Need advise - What other options do I have???

[salvasol]

Here is a copy of my Signal analysis report ...

I been dealing with this for a month, and I think the only solution is to buy a new bigger antenna (which could be a problem because I live in an apartment). I have two antennas, Terk HDTVo and Old RS. With the RS I was receiving 24, 28, 40 and 46 but right now I only get 24.

Is there any other option, besides changing antennas??? I'm using the Terk antenna power amp... I've seen some antennas on ebay that i like but I'm not sure if they will work. Here is the link http://cgi.ebay.com/Lava-VHF-UHF-Remote-Control-HDTV-Antenna-NIB-HD-2605-/160432696453?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item255a88ac85

Thank You
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[salvasol]

I found this website ( http://www.lavasat.com/ ) .... but, this is their return policy I found on their online store

Return Policy

All products are special ordered by the person ordering, and are NOT subject to cancellation. Due to the nature of our product line, some items may be used once, and no longer needed. For this reason, ALL SALES ARE FINAL, unless defective. Any return must be authorized. Authorization and shipping instructions must be obtained from Security & Spy Direct. Return product via UPS or U.S. mail, prepaid and insured, for your protection. (Please note, we cannot refund shipping fees). No returns will be authorized after five (5) business days of receipt, unless defective. No discontinued item may be returned. Returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee. Thirty (30) days money back guarantee (if the product has not been opened, we can accept return within thirty days). After thirty (30) days from the invoice date, we do not accept any return or issue any refund on return.

What do you think???

[teleview]

http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=235 . . So with Google maps shows this to be house for rent 25422 Edgemont Dr. San Bernardino , Ca. is this correct?

[kb2fzq]

I've seen some antennas on ebay that i like but I'm not sure if they will work. Here is the link http://cgi.ebay.com/Lava-VHF-UHF-Remote-Control-HDTV-Antenna-NIB-HD-2605-/160432696453?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item255a88ac85


I'm always a little skeptical of the gain figures on these "snake-oil" type antennas advertised on the eBay posts.
Personally, I would think that old RS antenna would still be your best bet. An addition of a rotor, pre-amp, and new high quality 75 ohm coax would probably make a night and day difference with your reception.
Just be careful before you jump into a "snake-oil" purchase...

[salvasol]

[ . . So with Google maps shows this to be house for rent 25422 Edgemont Dr. San Bernardino , Ca. is this correct?

Thank you for your reply.

The address is 1525 E Lynwood Dr, San Bernardino CA 92404 ....this is an apartment building, I'm in the second floor and the antenna is on the roof.

[salvasol]

I would think that old RS antenna would still be your best bet. An addition of a rotor, pre-amp, and new high quality 75 ohm coax would probably make a night and day difference with your reception.
Just be careful before you jump into a "snake-oil" purchase...

You're right about the ebay antenna...that's why I'm taking my time before purchasing one, I'll if they guarantee that I'll get my money back if it doesn't work.

I already have a rotor (been lazy to install it). When you said: 75ohm coax, you mean new cable, Right??? I think I'm using RG59....Do you have any suggestion for the pre-amp and 75ohm coax???

[salvasol]

This is the rotor I have ...http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=ROTR100&d=Eagle-Aspen-ROTR100-OneCable-Antenna-Rotator-%28ROTR100%29&c=Antenna%20Rotators&sku=

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[salvasol]

This is the antenna I have RS VU-75XR (here is the link to the manual http://www.radioshack.com/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/1502151_PM_EN.pdf), it doesn't have much information besides how to assemble the antenna.

I'm searching for pre-amps and I found this Winegard AP 8275 (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=AP8275&d=Winegard-AP-8275-Chromstar-2000-Series-VHFUHF-Pre-Amplifier-%28AP8275%29&c=Pre-Amplifiers&sku=615798100162)

Will I need an amp too???

[salvasol]

I found this pre-amp Winegard AP 8275 (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=AP8275&d=Winegard-AP-8275-Chromstar-2000-Series-VHFUHF-Pre-Amplifier-%28AP8275%29&c=Pre-Amplifiers&sku=615798100162) and the antenna I have is RS VU-75XR (here is the manual (http://www.radioshack.com/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/1502151_PM_EN.pdf), it doesn't have a lot of information).

Also, if I install the pre-amp; Will I also need an amp???

[teleview]

The truth comes out a little bit at a time. And now my truth , I am to lazy to help you any more.:rolleyes:

[kb2fzq]

You're right about the ebay antenna...that's why I'm taking my time before purchasing one, I'll if they guarantee that I'll get my money back if it doesn't work.

I already have a rotor (been lazy to install it). When you said: 75ohm coax, you mean new cable, Right??? I think I'm using RG59....Do you have any suggestion for the pre-amp and 75ohm coax???

