TV Reception in New Providence, NJ

[rvn]

Looking to pull in at least CBS. It's looking like a roof mount antenna. Wondering if something like a flat one (DB8) is a good one or if I should go with a monster 9 foot Yagi.

TV Fool report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d8e0367a782de3f

There are quite a few trees around here, and tall ones, both coniferous and deciduous. Wondering how much this will negatively affect reception, and if this is a lost cause.

Thanks,

Jon

[rabbit73]

Hi, Jon:

What antenna are you using now, and where is it located?

Are you using a preamp?

What channels do you need besides CBS?
http://www.rabbitears.info/search.php?request=zip_search&zipcode=07974&miles=60&address=&lat=&lon=&dbtype=dBm&height=

The DB8E, with both panels aimed at 92 degrees magnetic would be a good choice. The 91XG yagi would also be a good choice, but these are both UHF antennas for real channels 14-51. If you also need VHF-High real channels 7-13, then you will need a VHF/UHF combo antenna like the Winegard HG7697P or 7698.

If you must have WJLP MeTV on real channel 3, then you would need an even bigger antenna that also covers VHF-Low, real channels 2-6.

WCBS-DT CBS is a 2Edge signal because of the terrain interference from what I think is the Watchung Mountains. I used to live in NJ and would drive up the mountain for more elevation to operate 2 meter ham radio from my car. If you click on the callsign in your report, you can see the terrain profile. The transmitter is on the left, your location is on the right. See attachment 1.

If you look at the coverage map, you can see that the WCBS signal barely makes it to your location.

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1408&stc=1&d=1439217562

Wondering how much this will negatively affect reception, and if this is a lost cause.Trees and other buildings will block signals. There is no magic antenna that will "see" through trees. I see a lot of trees in your area. See attachments 3 and 4. As a general rule, a smaller antenna mounted above the trees does better than a larger antenna mounted lower.

I don't know if it's a lost cause, you will just have to try it.

[rvn]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I'm not currently using a pre-amp. Just some bunny ears from an older, amplified radio shack antenna. We get PBS, but not very well all the time. (58).

So, I'll consider grabbing an antenna and putting it on the roof. Can you recommend a pre-amp?

Thanks,

Jon

[ADTech]

A pre-amp, because of several nearby stations, is more likely to cause than to solve problems.

rabbit73's recommendations and observations above are spot-on.