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-   -   Issues with WPIX and WNYW in NJ (http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=16377)

Mo Man 2-Nov-2017 4:30 PM

Issues with WPIX and WNYW in NJ
 
Hi everyone,

I am in the process of cutting my cable and switching to using an Antenna for my TV. I settled on using the RCA ANT751. The antenna is about 30 feet off the ground, pointing SSE @ roughly 125 deg. I'm running 50' of Mediabridge RG6 Coaxial Cable to inside the house. I am using Winegard LNA-200 Boost XT HDTV Preamplifier to improve the coverage. I did purchase Channel Master CM3414 4-Port Distribution Amplifier but it doesn't seem to be helping. I keep switching back and forward to see if there is a benefit in using it. Right now it's not hooked up and WNYM is the same as with it.

My problem is getting WPIX and WNYW. WNYM does come in but it breaks up and sometimes I lose the signal. During bad weather it worse and really unwatchable. WPIX doesn't come in at all. All other channels are coming in. WNYW is more important than WPIX since most of the local sports are on this station.

The weird thing is most of my channels originate from the Empire State Building, which is 123 deg from my location, including WPIX and WNYW. I'm at 346 elevation and here is my report

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...60ed43029dca81

Any support, and advice would be great! Do I get a different pre-amp?

Many thanks!!!

ADTech 2-Nov-2017 11:39 PM

A zip code level report is pretty much not useful. Use the interactive tool to pinpoint the marker on your antenna's location and run an accurate report.

Most likely, your antenna is aimed point blank into an obstruction such as a tree, building, or hill.

Mo Man 3-Nov-2017 1:10 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Thank you ADTech.

When I run the interactive tool report most stations are in the cyan and blue color area, including WPIX and WNYW. When the signal hits the first mountain here in NJ it goes from Red-yellow-green to cyan and blue. And I'm past the second mountain, which is all cyan and blue. Not good! I attached the interactive map for your reference. Still not sure why the other channels come in and not others if they originate from the same location.

Anyway, next steps? Do I get a stronger pre-amp? Different Antenna? or what? I really want to make this work.

Your help is very much appreciated.

ADTech 3-Nov-2017 3:41 PM

Please run the interactive process, then generate a new plot. Post the LINK to that plot as per the sharing instructions on that web page.

Mo Man 3-Nov-2017 3:47 PM

Hi ADTech,

Here you go, Thanks for your help! It's much appreciated.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...60edb97f51b0bd

Mo Man 12-Nov-2017 1:25 PM

Hi ADTech,

Thank you for your support with my issues with WPIX and WNYW in NJ.

I would like to continue this discussion and try to resolve my issue. Is it best to call Antennas Direct Tech Support directly or continue with the thread, so others can learn. I am more determined to resolve this issue and cut the cable cord. Thank you again.

ADTech 12-Nov-2017 5:35 PM

From your stated symptoms, I would infer that you have multiple issues including terrain impairment, probable tree impairment, and possible local electrical interference.

Have you tried different mounting locations?

Mo Man 12-Nov-2017 9:47 PM

No, I have not tried different mounting locations. Currently, the antenna is mounted on the side of my house about 30 feet up. This is the most accessible location for me. I am planning on buying a longer J-Mount and hoping the additional height will help. If this doesn't work, then I'm thinking about moving the whole setup to the other side of the house and mount it on the chimney. My fingers are crossed that the extra height works because the moving the setup would be a pain. ADTech, thank you for your help!

rabbit73 13-Nov-2017 12:16 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Welcome to the forum, Mo Man

WNYW is pretty far down the list with terrain interference. I think you need an antenna with more gain. Some of the 751 antennas are actually a redesign that is the 7511, but is sold as a 751. It isn't as good.

Is the LNA-200 up by the antenna or down below?

You can see the terrain interference to WNYW in this profile:

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...9&d=1510535738

Quote:

I'm at 346 elevation and here is my report
I had to estimate your location to do the profile. I got 437 ft elevation including 30 ft AGL for the antenna. My guess could be off.

In order for us to be of further help, you would need to give me or ADTech the exact location of you antenna in a PM so that we can look at the satellite view to see any objects in the signal path.

like this:

https://i.imgur.com/TPquBz2.jpg

Can you show us some photos of the mounted antenna and what the antenna "sees" when it is aimed at NYC?

