antenna pointing questions

[energyzer]

Hello all! I'm new here. I'm in the process of installing some OTA antennas, and would like some advise. Thanks in advance for your help! First, my report: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9900d112d6d96e
Next the antennas that I purchased. I got two, the clearstream 5 and the DB4e. I plan to use my existing DirectV mount and put a 10' pipe in so it sits up probably around 20-25' in the air to the top of the pipe. I contacted antennas direct, and all they said was to point the C5 East, and the DB4e West. In looking over this site and others, it appears that there is more to it than that. Can someone help me figure out at what exact angle, or direction to point for maximum reception? The guys at Ant. Dir. also said that the two had to be 2-3 feet apart from each other. Any recomendations on which antenna to put on top? Also, where I want to mount it, to the East, there is a tall tree, maybe 40 feet away. There is also powerlines that run down the alley......no where near the pole, but will the noise on the lines interfear?

[Electron]

Aim the C5 VHF antenna at about 245 degree magnetic compass.

For reception of.

KHAS-DT VHF channel 5 NBC and This Nebraska/This Tv.

KLKN-DT VHF channel 8 ABC and Live Well Network.

KOLN-DT VHF channel 10 CBS and MyNetwork.

KGIN-DT VHF channel 11 CBS and MyNetwork.

KHGI-TV VHF channel 13 ABC and FOX.


Aim the DB4e UHF antenna at about 250 degree magnetic compass for the reception of.

KHNE-DT UHF channel 28 PBS.

K56FC UHF channel 50 construction permit , not on the air yet.

KYVG-TV UHF channel 19 FOX.


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

Mount the antennas above the roof.

Here are some STRONG and STURDY above the roof antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com.

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at solidsignal by typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box.

Here are some places to buy antenna mounts and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.antennasdirect.com , http://www.amazon.com.

Put the C5 on the bottom and DB4e on top. Separate by a about 2 or 3 feet.

[energyzer]

Thanks for the great info.......One question for you, in all my hunting, I'm being told in another forum that I can't combine these two antennas without an A-B switch because they will cancel eachother out in one direction or the other since they are both uhf/vhf. I planned on using a diplexer that comes with the C5 to combine the signals and use one cable to bring it in the house. Will this not work like that? Would I be better off with one antenna or the other?

[GroundUrMast]

If you mount two antennas on the same mast, put the UHF antenna on top.

Aim point suggestions are starting points. You'll want to fine tune the aim after first installing the antenna. If you have a signal meter built into a TV, use it. Aiming is usually an exercise in compromise, the goal is to get reliable reception of the most signals. After all, you'll probably spend more time watching a TV program, not the signal meter.

You'll get more reliable reception if you can mount the antenna(s) so they aren't aimed at trees or buildings.

If you use the satellite mount to support a 10' mast, consider wind loading. I'm sure you don't want the roof damaged. Some sort of guy wire or other support will be needed.

The UVSJ diplexer will combine the two antennas properly. You don't need an A/B switching arrangement.

[Electron]

It is always a good to not receive Tv transmissions through trees and tree leaves , trees absorb and reflect Tv transmissions.

If the C5 can be located at a place that avoids the trees to the east that will be better.

The C5 comes with a combiner that combines the C5 and DB4e on to one coax down lead , that is good it simplifies the installation and connections to the Tv/s.

And speaking of Tv/s.

How many Tv/s are/will be connected??

[energyzer]

It is always a good to not receive Tv transmissions through trees and tree leaves , trees absorb and reflect Tv transmissions.

If the C5 can be located at a place that avoids the trees to the east that will be better.

THe C5 comes with a combiner that combines the C5 and DB4e on to one coax down lead , that is good it simplifies the installation and connections to the Tv/s.

And speaking of Tv/s.

How many Tv/s are/will be connected??

I'm only hooking up 1 TV

[Electron]

I find watching the signal strength meter to be more interesting then many Tv programs.

But then I am more interested receiving Tv stations , then being (entertained???) by the programing.

The Tv/s Must scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels sometimes named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travcel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

Do Not scan for cable tv channels.

A antenna amplifier will most likely not be required for one Tv connection.

For one Tv connection use No splitters. Every time a splitter split takes place the signal strength is reduced.

No sense to reduce signal strength needlessly.