I would get an assembled (connectors attached both ends) run of RG6 quad sheild...Home Improvement stores have 25, 50 and 100 foot runs.
I use the AntennaCraft 10G212 30db pre-amp, you can adjust it from 10 to 30db at the indoors power supply. Some say it has a high noise figure, but I've had nothing but good luck with it. Connect it all to the old RS antenna, rotor too, and you should be good.

[salvasol]

Thank you for all suggestions....

And teleview, Don't be lazy...get to work :D

[salvasol]

What do you think: Winegard AP 8275 (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=AP8275&d=Winegard-AP-8275-Chromstar-2000-Series-VHFUHF-Pre-Amplifier-%28AP8275%29&c=Pre-Amplifiers&sku=615798100162) or Antennacraft 10G202 (http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=10G202&d=Antennacraft-10G202-High-Gain-Premium-Grade-VHFUHF-TV-Antenna-PreAmplifier-%2810G202%29&c=Pre-Amplifiers&sku=)????

I read that the 10G202 is a little better than the 10G212 (Sorry kb2fzq:o)

[Tigerbangs]

I don't understand the issue; if you already have an antenna on the roof, why is it an issue to replace it with a larger antenna: it is a simple replacement? Based on the signal strengths available at your location: you are in a fringe-to-deep-fringe reception area for the LA transmitters: you should be looking at much more antenna than what you are using. Unless you are looking for some oddball stations, everything that you will want to see will come from Mt. Wilson, and won't require the installation of a rotator.

I would suggest using a Winegard HD-7696p. You need to pull the TERK preamplifier out of the system, since it is likely overloading on the two local transmitters in your area. You will need to use a high-input preamp like a Winegard HDP-269, which won't overload on your local signals while still amplifying the weaker LA signals. DO NOT use a high-gain preamp like the Winegard AP-8275 or the AntennaCraft, or you will overload them and lose channels! The Gain control on the AntennaCraft will NOT protect you from overload problems!

The biggest mistake that you can make is to assume that a preamplifier will substitute for a better antenna: a preamp can only work with the signal that the antenna provides. the Radio Shack antenna that you are using is their smallest antenna, and is not intended to work in a fringe areas such as yours. Using that antenna with a high-gain preamplifier is not going to do you much good, and will probably do more damage. also, if you are using RG-59 cable, yahk it out and replace it with modern RG-6u cable!

[salvasol]

I don't understand the issue; if you already have an antenna on the roof, why is it an issue to replace it with a larger antenna: it is a simple replacement? .....

Thank you for the reply.

The issue with another antenna is the size...like I said is an apartment complex, and I got away with this small antenna (first I installed the Terk HDTVo (much smaller) then I replace it with the RS, I'm the only one who has OTA, everybody has satellite or cable, but I want to avoid that expense).

I already installed the rotator, channel 24 signal is strong if I point the antenna to the right place, but it works if is pointing to Mt Wilson too.

I will check the coax (I was assuming is RG59 because is white, but I noticed that RG6 can be that color too...not just black :D)

Decisions, decisions, decisions....:(

Edit: I need a VHF/UHF antenna, Do you think a 7-69 is enough or do I need one 2-69???

[salvasol]

I found this information about my antenna VU-75XR VHF/UHF/FM Antenna
(150-2151) Specifications Faxback Doc. # 38046

Average Gain (Low Band [VHF] Channel): ............................ 2.8 dB
(High Band [VHF] Channel): ........................... 5.8 dB
(UHF Band Channel): .................................... 5.6 dB
(FM Band [MHz]): ....................................... -0.8 dB

Median Av. F/B Ratio (VHF Low Band): ................................. 8.0
(VHF High Band): ........................................ 9.0
(UHF): ..................................................... 15.0
(FM): ....................................................... 6.0

Average Half-Power Beam Width (Chan. 2 - 6): .................. 69 degrees
(Chan. 7 - 13): .............................. 49 degrees
(UHF*): ........................................ 54 degrees
(FM): ........................................... 72 degrees

* At Chan. 30 (566 MHz)

Can somebody tell me what can I do to improve reception (if it can be done with this antenna) or What antenna can I get to upgrade... I prefer to stay within 60" - 90" max lenght :rolleyes:

I been considering winegard 7694p or maybe 7695p, another option is the Antennacraft HBU33. I want to avoid to get anything bigger......

From the tvfool list....I'm trying to receive all the way to KCET(28.1) or at least KMEX (34.1) then I'll be happy.

[Tigerbangs]

The Winegard HD-7694P has at least 3dB more gain (double the gain of the VU-75) across the usable TV spectrum, and more than 5dB gain in the critical UHF band, yet it's overall footprint is considerably SMALLER than the VU-75, especially in width. Buy the HD-7694P and add a high-input preamplifier like the Winegard HDP-269, use all new RG-6u coaxial cable, and you should find much better reception than you are currently experiencing without any appreciable increase in size.