Extreme fringe- thoughts or suggestions?

[Jason S]

I've been 'lurking' on TV Fool for a while and have enjoyed reading some very useful posts, threads and links. In my location in SE Kansas, it seems most people have cable (in town) or Dish/Direct TV (inside/outside town).

As the title states, I believe that I'm in the extreme fringe. I've been experimenting with trying to improve my OTA reception.

I finally decided to join to seek advice, recommendations or thoughts.

Originally the ultimate goal was to be able to get KOED PBS (real channel 11). There are several 30'-40' elm trees on my property, plus the neighbors trees all around which includes a 60' + cottonwood tree.

Here is my radar plot for my location at 23': http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dec2fc6c93debd8

Here is 35': http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dec2f35a2f5ba55

Here is 45': http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dec2f71fe7c7998

We have recently moved here so I started with what I had on hand, which is a Winegard HD7694P. With this antenna, I got KOAM and KDOR (real channels 7 and 17).

Mainly from reading through TV Fool posting about VHF-hi, I purchased an Antennacraft Y10713 and an RCA TVPRAMP1R. Experimenting with this combination at about 10' and aimed southerly, I could get KOED (11), KTUL (10) and KJRH (8). Reception was not very reliable, but was receivable at 10'. Additionally, KTUL has shown up intermittently when pointed that direction at 23'.

Next with the Y10713 and RCA pre-amp, I aimed toward KOAM & KFJX and had reliable reception of KOAM (7) and mostly reliable reception of KFJX (13). Additionally, WIBW (13) has showed up from a scan but has not delivered any picture.

I have experimented for UHF with a home built version of the 9 1/2" x 9" spacing 4-bay antenna from eastmasonville and received KOAM (7) and KDOR (17), but nothing more.

Wiring is older RG-6 at around 100' straight to one television through the ground block (in addition to amplifier and amp power injector).

I imagine that I can take some more measures to try to get reception, but I thought I would see what suggestions/recommendations others might have to offer.

Lastly, I checked with the city and maximum height for communications structures is 35-feet.

I appreciate any input or suggestions that may be offered.

[GroundUrMast]

Unfortunately, your location is quite remote insofar as TV signals is concerned.

The Y10713 lends itself to ganging and stacking, given it's balanced 300Ω output. 450Ω twin-lead can still be found, or you can make your own open wire twin-lead... Here are a few links re. ganging and stacking, http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=1024

You can apply the same principals to ganging and stacking an Antennacraft MXU59.

I would consider experimenting with a Rhombic if I was in such a remote location... http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2865

[Jason S]

Thank you for the reply, GUM.

I figured that there probably isn't going to be a real easy answer to get reception here.

[teleview]

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I recommend a , Antennas Direct , DB8e , Current UHF channels 14 thru 51 antenna for reception of UHF channels.

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To the North East at 52 degree magnetic compass direction a Tv Repeater/Translator , PBS Networks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KTWU.

K30AL-D , Digital UHF channel 30.

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To the South East at 149 degree magnetic compass direction a Tv Repeater/Translator , Unknown Network. Has been a Analog Tv transmitter.

Wikipedia says now owned by Luken Communications.

Contact Luken Communications engineering department and other departments , to discover what is being transmitted now.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K50JG.

K50JG , Analog ?? UHF channel 50.

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Is interesting that , the Major Network Tv Stations or any other Tv Stations Networks of , Wichita , Joplin , Tulsa , Kansas City , are not leasing space on above listed towers.

Low Power Repeater Transmitters do not cost that much.

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Is also interesting that space is not being leased on cell phone towers.

http://find.mapmuse.com/map/cell-towers/near/Fredonia,+KS.

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Here are some above the roof antenna mounts for your reception location.

http://www.ronard.com/712.html. install the , ronard(712-50-10) , 10 foot tripod antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html. Measure around the chimney and install a , ronard(2212) , ronard(2218) , ronard(2224) .

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Home Depot has , 10 foot 6 inch length - 1 and 3/8 inch diameter , TOP RAIL , chain link fence , PIPE , that makes excellent antenna mast pipe , the price is low at about 12 dollars.

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Here are , Light Weight Aluminum , Free Standing , No Guy Wires , Lay Over Towers.

http://www.palcoelectronics.com/pe300.aspx.

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Tvfool shows that a antenna height of 80 to 100 feet above ground will receive more long distance Tv stations.

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Maximun height for towers is not 35 feet , the Tv antenna tower can be higher.

And a Tv antenna tower can be higher , requires no permit and lights.

At google maps , I see a tall tower North East of the intersection of , N.15th St and Madison.

And another tower at the intersection of , Polk St. and N. 6th St.

As you drive around the city limits of Fredonia and outside of the city limits of Fredonia , you will likely find more towers of different heights from short to tall.

[Billiam]

Jason. At one time I lived about 40 miles east of Kansas City in a small town. I was able to receive UHF channels that were 2 edge with a minus Noise Margin as low as minus 16! I was using a single MXU 59 with a Antennacraft pre amp. RG 11 cable too. Might be doable in your situation if you don't have a lot of trees on your property or nearby.

[Jason S]

Thanks for the reply Billiam.

Besides a weak signal,there are plenty of trees around. I've considered the MXU-59 and that may be my next acquisition. Then I may try stacking/ganging.

Another direction I may try: At a farm outside of town, there's a large parabolic Channel Master (or equivalent) on a tower. I've thought I should stop to ask if they're willing to sell the tower and antenna...

I've also looked more in depth at GUM's rhombic suggestion...

[Jason S]

Thank you for the reply, Teleview.


Is interesting that , the Major Network Tv Stations or any other Tv Stations Networks of , Wichita , Joplin , Tulsa , Kansas City , are not leasing space on above listed towers.

I think it's odd... I've lived in some remote areas in New Mexico and Western Oklahoma that had very good repeater coverage. But it was also a lot flatter terrain and a lot less trees...

Here are , Light Weight Aluminum , Free Standing , No Guy Wires , Lay Over Towers.

I have looked at the Palco website before; If my experimenting proves fruitful, I may go with one of those towers.

[teleview]

+=>

If it is one of the Parabolic Type Channel Master UHF Antennas , do your best to not break or destroy it.

It is Very Good for Long Distance UHF Reception.

And their are Antique Antenna Collectors that will buy the antenna.

Owning one of those Channel Master UHF Parabloics , is a Great Pride and Joy with Bragging Rites Beyond Compare.

And Antique Antenna Collectors are also looking for other Maker Brands of those no longer made parabolic antennas.

http://www.rocketroberts.com/cm4251/cm4251.htm.


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As to the rough area with trees.

The satellite view google maps , shows that area of Kansas around the Fredonia area is rough and the area outside of the area does not look so rough.