Help with reception.

[acraven]

I've been using an old Sensar 2 with pretty good luck but wanted to see if I could do better. So I picked up a ChannelMaster 4228HD but it doesn't pick up 75% of the channels the Sensar does. I am using the same preamp. So I'm wondering...Is there a better preamp for the 4228hd? And is there a way to use both antennas in tandem. I live on Cape Cod and want to pull in Providence and Boston.

Thanks
acraven

Here's my report:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...8e03bd348d222f

[Tim]

You will get better answers if you follow the guidelines in this thread http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=4

[rabbit73]

You left out a lot of details.

Is this the Sensar you are using?
http://www.summitsource.com/winegard...FUWRfgod7NMHmQ

Where is it located?

Where is the 4228 located?

Any trees in the signal path?

I am using the same preamp.

What preamp?

[acraven]

Wow! I'm pretty bad at this. Sorry guys.
I'll try to make good on the details.
I'm only using the Channel Master 4228HD right now. It's located on the roof peak about 35 ft above ground. Tree interference doesn't appear to be a problem as we're on a bluff.
Sorry I didn't identify the preamp right off the bat. It's a Winegard, although there's no model number on it. I'm not familiar, but it looks just like an AntennaCraft 10G202, although there are no adjustments available.
Hope that helps.

[acraven]

Oh yes, and that is the model Sensar I've been using:http://www.summitsource.com/winegard...FUWRfgod7NMHmQ

[rabbit73]

So I picked up a ChannelMaster 4228HD but it doesn't pick up 75% of the channels the Sensar does.

My guess is that the preamp or tuner is being overloaded by your strongest signals, because the 4228 has more gain than the Sensar.

The horizontal beamwidth of the 4228HD at 30 degrees for 590 MHz is much narrower than the beamwidth of the Sensar, so antenna aim is more critical. If you are trying to aim between the two you should probably favor Boston.

My choice would have been the DB4E if UHF only, or the Winegard HD7694P for VHF and UHF.

How does the 4228 do without the preamp?

So I'm wondering...Is there a better preamp for the 4228hd?

If you need to use a preamp, it must be more resistant to overload than your present preamp.

And is there a way to use both antennas in tandem.

Only if you use the Sensar for real VHF channels 10, 12, and 13 and combine it with the 4228 using a UVSJ.

[acraven]

Thanks a lot for the help. I did try the 4228 without the preamp. And while it was no better, I was surprised it still picked up all the channels it did with the preamp. I was thinking of using a Channel Master 7778 preamp to see if that would make a difference. But I may just go back to using the Sensar for now, at least until I wire up the house for multiple TVs and Internet.

[ADTech]

And while it was no better, I was surprised it still picked up all the channels it did with the preamp.

If there was no difference, that means you do not need an amplifier. Your signals are already within the acceptable range and further amplification will not improve them unless your change your distribution system and incur more signal loss.