WCTX Issue in CT

SullyCT79 · 25-Jun-2016, 6:12 PM

I recently installed an antenna in my attic (Antennas Direct DB8e) and have ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC coming in beautifully. We watch the Yankees on WCTX (UHF physical channel 39/virtual channel 59.1) twice a week during the summer. My problem with that is the reception on that channel is spotty. It is in the same location as the ABC affiliate, which is 4.7 miles from my house. The antenna is pointed in the right direction but I have to keep my fingers crossed every time I turn it on. I usually have a big problem with it between 6 and 10 at night. Before those times, it comes in much better but still not perfect.

What can be the issue? Overload? LTE interference?

My setup:
Antennas Direct DB8e (attic mounted) <25ft run to HDHomerun
Dedicated Server setup w/ NextPVR
View tv thru NextPVR PVR add in for Kodi on Amazon Fire TV

Jake V · 25-Jun-2016, 6:30 PM

Please post a TV Fool Report made using the directions in this thread: http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=14508

The information from the report is necessary to evaluate your issue. Also include antenna location (roof? attic?) and what is in the line of sight towards the broadcast towers.

SullyCT79 · 25-Jun-2016, 6:44 PM

see attached

Jake V · 25-Jun-2016, 6:48 PM

Please post the link to the report (taken from the top of the report or your browser), and not just the graphic. In the linked version you can click on the station's call letter for additional useful information.

Also post the location of the antenna (roof? attic?). And direction it is aimed (239 degrees? Northwest? North-northwest?)

Thanks.

rabbit73 · 25-Jun-2016, 7:19 PM

He said attic.

Have you tried different antenna locations in the attic for WCTX?

What readings for WCTX are you getting with the HDHR for signal strength, signal quality, and symbol quality?

Are you using a preamp?

What happens if you connect the antenna to the TV tuner instead of the HDHR tuner?

SullyCT79 · 25-Jun-2016, 8:12 PM

Signal strength between 84-100. Symbol quality is 100 but sometimes dips to the 80 range and the SNR bounces constantly from 50-100. It bounces so much it's like watching a tennis match.

No preamp installed and haven't tried a direct connection to the tv.

SullyCT79 · 25-Jun-2016, 8:21 PM

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e2cbe9e62629cc

rabbit73 · 25-Jun-2016, 11:36 PM

Thanks for the report.

Is the antenna aimed at 286 degrees magnetic for WCTX? The DB8e is VERY directional.

Quote:

We watch the Yankees on WCTX (UHF physical channel 39/virtual channel 59.1) twice a week during the summer. My problem with that is the reception on that channel is spotty. It is in the same location as the ABC affiliate, which is 4.7 miles from my house.

You are behind a hill and ABC is almost 20 dB stronger than WCTX. VHF signals can make it over a hill better than UHF signals. Click on its callsign in your report.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...dALLTV%26n%3d3

Any trees in the signal path?

Signal loss in the attic is difficult to predict; have you tried a preamp like the Antennas Direct Juice?

SullyCT79 · 26-Jun-2016, 1:42 PM

I've tried pointing it to 286 but the signal got worse. There are lots of trees in its path.

I'm reluctant to try a preamp because I'm afraid it would be too much for WTNH but every other channel could use some help.

So that's my struggle. Is there a preamp around that I can easily adjust without going to my attic all the time?

SullyCT79 · 26-Jun-2016, 2:02 PM

just read about the juice amplifier and ordered it when I saw it had overload protection.

thanks for your help and will let you know how it works.

SullyCT79 · 29-Jun-2016, 12:45 AM

Got the Juice today and installed it... I thought it would be a simple "plug n play" and everything would work, but I had to repoint the antennas better to get reception... of course, the closer channels (WTNH/WCTX) were the most difficult to get... all in all it seems to be working so far.. the SNR and Symbol Quality have been more stable

Thanks again for your help @rabbit73

rabbit73 · 29-Jun-2016, 1:54 AM

Thanks for the report. Glad you have improved reception.

SullyCT79 · 30-Jun-2016, 1:40 AM

I tried tuning to WCTX tonight to see if the problem was still occurring and it wasn't coming in at all as of 9:20pm local time.... just seems like it has trouble coming in after 8pm.. why would this be? any more suggestions?

thanks in advance.

Nascarken · 30-Jun-2016, 1:34 PM

We'll I suggest it needs to be outside give it quick test and see what happens

rabbit73 · 2-Jul-2016, 7:27 PM

If you are getting the weaker signals from the north better than the stronger signals from the west, I think it is the trees.

Can you show us a picture of what the antenna "sees" when it is aimed at WCTX?

The WTNH antenna is higher on the tower than the WCTX antenna:

WTNH
Antenna Height Above Average Terrain: 1122' 342m
Antenna Height Above Ground Level: 800' 244m
Antenna Height Above Mean Sea Level: 1443' 440m

WCTX
Antenna Height Above Average Terrain: 987' 301m
Antenna Height Above Ground Level: 620' 189m
Antenna Height Above Mean Sea Level: 1260' 384m

OTA signals constantly vary in strength. I have measured changes of as much as 10 dB in a half an hour.

If the WCTX signal is weak enough to be near the "Digital Cliff" it will be a problem when it is weaker, and you will have pixilation, picture freeze, and finally dropout.

I think you will continue to have the same problem unless you can find a location in the clear for your antenna.

As far as the timing is concerned, that is most likely due to changes in atmospheric conditions, but it could be electrical interference in the evening.

This is what the hill looks like:

SullyCT79 · 4-Jul-2016, 10:00 AM

great information rabbit.. thank you

I moved the antenna to the edge of the attic and night 1 was a success. I'll keep an eye on it. If this doesn't work, I'll have to move it outside. But judging by your graphic that may not matter.

Nascarken · 4-Jul-2016, 12:48 PM

That's why I don't receive Analog it drops down that much no big deal I only have 3, channel's that are Analog, well 73 everyone and have a safe and happy 4Th OF JULY!!

Tigerbangs · 19-Jul-2016, 10:02 PM

What you have is a severe multipath issue, exacerbated by an attic placement. You don't need a preamplifier unless you are running lines over 100' or running multiple TV sets from the antenna.

Your greatest chance for success is to get the antenna out of the attic, mount it on the roof , and use a rotator to turn the antenna. You'll note that the Hartford stations: WTIC, WFSB, WVIT, WEDH and WCCT all lie in the opposite direction from the WTNH and WCCT transmitters, and picking up signals from the back of an antenna is tricky business.

Mounting the antenna on the roof, and rotating the antenna will give the best chance for success.

Of course, you could just come to your senses and root for the Red Sox, instead...LOL