Antenna Replacement Help for Better Reception

franknbean · 10-Sep-2011, 6:06 PM

We would like to purchase an antenna to get the following networks in our area: ABC(7), CBS(12), NBC(24), Fox(30, PBS(9), CW(31.1). We are getting poor reception for NBC, but good for the others.

We currently have an antenna in our attic (15 feet from the ground) which is roughly North facing. The antenna was purchased from Radio Shack about 2 years ago which we think is an Antennacraft HD850UHF/VHF/FM outside antenna or something similar. We have two TV's and have an amplifier. We could install an antenna in the attic again or outside where our DTV Satellite used to be located. We would prefer the attic or something not too big and ugly outside.

We would like 1 or 2 recommendations on a replacement antenna and any other suggestions.

Our link to our location is as follows:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...838725dd6637cb

Thank you!

Tower Guy · 10-Sep-2011, 6:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franknbean

We would like 1 or 2 recommendations on a replacement antenna and any other suggestions.

I'd try a 4 bay UHF aimed north-ish so that it just barely gets FOX. Next would be a small VHF only (Y5-7-13) aimed at 324 degrees. Add them with a UVSJ.

If you want to keep your big antenna, aim it at 324 instead of buying a smaller VHF only. Couple it to a new 4 bay UHF only with a UVSJ.

franknbean · 10-Sep-2011, 7:49 PM

I am wondering if it would it be worthwhile to try a UVSJ with an antenna that we have already purchased. It is not a 4 bay, but a 2 bay from Costco-Clearstream 2 Longrange HDTV antenna 50+ miles(UHF only)Gain of 10.2 dBi. If not, we can return it and exchange it for the 4 bay. Also, where does one purchase a UVSJ? My first guess was Radio Shack, but it does not look like they carry them.

ADTech · 10-Sep-2011, 7:58 PM

The C2 is a compact alternative to the 4-bay for UHF. It has a 70 degree beamwidth that has a decent chance of covering your 60 degree spread. I'd face it as TG suggested and see how it works.

Radio Shack carries a UVSJ under catalog # 15-2586. Gold plated, heh.

Tower Guy · 10-Sep-2011, 8:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franknbean

I am wondering if it would it be worthwhile to try a UVSJ with an antenna that we have already purchased, a 2 bay from Costco-Clearstream 2

Should work fine.

John Candle · 10-Sep-2011, 9:40 PM

I suggest a small single antenna solution. A Winegard HD7000R antenna mounted outside on the satellite tv mount. Aim the antenna at about 350 degree magnetic compass. Yes the HD7000R antenna will receive the channels you have listed. plus many more. A amplifier will be needed , what is the make and model number of the amplifier you have?? Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.3starinc.com , www.winegarddirect.com

John Candle · 10-Sep-2011, 11:48 PM

The satellite tv mount Needs to be mounted in a way that the HD7000R antenna will be level with the ground , not pointed up at the sky or pointed down at the ground , or cocked at odd angles. The satellite tv mount Needs to be mounted at a place that allows the HD7000R antenna to have the clearest view possible of the tv transmitters.

franknbean · 11-Sep-2011, 3:11 PM

We tried the C2 and the "gold plated" UVSJ (14.99! from RS) and everything looks great so far! We will give it a few days and see how it goes. It seems like sometimes we notice a problem at certain times of the night when there is more interference. We have gained a lot of helpful information and will definitely use these additional suggestions as needed. Thank you for saving us a headache, Tower Guy, ADTech, and John Candle. We have learned a lot and feel very happy to have free TV! I will update later with any changes necessary.

franknbean · 15-Oct-2011, 11:14 PM

It has been a month using our current setup. Occasionally we still have interference during "prime time"and I feel like we need to try something else. Our current setup is the big antenna from RS aimed at 324 with the Costco C2 facing Northish used with the UVSJ. What would be best as my next try? The Winegard HD7000R mounted on old satellite roof mount? I still need to find out the type of amplifier that we have installed. Please advise.

GroundUrMast · 15-Oct-2011, 11:23 PM

Which stations are giving you trouble? (Call Sign, real channel #)

franknbean · 16-Oct-2011, 12:06 AM

Good question. KNVNDT, 24.1, NBC

GroundUrMast · 16-Oct-2011, 4:15 PM

I understand your preference is to avoid outside mounting. Can you 'test' reception with the C2 located outside with a clear view of NE to NW?

franknbean · 16-Oct-2011, 8:36 PM

Yes, we can and good idea. I guess it will be about a week before we can get to it though. I will update then.

franknbean · 8-Sep-2012, 6:06 PM

Just getting back to try and fix our reception problems. Its not a fun job...
We purchased and installed the Wingard HD 7000R into our attic (roof is last resort). We have a Dynex Model DX-AD113 4 way 50-900 mHz amplifier. Plus a splitter to 2 TV's. We aimed the antenna to 350 degree as John Candle suggested, but got no signal for channel KRCR-TV,7.1 ABC. After trying different positions we now have it aimed at 70 degrees to get signal with continued digitalization making it mostly unwatchable. Not sure why 70 degree is working better than 350. But now we have poor reception with KHVN-DT 24.1 NBC My husband is up in the attic trying some different things. Any help is appreciated. We had hoped this new antenna would do the trick, but no such luck.

franknbean · 8-Sep-2012, 7:11 PM

We now have the Winegard and the other 2 antennas (Antennacraft and C2) all connected facing about 74 degrees. This was after trying aiming it at the recommended 350 degree range which gave us poor to none reception. We seem to be getting good reception now and much beth picture quality than before. But weirdly enough it is facing in the "wrong" direction. It is starting to get VERY HOT so we quickly turned the TV off (not really but sort of) and now we are hoping this works. And yes the Wingard is aimed with the correct end(small end).

10-Sep-2012, 3:17 PM

The following is a Teleview recommendation for broadcast Tv reception.

Move the HD7000R antenna to above the roof.

Aim the HD7000R at about 350 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

It is best to use a compass out in the open , A compass often does not indicate correctly inside of buildings.

(do not use any of the other antennas).

For 1 Tv connected use no splitter. And use no amplifier.

For 2 Tv' connected use a Channel Master CM3412 distribution amplifier.

For 3 or 4 Tv's connected use a CM3414 distribution amplifier.

As always , trees and tree leaves do a real fine job of reducing or blocking reception and so do buildings and other obstructions and so does your own house.

It is best to install the HD7000R antenna in a manner that , trees , tree leaves , buildings and other obstructions and your own house have the least amount to no amount obstructions to the , north east , north . north west.

Here are some antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html.

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

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

Here is the Federal Antenna Law that says Yes you can install , use , maintain , Tv antennas of any size above the roof or other places on your property.

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html