Reception help

[imafan]

My in-laws have been paying DirectTv a good amount for base package and 1 foreign channel but they are only interested the foreign channel. A friend about 5 minute drive away is able to pickup a few channels in the 1.x KAXT and 26.5 in KTSF using clearstream 4. I bought a CS4 and hooked it up about about 8ft high but wasn't able to pickup any channels in KAXT. However, there's no issue with getting KTSF. I've tested the cs4 at the friend's house and it was able to pickup 1.x channels just fine. Any idea how can i improve reception?

Different antenna is an option if it's not too big as they live in a lower unit of a duplex.

reception.
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d134939d9b1c247

Thanks much!

[signals unlimited]

The signal from KAXT is very strong, and the antenna DB4 is more powerfull enough to do the job, so confirm direction and be sure that you are not headed right into a large tree or building, it should aim 117 degrees magnetic. check your connections, and rescan for antenna signals. If all of that fails, try another DTV set or converter box. Perhaps you can borrow a set that has the channel scaned in. Try that.

[ADTech]

Please note that KAXT transmits from Mt Allison which overlooks Milpitas to your south-east. KTSF transmits from Mt San Bruno, several miles south of San Francisco.

Please verify that the C4 is aimed properly for the desired station. Also, please note that the directions to the two towers form nearly a right angle. The C4 has a major null at the 90° points (due left and right of bore-site), same as any panel or loop antenna or even a dipole. That means it's close to blind at those angles. The C4 is moderately directional, so don't assume it's going to receive stations from widely varying angles. A reception pattern is printed on the back of the retail black box.

[Electron]

The Tv transmissions are strong at the location.

And are from many directions around the compass.

Try a Terk HDTVi indoor antenna aimed at about 287 degree magnetic compass.
Here is how to aim indoor antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

If there unit is on ground floor , is there a patio?? and if so what direction is the patio??

[Electron]

Also can remove the reflector screen from the CS4 antenna and the CS4 will then receive more then one direction at the front and back of the antenna.

Aim either side of the CS4 with the reflector screen removed at about 287 degree magnetic compass.

Here is is how to aim outdoor type antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html

[imafan]

Thanks all. I brought a small TV with channels scanned in and use signal strength to find the aim direction. I'm able to pickup KAXT with a 15' diy pole. DirectTV unplugged. /cheer.

I'm curious, what's an accurate way/device to locate magnetic north degrees? The compass app on my phone pointing toward strongest signal says ~60deg NE magnetic north, which is way off of the suggested aim direction. I wouldn't have been able locate the aim if it wasn't for the signal strength meter from my scanned in TV. Once installed pointing in the strongest signal direction, my in-law TV scanned and picked up the channels just fine.

[Electron]

A plain old school compass works fine , use the compass outside away from buildings , and metal structures.

[GroundUrMast]

Yet another way to get your self aligned... During the half of the year when Standard Time is in effect, the sun will be due south of you at noon. (Accurate enough to aim an antenna.)

During Daylight Savings time, the sun will be due south of you at 1 PM.