[energyzer]

Would one or the other antenna work to pull in the stations in my area? If I used just the DB4e, could I get most everything with it?

[Electron]

------->As I under stood it you already have the C5 and DB4e antennas.<--------

I am evaluating the use of one antenna , will return shortly.

Well Ok , further evaluation shows that currently all the programing can be Received with the C5 antenna.

The C5 is really a VHF high band antenna channels 7 thru 13 antenna.

The C5 will receive the VHF low band channels 2 thru 6 if the signals are strong.

The C5 will receive the UHF band channels 14 thru 51 if the signals are strong.

A Much Better Solution for reception with one antenna is a Winegard HD7082P antenna aimed at 245 degree magnetic compass.

The HD7082P antenna is -->designed<-- to be a All Band Antenna. VHF Channel 2 thru 6 , VHF channels 7 thru 13 and UHF channels 14 thru 51.

A Much Better Solution is the HD7082P All Band Antenna.

[energyzer]

I am evaluating the use of one antenna , will return shortly.

Sounds great, thanks

[Electron]

Buy the Winegard HD7082P antenna at , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com.

[Electron]

No do not use the DB4e by it's self.

The DB4e is a UHF antenna that will receive VHF channels 7 thru 13 to a very limited degree and is VERY BAD at receiving channels 2 thru 6.

KHAS-DT channel 5 is transmitting on channel 5.

-------------->So what antennas IF ANY do you have now??<--------------

[energyzer]

No do not use the DB4e by it's self.

The DB4e is a UHF antenna that will receive VHF channels 7 thru 13 to a very limited degree and is VERY BAD at receiving channels 2 thru 6.

KHAS-DT channel 5 is transmitting on channel 5.

-------------->So what antennas IF ANY do you have now??<--------------

I ordered the C5 and the DB4e. They are being delivered today and Monday.

[energyzer]

If need be, I guess I could send them both back and get something different, if you think there is a better solution.

[Electron]

It is all your choice , You do what ever You think is the best.

To reduce confusion to a minimum. Here is the information.

Your location has receivable Tv stations/channels in ALL 3 Tv bands.

VHF low band channels 2 thru 6 , VHF high band channels 7 thru 13 and UHF band channels 14 thru 51.

I recommend install a Winegard HD7082P , ALL band , ALL channel antenna aimed at about 240 degree magnetic compass.
Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

Here are some Strong and Sturdy above the roof antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.htmlhttp://www.ronard.com.

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at solidsignal buy typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box.

Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com . http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.amazon.com.

[Electron]

The Tv/s Must scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels sometimes named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

Do Not scan for cable tv channels.

[energyzer]

Here is what Solid Signal is telling me. I'm trying to put everyone's input together. It is all much appreciated. Here is what they told me about the C5 and the DB4e. He said that they can be used together without an A-B switch. He didn't recommend using the diplexer that comes with the C5 either. He said to use a splitter upside down. I asked if the signals from the two antennas would battle, and reduce the signal, and he said it wouldn't. In the end, he said I really didn't have the best choice in antennas for my area, but try them and see what I can get. He recommended the Winegard HD7082P, as was suggested here, but said that I would need two, the 7082 and the 7084. Noted that they are big and ugly, but probably a better choice.........THOUGHTS?

[signals unlimited]

Solid Signals antenna recommendation is a much better choice, provided you install a Channel Master 9215 rotor.

Multipul antennas and in different spectrum ie. UHF and VHF can be joined without interference.

[energyzer]

Solid Signals antenna recommendation is a much better choice, provided you install a Channel Master 9215 rotor.

Multipul antennas and in different spectrum ie. UHF and VHF can be joined without interference, but it apears to me that in your case a VHF in one direction and the UHF in another is a work around that will not deliver reception of all available channels. The all channel Winegard antenna and rotor will.

The guy at SS said that I would still need two antennas....are you saing that one Winegard HD7082P would catch everything.....given a rotator better than what I have coming?

[energyzer]

Per Electron - "I recommend install a Winegard HD7082P , ALL band , ALL channel antenna aimed at about 240 degree magnetic compass."

By this, are we saying that a single antenna installed without the use of a rotator would do the trick?

[signals unlimited]

The 7082 all channel antenna is needed because you have all bands available. This antenna is very dirrectional so you need rotor if you want to receive multipul directions.

