Central Florida area

[jrsummersill1]

I am using a Freevision Outdoor HDTV Antenna (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Winegard-Freevision-Outdoor-HDTV-Antenna-FVHD30H/203972856) on my roof about 15-20 feet from the ground and a lot of times my picture pixelates and freezes. This seems to happen most often right before or during rainy/stormy weather, but has occurred when there is no bad weather, too. I'm not sure if it is actually the antenna causing the problem or if it is maybe the direction of the antenna. I have it facing Northeast right now. The other factor which may be causing a problem is my neighbor's tree which is about 10 feet in front of the antenna since it has grown over to my side of the yard. Has anyone else used this antenna (it had pretty good reviews)? Is my direction off? Here is my tvfool link: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dd24363514891da. Or is the tree the bad reception issue? Any advice will be greatly appreciated as this is driving me crazy! Thanks!

[ADTech]

I'd be inclined blame the tree if it's in the signal path. Fix that first, if at all possible.

[jrsummersill1]

Yes, that is what I was afraid the suggestion would be. I can't cut the tree down. I would have to go higher up above the tree, probably another 20 or so feet. I was trying to figure out how exactly I would do that. Right now the antenna is attached to the back of my electrical stack on my roof. Do you have any suggestions on how to get the antenna that much higher? Is there a certain type of pipe better and sturdier for that height? I would think the longer the pipe is, the more unstable it would be. Thanks again!

[ADTech]

Attaching an antenna to the electrical service mast is incredibly dangerous and is an electrical code violation.

Look for alternate mounting locations that offer a signal path under, over, or around the tree.

[timgr]

Wow. Dangerous and illegal.

Move the antenna and mast at least far enough away from the electrical service that they cannot touch the wires and mast if they fall. I would say that's the MINIMUM distance you should be from the electrical service. You are flirting with electrocution being anywhere near the electrical service.

Check with your electric utility if you doubt this.

[jrsummersill1]

I believe you--I just didn't realize it. It will be moved asap! Any suggestions on either a roof mount or a pole coming up from the ground? Which is better? Would it be a special type of pole so that it isn't too flexible during wind and bad weather? Thanks for all the info!!

[timgr]

It just depends on your situation and how high you want to go. You can have free standing, eave mount, wall mount, chimney mount, roof-mounted tripod, whatever you can imagine. Much is determined by the shape, size and layout of your buildings and property.

A chain-link fence top rail is often suggested as a mast. That's a 10' stick, 1 3/8" (?) diam. Pretty cheap at the home center. If you want to go higher/longer, there are purpose built masts available that telescope up to 50' or so. These are secured with guy wires to the ground or roof.

Look at some of the online sellers of antenna mounting gear, like Solid Signal http://www.solidsignal.com/c/products.asp?tc=over-the-air-tv-antennas-supplies&mc=03&d=over-the-air-tv-antennas-supplies - Ronard is a well-known brand http://www.ronard.com/

[Ben Myers]

I am using a Freevision Outdoor HDTV Antenna (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Winegard-Freevision-Outdoor-HDTV-Antenna-FVHD30H/203972856) on my roof about 15-20 feet from the ground and a lot of times my picture pixelates and freezes. This seems to happen most often right before or during rainy/stormy weather, but has occurred when there is no bad weather, too. I'm not sure if it is actually the antenna causing the problem or if it is maybe the direction of the antenna. I have it facing Northeast right now. The other factor which may be causing a problem is my neighbor's tree which is about 10 feet in front of the antenna since it has grown over to my side of the yard. Has anyone else used this antenna (it had pretty good reviews)? Is my direction off? Here is my tvfool link: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dd24363514891da. Or is the tree the bad reception issue? Any advice will be greatly appreciated as this is driving me crazy! Thanks!

Most of the stations in your area are to the southeast.

[Jake V]

Before investing in any new equipment I'd try removing the antenna from it's current location on the electrical stack, connecting it to a new length of coax directly through a window to one TV, and trying it at numerous locations on the roof, aimed at about 107 degrees using a real compass. Attempt to find a place where you have LOS towards 107 degrees. Do a double scan of channels each time and record what you get and the signal quality. In addition, I'd even try hanging it off the side of the house.

If nothing works, you might try a different antenna. The link you mentioned shows it has a gain of 6 dB (but it does not break it down into VHF and UHF). An antenna like the DB8e can have a gain up to 17 dB. But the experts can comment on the best antenna for your application should you not be able to 'see' through the trees.

[ADTech]

Heh! Didn't even catch that it was aimed the wrong direction for the Orlando majors which are located near Bithlo, about midway between Orlando and the Cape.

Fix that while you're fixing the previous issue and we'll see what's happening.

Please note that WESH operates a UHF translator near Deltona so VHF reception might or might not be needed. There are multiple scenarios based upon what the OP wants.

[jrsummersill1]

Thanks for all of the tips! I will definitely get a real compass this weekend and it will be moved off the stack to a safer location. I was using a compass app on my phone and that is probably a big part of my reception problem......I will check back in once I implement the suggestions and let you know how it works out.