ADTech 13-Nov-2017 12:59 PM

Quote:

This is the most accessible location for me.
I've learned (the hard way) that the most accessible or most convenient location is, too often, not a spot where the signals will cooperate. You must turn the observation around and look for a spot where the signals will be least impaired and see if it's feasible to try an antenna there.

rabbit73 13-Nov-2017 1:20 PM

Quote:

I've learned (the hard way) that the most accessible or most convenient location is, to often, not a spot where the signals will cooperate.
Very true. I also learned that lesson the hard way.

jrgagne99 13-Nov-2017 5:47 PM

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Very true. I also learned that lesson the hard way.
Ditto.
http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...1&d=1507315892

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...1&d=1507315892

rabbit73 13-Nov-2017 6:00 PM

Your photos edited:

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...0&d=1507315857

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...1&d=1507315899

Mo Man 13-Nov-2017 6:33 PM

Hi rabbit73,

Thanks for your help. I will send you the additional information (location, photos, etc.), via PM, once the weather clears up. Hopefully tomorrow. The LNA-200 is up by the antenna. I don't have any issues with replacing the RCA ANT751 if that would resolve my issue.

Again, thanks!
Mo

rabbit73 15-Nov-2017 2:34 AM

Mo

Thank you for the PM with information and photos. I will study it when I have more time, but here is my initial evaluation.

It looks like ADTech's evaluation is correct. You have terrain interference as shown in the profile and I see many trees.
Quote:

During bad weather it's worse and really unwatchable.
That is what happens when the trees are wet.

You have the better original RCA ANT 751. There is no magic antenna that will see through trees, but an antenna with more gain often helps.

The chimney mount looks a little better, but the trees are still in the path from WNYW.

rabbit73 15-Nov-2017 2:45 PM

Since you have UHF and VHF channels from NYC, the next step up for an antenna with more gain is the Winegard HD7694P; two steps up is the big HD7698P.

With trees in the path, I can't guarantee instant improvement, but the odds are good at the chimney.

Do I have your permission to post either of the photos that I sent to you and any that you sent to me?

Mo Man 15-Nov-2017 4:30 PM

Thank you rabbit73 for your help and evaluation.

If I am understanding you correctly, the RCA antenna is fine and moving the antenna to the chimney might help, but the trees could still be an issue with WNYW. Did mention that an antenna with more gain usually helps. Any suggestions?

In your opinion, should I try the chimney location before upgrading the antenna. Thanks!

rabbit73 15-Nov-2017 6:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo Man (Post 59185)
If I am understanding you correctly, the RCA antenna is fine and moving the antenna to the chimney might help, but the trees could still be an issue with WNYW. Did mention that an antenna with more gain usually helps.

Fine? No, I don't think the RCA antenna has enough gain for WNYW, because it is far down the list of channels in decreasing strength order.

There is no magic antenna that will see through trees, but an antenna with more gain often helps.
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/antennas/siting.html
scroll down to Trees and UHF

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...1&d=1493487319

Moving the antenna to the chimney is more trouble, and I would pay someone to do the ladder work because my luck with ladders hasn't been too good. But, moving it to the chimney has a good chance of improving reception because it will give you increased height and the antenna will be a little further back from the trees. However, the signals at your location are not uniform over the whole lot; there will be hot spots and cold spots for the WNYW signal. Since the results are difficult to predict, you must be willing to experiment.
Quote:

Any suggestions?
As I previously said, the first level antenna upgrade would be the Winegard HD7694P; the next up would be the bigger HD7698P.
Quote:

In your opinion, should I try the chimney location before upgrading the antenna.
Either one has a good chance of showing reception improvement. If I were there with you, I would have the 7694P on hand. I would first move the 751 to the chimney as a test, then I would substitute the 7694 to test the reception. It is possible to just put the 7694 on the chimney, but I wouldn't know which made the difference, the location or the antenna.

The 7698 would be a last resort, other than going even higher with the antenna on a tall tripod roof mount or a tower.

rabbit73 15-Nov-2017 6:45 PM

If the antenna is outside, the coax shield should be grounded with a grounding block that is connected to the house electrical system ground with 10 gauge copper wire for electrical safety and to reject interference. For further compliance with the electrical code (NEC), the mast should also be grounded in a similar manner to drain any buildup of static charge which will tend to discourage a strike, but the system will not survive a direct strike.

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...9&d=1441917363

rabbit73 15-Nov-2017 7:02 PM

Do I have your permission to show any of the photos in your PM to me or any of the green line photos that I did for you?


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