[energyzer]

Thanks....What is the difference between the 7082 and the 84? Is it just that the 84 is a stronger antenna?

[signals unlimited]

Larger, Longer, more elements and more gain on the VHF.

[energyzer]

Worth the extra cost in my area, or will the 7082 get everything available? How does the channel master compare with the aspen rotators? What would you recommend for a good rotator for this antenna?

[signals unlimited]

If you can use the longer antenna, I would stay with the Channel Master 9215.

I use the Eagel with smaller antennas, but for that Winegard the Channel Master.

Stronger built, less back lash, more servicable. parts more available, very accurate.

[Electron]

I listed All the receivable Tv stations and channels.

With the HD7082P antenna installed and used to receive the Tv stations/channels and programing.

There is one programing channel that will possibly not be received and that one is , The Live Well Network.

Notice the words -> possibly not received <- .

If after installing and using the HD7082P antenna , the Live Well Network is not received and you will like to receive it , then install a rotor.

As to the C5 and DB4e , the C5 comes with a combiner that combines the C5 and DB4e on to one coax , no A/B switch required.

I will not provide any more information.

These opinions can go on for ever and ever.

[energyzer]

It is all your choice , You do what ever You think is the best.

To reduce confusion to a minimum. Here is the information.

Your location has receivable Tv stations/channels in ALL 3 Tv bands.

VHF low band channels 2 thru 6 , VHF high band channels 7 thru 13 and UHF band channels 14 thru 51.

I recommend install a Winegard HD7082P , ALL band , ALL channel antenna aimed at about 240 degree magnetic compass.
Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

Here are some Strong and Sturdy above the roof antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.htmlhttp://www.ronard.com.

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at solidsignal buy typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box.

Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com . http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.amazon.com.

I listed All the receivable Tv stations and channels.

With the HD7082P antenna installed and used to receive the Tv stations/channels and programing.

There is one programing channel that will possibly not be received and that one is , The Live Well Network.

Notice the words -> possibly not received <- .

If after installing and using the HD7082P antenna , the Live Well Network is not received and you will like to receive it , then install a rotor.

As to the C5 and DB4e , the C5 comes with a combiner that combines the C5 and DB4e on to one coax , no A/B switch required.

I will not provide any more information.

These opinions can go on for ever and ever.

Wow, I appologize if I've upset you for some reason. I'm only trying to make a quality decision. To do this, I wanted to tap into a source with a lot of knowledge, namely, TV Fool. I do ask a lot of questions, but only because I want to be sure. I'm sorry for the inconvenience I cause you. If you look through the thread, I would hope you can see why there is some confusion.....you say I don't need a rotator with the 7082 pointed at 240*, while Signals Unlimited is suggesting to get a rotator. Gosh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, and appologize for that, I'm only trying to figure this out.

[Electron]

I am not upset in any way shape or form. I am stating facts. The opinions can go on for ever and ever.

[energyzer]

I'm sorry, but if I may ask,.....due to your input, I am probably going to return the antennas that I purchased, and buy the winegard you suggested, but I'm curious about it and how it picks up signal. since I would be pointing it 240* or so (Southwest), does it pick up signal in both directions, or will the three stations to the East, 8, 51, and 10 be out unless I turn it? Thanks, and I hope I'm not a bother.

[GroundUrMast]

I've taken the time to closely examine each real channel on your report from the top down to the entry for KTVG, real CH-19.

If mounted outdoors, clear of obstructions such as buildings and trees, the HD7082P aimed at about 250° compass has enough gain to receive all the stations mentioned. (The beginning aim point is the point to start from... fine tune the aim from there, looking for reliable reception of the most stations... rather than signal meter readings of an individual channel.)

The worst case is KOLN real CH-10. with the antenna aimed away from that station, it has significantly lower gain than if aimed at the station. Still, the signal from KOLN is strong enough to be received through the back side of the antenna. I estimate the net noise margin will be between 10 and 15 dB at the TV if you use a good low noise preamp such as the Antennas Direct CPA19. (My goal when designing for 'reliable reception' is to achieve a net NM at the TV in excess of 10 dB, 15 dB if possible... higher is better. The idea is to provide a 'fade margin'.) In my calculations, I provided for future connection of several more TVs.

The slightly larger HD7084P on a rotator would also work. My personal criticism of rotators is here: http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2882 along with some alternate ideas. With only one TV connected, a rotator may be a preferred solution, you can add one later if you find you need the option.

