New to antenna TV - Time of day issues?

[DustinR]

We have been off Dish for a little over two years after a couple of moves and after being in our current house for a year and a half we decided to try hooking up the antenna that was here when we bought the place. After using a wire tracker and a few hours we finally figured out the mess of coax (now labeled) and got the antenna connected. We only got around 5 channels which was 5 more than we have had so then we added a booster (http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=3780245) which is not quite installed to spec because getting within 12" of the antenna requires a bucket truck so it is about half way up the 25 ish foot tower. After adding it we are getting 30+ channels but the catch is that they only work in the evening and then through early morning (we start getting them at around 7 then more and more until we have around 30). I have read some places where stations boost signal during the evening but would that amplify all those channels? Is there any other explanation?

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...c84f731f018185

I know I am pretty far out and am lucky to get anything over the 5 but it is frustrating to have and then not. At first I thought my booster went out but then the night came and voila!

[GroundUrMast]

You are describing the normal behavior of radio waves and how they propagate during the day versus night. Solar radiation affects the atmosphere much more during the day than at night and as a result, there is a marked change in the electrical charge of various layers of the atmosphere. At night, radio waves are more likely to skip or bounce off of the upper layers of the atmosphere. This can make TV and radio signals travel much farther at night. Like the visible weather, the atmosphere's effect on radio wave propagation varies for a variety of reasons, so long distance reception can be quite different one day to the next.

FWIW: Many AM radio broadcasters are required to change antenna radiation patterns and/or reduce power at night to account for the increase in range during nighttime hours. To my knowledge, that's not the case for TV stations typically.

What's the make and model of the antenna? (If you know.)

If you were starting from scratch, I would suggest a Winegard HD7698P or, a combination of an Antennas Direct 91XG and an Antennacraft Y10713... Either way a low noise amplifier such as the Antennas Direct PA-18 would outperform any of the RS amplifier products.

To get full use from a large antenna, some would suggest a rotator. If you have only one TV, you may find that an acceptable option, though there are other methods to deal with signals coming from several directions:
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=8275
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2882
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=820

I reverse engineered location to close to your location to check signal strengths with higher antenna heights.

Higher antenna heights of 40 and 60 feet increase the Tv stations signal strengths and are much easier to receive.

To confirm the increased signal strengths , please post 2 more tvfool radar plot reports , 40 and 60 feet.

[DustinR]

Thanks for the info and advice. I would not mind replacing my current antenna given the opportunity but I am going to have to find out who I can get to come out to install it with the means to do it.

I attached a picture of my current antenna which I would be willing to bet is 20+ years old but what it is exactly I have no idea.

[GroundUrMast]

I don't recognize the make and model of your existing antenna, but it's seen better days and it's smaller than needed. There's a rotator there also... but it's just as suspect as the antenna. The condition of the tower is impossible to determine from the photos.

Some (not all) 'structured cabling', 'home theater installation' & electrical contractors can offer quality antenna installation service. All I can suggest is that you do diligent checking of them in advance. Take reasonable steps to be sure they have the knowledge, skills and tools needed.

[DustinR]

the rotator explains the extra wires going into the attic but unfortunately I have no idea where the controller is to it inside the house

Thanks again for the information. I will be looking into getting a new antenna installed once it warms up a bit around here and see if it helps (can't hurt).

No Responce.

Well any way ,

For reception of at 25 feet antenna height.
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Antenna system #1.

K38AK-D REAL UHF Digital channel 38 , virtual number (x) PBS.

KTEW-LD REAL UHF Digital channel 18 , virtual number (x) RTV Retro Tv Network.

K35JY-D REAL UHF Digital channel 35 , virtual number (x) RTV.

KXOK-LD REAL UHF Digital channel 31 , virtual number (x) AM1 America One.

K45EJ REAL UHF Digital channel 44 , virtual number (45.1-2) MyNetwork and This Tv.

KOCO-TV REAL VHF Digital channel 07 , virtual number (5.1) ABC.

Aim a Winegard HD7696P antenna with a Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp at about 215 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

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Antenna system #2.

For reception of at 25 feet antenna height.

KDOR-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 17 , virtual number (17.1) IND.

KOED-TV REAL VHF Digital channel 11 , virtual number (x) PBS.

KJRH-DT REAL VHF Digital channel 08 , virtual number (2.1) NBC.

KOTV-DM/DT REAL UHF Digital channel 45 , virtual number (6.1) CBS and CW.

KOKI-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 22 , virtual number (23.1) FOX.

Aim a Winegard HD7698P antenna with a Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp at about 121 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

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Separate the 2 antennas by about 3 feet.

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Antenna systems #1 and #2 are Not connected together on to one coax.

The 2 antenna systems are Separate all the way to the location/s of the Tv/s.

Separate antennas , separate preamps , separate splitter , separate coaxes.

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For 1 Tv connected use no splitters.

The separate antenna systems will connect to a Remote control A/B antenna switch at the Tv location , http://www.mcmelectronics.com #32-4425 .

For 2 Tv's connected use a , HFS-2D , 2 way splitter.

For 3 Tv's connected use a , HFS-3D , 3 way splitter.

Buy the HFS splitters at , or , http://www.hollandelectronics.comhttp://www.solidsignal.com.

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For separate antenna systems , every thing is doubled.

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As always , trees and tree leaves do a rel good job of , reflecting , reducing , blocking , Digital Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions.

It is best install the antennas at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions of any type or kind in the directions of reception.

The Tv's Must Channel Scan for the Broadcast Tv Channels , often 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.

Some Digital Tv's will automatic channel scan for cable tv channels.

Go into the Tv setup menu and select 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' .

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

The 2 antenna system is Channel Surfing Friendly , press the button on the Hand held remote control , Change Antennas And Keep On Channel Surfing.

Using a antenna rotator and 1 antenna Is Not channel surfing friendly , must wait for antenna to rotate and there will be domestic issues about where the antenna is aimed.

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