in the signal path to your attic.

moved the antenna about a foot inside the attic.

A whole foot? Think bigger. Try EVERYWHERE in the attic. Attics are black holes for signals and you have to explore them to see if you can find a "sweet spot". Be patient and be persistent.

The next measure is the obvious one and you already know what it is.

[teleview]

If the amplifier power supply and power injector are on one side of the splitter and the actual amplifier unit is on the other side of the splitter.

Then the splitter must be a power passing type splitter so power can get to the amplifier unit.

[mikka_x]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will give them a try and report back.

[mikka_x]

I moved the antenna outside, mounted to the side of my house. Solved ALL the problems. Thanks for all the help.

[teleview]

You antenna Installed on side of house.

I still recomend install the antenna above the roof of the house in such a manner the the roof and house are not , obstructing , impeding , blocking , reception to the , south west , south , south east , east , north.

Aim the antenna at about 125 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

Use a Real and Actual magnetic compass to aim antenna.

[GroundUrMast]

A wise person with poor grammar once said, "Don't fix it if it aint broke".

To others reading this thread, I agree with the general wisdom of mounting high and clear of obstructions.