[GroundUrMast]

On a more general point, all TV antennas will receive some amount of signal from all directions. Some are very directional, meaning they receive quite well from one direction and far less in most other directions. Some antennas are designed to have nearly equal gain in all directions, which almost always means that they will not have much gain in any one direction. It's always a trade off.

The Antennas Direct, Winegard, Antennacraft & Channel Master product are documented fairly well, making it possible to sit down, do some math and estimating that results in a well educated estimate of what you can expect from the installed product.

Here are the engineering data sheets for the DB4e, C5 & HD7082P:

http://www.antennasdirect.com/cmss_files/attachmentlibrary/DB4E-TDS.pdf
http://www.antennasdirect.com/cmss_files/attachmentlibrary/C5_%20technical_%20data_%20with_uhf.pdf
http://www.winegarddirect.com/pdf/spec_HD7082P.pdf

Here are examples of how to relate the antenna performance and TV Fool report numbers: http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=109

[energyzer]

Getting ready to install a Clearstream C5 antenna that will point to the east of my house. My plan is to put it on my garage, however, if I have it up in the air 20-30 feet, it will point straight into the powerlines that run down my alley. I would guess the power lines would be 20 feet away. How bad will this mess with my reception? Will this even be a problem?

[GroundUrMast]

Some, not all, power lines are problematic noise sources for real channels 2 through 6 in particular. Channels 7 through 13 are going to be affected less. The UHF channels will be impacted the least. If that location is the only choice you have... give it a try. If you have alternatives, great.

On a safety note: Stay far enough away from power lines so that if the antenna and mast fell they could not come in contact with the power lines.

[energyzer]

Wow, thanks for the input. I greatly appreciate your time that you put into your advice. Thank you! For the time being, I'm going to put up the c5 and db4e and try them. If I can't get the results I'm hoping for, I'll return them and get the winegard you are suggesting. Antenna's Direct said that they can be returned within 30 days. I am going to look over these materials you provided though. Thank you!.....Hmmmm, athough, If I dont' have to buy a rotator for it, this would be a lot cheaper than the c5 and db4e.......Might have to give it some good thought.

[GroundUrMast]

Let us know how it goes. The C5 has limited gain on real CH-5. We'll be curious how you do... especially with the possible noise from the power lines.

[energyzer]

unfortionatly, I'm going into trees in both directions. Channel 10 and channel 11 are actually the same channel. CBS Channel 10/11, so it wouldnt' be a big deal if I can't pick up 10 if I can get it on channel 11.

[teleview]

Aim the C5 at 245 degree and the DB4e at 250 degree.

[energyzer]

No UHF at all. I tried hooking the two together with the diplexer, tried hooking only one antenna up at a time. With the c5, I can get 9 channels. With the DB4e, I can get 7. No UHF though....namely, no FOX. I am using a RCA DTA800B1 for my tuner. Any suggestions?

[GroundUrMast]

Do you have a preamp connected? If so, what make/model?

What's the total length of coax from the antenna to the tuner?

Can you describe the layout from the antenna to the tuner?
(Ex. Antenna, 2 feet of RG-6, UVSJ combiner, 10 feet of RG-6, splice, 50 feet of RG-6, 8-way splitter, 15 feet of RG-6, tuner)

[teleview]

The C5 at about 245 degree magnetic compass.

The DB4e at 250 degree magnetic compass.

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

The C5 and DB4e connected to gather with the combiner.

At this time connect only 1 tuner/tv.

No splitters.

Rescan for channels.

KHNE PBS. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebraska_Educational_Telecommunications.


Looks like KTVG is off the air.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KSNB-TV.


Tvfool is not 100% up to date.

It can take some digging to get closer to the latest information.

I have a question , how is the reception of , KHAS-DT channel 5 with the C5 antenna.

Any pixalation , picture drop outs , ??

If your tuner has a signal strength meter what does that show??

[energyzer]

Do you have a preamp connected? If so, what make/model?

What's the total length of coax from the antenna to the tuner?

