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Old 26-Jan-2017, 2:22 AM   #1
mikebuild
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Reception update

Wanted to give an update on my antenna install since you guy's have been helping me out. Just put up the 7698 (~25') with new RG6 (60' ish) and an 18db booster. I haven't really aimed the antenna yet, but I went from 13 channels to 47 channels. Better than expected! Still need to raise and aim the antenna ... maybe get a few more to boot. So glad to have all the local national channels back. Very good investment ... total cost of antenna is less than one months cable bill and we dont miss all those filler channels.
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Old 26-Jan-2017, 4:05 AM   #2
rabbit73
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Thanks for the update with the good news.

Which booster did you use?

Your previous thread for reference:
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=16199

your report for reference:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...dfaf44e4451727
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Last edited by rabbit73; 26-Jan-2017 at 4:07 AM.
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Old 26-Jan-2017, 5:53 AM   #3
mikebuild
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Winegard Boost XT 18db
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Old 26-Jan-2017, 7:54 PM   #4
mikebuild
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Interesting ... I raised the antenna about 6-7' and the reception worsened a bit on several channels.
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Old 26-Jan-2017, 9:03 PM   #5
WIRELESS ENGINEER
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Happy to hear things worked out well.

Yes, many times lowering an antenna works better

You may be going under an obstruction like a tree canopy for example
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Old 27-Jan-2017, 1:52 AM   #6
rabbit73
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Quote:
Interesting ... I raised the antenna about 6-7' and the reception worsened a bit on several channels.
The wave front of the signal is non-uniform. There are hot spots and cold spots, especially with 2Edge signals that have terrain interference.





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Last edited by rabbit73; 27-Jan-2017 at 2:02 AM.
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Old 27-Jan-2017, 1:11 PM   #7
mikebuild
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In a nutshell then ... find the happy spot.

So, for optimal antenna placement, instead of walking the antenna around the property, searching for the "hot spot", Is there a meter of some sort that one can use to locate the best signal(s) available at a particular site?

If not, then what method is best, for positioning the antenna? From the info you just provided, my best reception may be down on the ground somewhere.

Again, thanks for the help. This is working out way better than expected.
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Old 27-Jan-2017, 7:40 PM   #8
rabbit73
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Is there a meter of some sort that one can use to locate the best signal(s) available at a particular site?
Yes, there are signal level meters. They are expensive and must be connected to a search antenna. Here are two of mine:



The Sadelco 719E on the left was designed for analog signals, but it is useful for measuring digital signals. The Sadelco DisplayMax 800 on the right is for analog and digital signals.

I was having trouble receiving CH 42 because my antenna was facing the wrong direction. The signal was strong enough, but the signal quality was poor; the tuner as not able to pick it up during a scan.

I went across the street and setup a 2-bay UHF antenna, my meter, and a preamp. I was able to get a nice scan and a stronger signal with the antenna aimed at the transmitter for CH42.



Interestingly, when I moved the antenna a few feet left or right, without changing the height or azimuth, there was a big difference in the signal strength and scan quality. This is most likely because of the tree line in front of the antenna about 200 ft away which created the non-uniform field.

If your TV has a signal strength indicator, it can be used to make comparative measurements.
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Last edited by rabbit73; 27-Jan-2017 at 7:58 PM.
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Old 2-Feb-2017, 4:42 PM   #9
mikebuild
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Thanks R73 ... those do look expensive.
So, in theory, I could walk my site with any antenna, connected to a tv with a signal meter, and locate the best reception spot? Yea? Na?

Another observation of the 7968 ... wind is not its freind
So obviously every tree between here and there is going to become more of a problem with reception, but how much of an issue will antenna vibration/movement be? In the wind, I can see the antenna wiggle a bit (not 100% secured yet) ... is that a big factor or not? The antenna does not rotate per sey, just a little rocking motion.

Thanks again.
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Old 2-Feb-2017, 7:04 PM   #10
rabbit73
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Quote:
So, in theory, I could walk my site with any antenna, connected to a tv with a signal meter, and locate the best reception spot? Yea? Na?
Yes

Secure the antenna as best you can to minimize its movement, but if the signals have to travel through trees, that is a much bigger factor.
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Old 11-Feb-2017, 11:50 PM   #11
mikebuild
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Talking

So I still have the 7698 on the roof and the Winegard Boost XT 18db (mounted in the attic). When I first installed these I was able to scan 48 channels total, but recently, I was only able to get 32. From the time of initial install, till now, the signal has been fairly intermittent on a regular basis so I've decided to try a bigger boost (36db). I found this one on Amazon, the "Miyako usa KF-236" ... it came today. Opened the box and found no instructions ... went to the website, no instructions, specs, manuals of any kind. So I'm guessing that I got some Chinese crap. (my bad, on a budget). But since I've got it, might as well try it. The Wingard XT mounts in the attic near the antenna and the power supply mounts at the tv. This booster is "all in one", no separate power supply. Would I be better off mounting this in the attic (near antenna) or down near the TV? This unit has a toggle "in/out" and a dial for "gain", but without a manual I have no idea how to properly adjust. I will try all configurations ... see what happens.

Any thoughts?
Thanks again, Mike.
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Old 12-Feb-2017, 12:52 PM   #12
ADTech
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Quote:
Would I be better off mounting this in the attic (near antenna) or down near the TV?
You would be better off returning it and getting your money back.

More gain almost never results in better reception, it doesn't work that way except when the additional gain is actually needed to overcome extensive downstream cabling and distribution losses. Usually, more gain simply results in more problems due to signal overloading in either the amplifier or in the attached tuners.
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Old 12-Feb-2017, 4:37 PM   #13
mikebuild
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Thanks ADTech,

Maybe I'll try a lesser db booster next. This 36db I just bought has not worked at all. The db is adjustable and I have tried it all the way up and down ... no difference.
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