Can you describe the layout from the antenna to the tuner?
(Ex. Antenna, 2 feet of RG-6, UVSJ combiner, 10 feet of RG-6, splice, 50 feet of RG-6, 8-way splitter, 15 feet of RG-6, tuner)

No preamp, due to me only having one tv hooked up. I estimate that I have about 130' of RG-6. (it is the exact same cable that was used with my DirectV set up. It would be a few feet between the antenna and the long cable run, joined by a barrel connector. Next run would be aproximatly 91 feet, then barrel connector for another 25 feet, where it runs into the house, so there would be another barrel connector, then the remainder to the tv. (all measurments are approximate).

Channels I'm pulling:
KHAS-DT 5.1
KHAS-D2 5.2
KLKN-TV 8.1
KLKN-LWN 8.2
KHGI-TV 13.1
KFXL-TV 13.2
NET HD 29.1
NET 2 29.2
NET 3 29.3

[energyzer]

The C5 at about 245 degree magnetic compass.

The DB4e at 250 degree magnetic compass.

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

The C5 and DB4e connected to gather with the combiner.

At this time connect only 1 tuner/tv.

No splitters.

Rescan for channels.

KHNE PBS. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebraska_Educational_Telecommunications.


Looks like KTVG is off the air.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KSNB-TV.


Tvfool is not 100% up to date.

It can take some digging to get closer to the latest information.

I have a question , how is the reception of , KHAS-DT channel 5 with the C5 antenna.

Any pixalation , picture drop outs , ??

If your tuner has a signal strength meter what does that show??

I am not at my TV any more, but it seemed that while the signal wasn't AWESOME, the picture seemed solid. However, I only had it on for a few minutes while I was scanning. I will address that specific channel again for you and post back here about it.

[signals unlimited]

These sort of problems are why I recommend an all channel antenna and a rotor. Aim to all UHF and VHF channels from your easy chair.

[GroundUrMast]

130' of RG-6 (roughly 7 dB of loss in the UHF band) and the weak signal from real channel 19, KTVG call for a preamp.

[teleview]

So that leaves KOLN-DT channel 10 , CBS and MyNetwork. at 91 degree magnetic compass. Signal strength 28.7 NM (dB) , plenty strong.


And KGIN-DT channel 11 , CBS and MyNetwork. at 241 degree magnetic compass. Signal Strength 12.7 NM(dB) , weak but receivable.

The C5 does a fairly good job of receiving in all directions.

Best reception at the front and good reception at back of the antenna and less at the sides of the C5 antenna.


Turn the C5 antenna to the left and right to find a antenna position that receives one or both.

Either one or both should be easy to receive.


A preamplifier can be installed , a Antennas Direct CPA-19.

The antennas are connected to the combiner and the CPA-19 preamp is connected the combiner so that both antennas have the Tv signals pushed through the coax out to the Tv.

[teleview]

As stated before with reference provided , KTVG-TV 19 Fox is not on the air.

KHGI-TV is 13.1 ABC and 13.2 is KFXL Fox.

[energyzer]

It is fox that I was missing, but now looking into it, the TDVG not being on the air, and 13.2 being a fox station, I think I can get everything in my area with the C5. The only reason I got the DB4e was for the UHF Fox....

[teleview]

Yes I agree the C5 will most likely receive all the VHF and UHF transmissions , the transmissions are fairly strong and the PBS station KHNE-DT Real UHF channel 28 , Virtual channel 29 is very strong at your location.

It is interesting to note that the DB4e is a UHF antenna and PBS is a UHF station.

Keep the DB4e you may still need it yet.


What I am interested in is the VHF low band channel 5 that is being received by the C5. Any , pixalation , dropouts ?? What does the signal strength meter show. Does the signal strength fluctuate or stay steady??

What about day and night reception , any problems??

What about reception , before , during and after storms.

[energyzer]

Signal strengths of my channels. Interistingly, pointing my antenna at about 60 degrees gives me my best strength for channel 5.1 and 5.2. Also picked up 7.1 and 7.2, but it is weak....12%

KHAS-DT 5.1.........35%
KHAS-D2 5.2.........35%
KLKN-TV 8.1..........50%
KLKN-LWN 8.2.......50%
kOLN-DT 10.1........48%
MYTV. 10.2........48%
KHGI-TV 13.1.......LOST
KFXL-TV 13.2.......LOST.......this is the Fox I wanted, so I'm going to have to turn it back around.
NET HD 29.1........25%, but drops out to 0
NET 2 29.2...........25%, but drops out to 0
NET 3 29.3...........25%, but drops out to 0

[teleview]

Keep the DB4e you may still require it for reception.

Thanks for the information of Channel 5 and aiming directions.

The CPA-19 preamp might get signal strengths of all the channels up for better reception.



You could get the HD7084P antenna it will do a much better job of receiving channel 5 and the other channels.

And might receive , KLKN channel 8 and KOLN channel 10 , at the back angle of the HD7084P antenna.

You can keep all three antennas for now to expirment with.

[energyzer]

I turned the c5 back around to point west (Pretty much straight west) so I could hone in on 13.1 and 13.2, Since this would give me both an ABC and Fox. I did pick up 13.1-2, but all my signals dropped everywhere else. Oddly enough, I picked up 6.1, 6.2, 7.1 and 7.2 on the scan. The signal must have peaked when I did the scan because there was no signal there when I flipped through the channels.

KHAS-DT 5.1.........22%
KHAS-D2 5.2.........22%
KLKN-TV 8.1.........33%
KLKN-LWN 8.2.......33%
kOLN-DT 10.1........35%
MYTV. 10.2........35%
KHGI-TV 13.1.......20%
KFXL-TV 13.2......18%
NET HD 29.1........38%
NET 2 29.2...........38%
NET 3 29.3...........38%

[teleview]

This last batch of signals/strengths are producing stable pictures and sound??

[energyzer]

They seem to be. I had the 13.1 and 2 up at around 27-28, but after I secured my mast, my signals dropped, so I'll have to adjust again......If it wasn't for the 13.1 and 13.2 channels, those signals from before when the antenna was pointed at around 60 degrees was pretty sweet.

[energyzer]

You could get the HD7084P antenna it will do a much better job of receiving channel 5 and the other channels.

And might receive , KLKN channel 8 and KOLN channel 10 , at the back angle of the HD7084P antenna.

You can keep all three antennas for now to expirment with.

What about these RCA antennas that advertise 100 miles and such. It seems that they are a lot cheaper. Any reviews?........The goal here is to save money from dish...LOL Some of these antennas can get pretty pricey by the time you add in a rotator, mast, mast stand, etc.... :)

[GroundUrMast]

The earth is round... not flat. Anyone claiming an antenna can reliably receive signal from 100 miles away should be treated with extreme skepticism. At best, they're ignorant of the physics involved. Worst case, they're dishonest scammers.

[energyzer]

Night time reception.....WOW, 28 stations
5.1...38%
5.2...38%
6.1...10%....but not solid
6.2..."
7.1, 7.2..had it on the scan, but lost it
8.1, 8.2...31%
10.1, 10.2...40%
11.1, 11.2...10%
12.1, 12.2, 12.3...15%
13.1, 13.2...27%
16.1,2,3,4,5....had them when I scanned, but gone now...10 minutes ago
29.1,2,3...40%
42.1,2,3...15%

EDIT...rescanned....down to 15 stations

[energyzer]

Just wierd....this acts like AM radio at night. One minute a station is there, the next it isn't. I'm actually picking up a station out of South Dakota! Not even on my tvfool report. Channel 7 is 150 miles from me.

[teleview]

You can find out more , type , tv dxing , or , tv dx , in the google search box.

[energyzer]

Half way thinking about putting my C5 on a rotator.

[signals unlimited]

If you can easily run a cable for the rotor, use the Channel Master 9215 rotor,

If the cable run is difficult use an Eagel Aspen Roto 100. This operates with the signal cable, if you need a pre-amp with this configuration you must use a Winegard AP 2870.

[teleview]

If it is DX that you are after , the Winegard HD7082P and HD7084P make great DX antennas.

They are great for putting on a antenna rotator to zero in on those loooong distance Tv stations.

[energyzer]

This over the air stuff is awesome! It is so cool because, especially at night, you never know where your going to pull a station from. I'm pulling two stations out of Omaha, 150 miles away with 33% and 35% signal. The other night I pulled out of South Dakota, and tonight, authough week, and unwatchable, I'm pulling from Des Moines, Ia...KSDM. I'm sending the DB4e back. I'm getting everything I want and more with my C5. FYI, my C5 is pointed at about 245-250*.

[energyzer]

The earth is round... not flat. Anyone claiming an antenna can reliably receive signal from 100 miles away should be treated with extreme skepticism. At best, they're ignorant of the physics involved. Worst case, they're dishonest scammers.

I know your right, but it is just funny how they get away with it. As I'm sitting here reading this very forum, I noticed an ad on the right hand edge for Antennadeals.com, advertising a 150 mile outdoor antenna.

[GroundUrMast]

My understanding (not first hand, I'm an unpaid volunteer) is that a third party service 'pushes' those ads... Our other alternative is to fund TV Fool by paying for it's use.

Given that the technical information provided in the TV Fool report would have required the services of an engineering firm just a few years ago, at the cost of hundreds or even thousands of dollars for billed hours, I'm able to 'tune out' the ads.

On the other hand, there are days when you should be paid to take my advise...:D

[teleview]

Several years ago when I was ' in to ' DX , I was living in South Western Kansas , I often watched 2 California Tv stations for several hours at a time.

Oklahoma , Texas , Nebraska , Colorado .

Tv DX signals can be received for a second or even hours at a time.

Out past a target figure of say 80 miles , - Reliable - Broadcast Tv Reception has less to do with the antenna and more to do with the lay of the land.

As examples but not the only examples , the transmitting antenna is up alot higher then the receiving antenna , or the receiving antenna is up alot higher then the transmitting antenna.

Weather and atmospheric conditions are a big part of DX.

The internet is a good place to find DX'ers and all about how to get the DX reception.

Hard core DX'ers are into getting the impossible to get reception and proudly display the ' screen shots ' to prove it.

[teleview]

The antenna scammers make their money buy selling antennas to the many people that fall for the idea that they will receive signals from Mars and beyond for $39.95.

If the Tv antenna looks like a futuristic Tv antenna in a grade B 1950's Si Fi movie , well that is the clue that it is a scam antenna.

Many people are Buzz Word oriented , HD this , and HD that , and HD something else , and etc.

The promise of the , -->All Important HD<-- , with no thought or facts to back it up , is all it takes to get their credit card out.

[energyzer]

Several years ago when I was ' in to ' DX , I was living in South Western Kansas , I often watched 2 California Tv stations for several hours at a time.

Oklahoma , Texas , Nebraska , Colorado .

Tv DX signals can be received for a second or even hours at a time.

Out past a target figure of say 80 miles , - Reliable - Broadcast Tv Reception has less to do with the antenna and more to do with the lay of the land.

As examples but not the only examples , the transmitting antenna is up alot higher then the receiving antenna , or the receiving antenna is up alot higher ten the transmitting antenna.

Weather and atmospheric conditions are a big part of DX.

The internet is a good place to find DX'ers and all about how to get the DX reception.

Hard core DX'ers are into getting the impossible to get reception and proudly display the ' screen shots ' to prove it.

What kind of equipment were you using at the time? Do you have to put a lot of special equipment into play to do DXing? Would the c5 be any good for thid if it were on a rotator?

[teleview]

Hobby DXing the type and kind that most people do does not require much money , a All channel fringe antenna a antenna rotator.

A Winegard HD7082P or HD7084P or CM3679 antenna.

The channel Master antenna rotator CM9521A.

Atmospheric conditions and day or night conditions and seasons of year and more all play a part in DX.

I used a CM3679 for some of my Dxing.

Yes the C5 can work well for casual Dxing.

Go antennadirect.com and look at the reception pattern of the C5.

The thing about casual DXing is that when the signal is in --> it is in , and usually strong.

A low gain preamp such as CPA-19 can be used to keep the signal strength form going to low when the signal strength is going up and down like roller coaster.

Then there are the hard core Dxers over time they have put big dollars in to their elaborate systems and antennas , they are after the signals that are impossible to get.

[energyzer]

Well, now this is strange. I finally got my tower put up, and my C5 mounted......not fine tuned yet, but pointed in the general direction....about 245-250ish... Antenna is about 27' up. There are a few stations with a high signal strength, 63%, and I'm getting that "digital" blip on my screen, as if my signal is low, but it isn't. These stations was solid at much lower signals a few weeks ago when my antenna was mounted at about 15-20'. Thoughts?

[teleview]

As always , trees and tree leaves do a real fine job of , reflecting , reducing , blocking Tv reception , and so do buildings and other objects and other obstructions.

It is best to locate a Tv antenna at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions in the directions of reception.