Will an RCA 3036 work for me?

Rogue Coder · 8-Feb-2011, 3:24 PM

I am very new to the forum guys. I have done a ton of research on setting up OTA. I am getting rid of satellite and staying with OTA and Netflix. Here is my Tv FOOL report:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...3cf4de8f118725

I need to know if an RCA 3036 will work for me. Also, a friend of mine who lives farther out from the stations just installed a Philips SDV 2940 from Walmart and said he has plenty of channels to watch, so I am also interested if that antenna will work for me.

Thanks!

GroundUrMast · 8-Feb-2011, 4:57 PM

Of the two antennas you mention, the RCA 3036 is the better choice by far. The Phillips is a UHF only antenna, which would lack coverage of real channels 5, 8, 10 and 13.

The manufacture's web site does not offer gain specifications, but only a vague estimate of mileage. Presuming the RCA design has similar performance to other brands of the same general dimensions, I would expect about 8 dB of gain from the UHF section which should be adequate to receive WNPX (real 36).

You are facing the challenge of 1 and 2 edge paths for almost every signal. A Winegard HD8200U would give you some additional gain that could overcome the fading and multipath common to those conditions.

You will likely need a preamp, especially if you are going to split to multiple sets. A Winegard HDP-269 would be one choice with very little risk of overload. You may want to run an FM-fool report to see if you have strong FM stations near you. If not, you could go with any number of other preamps having lower input ratings. When I run an FM-fool report at the ZIP code level, I see several strong FM signals.

ADTech · 8-Feb-2011, 6:22 PM

For Nashville:

WTVF is currently simulcasting on UHF-50 and the TVfool plot suggests that signal will be readily received with a suitable deep-fringe UHF antenna. This would make the low-VHF capability of any all-channel antenna unnecessary, significantly reducing the size of the antenna. Additionally, WTVF has applied to build a permanent 1,000 kW UHF-25 facility to replace the current 100 kW UHF-50 translator. That application is still pending at the FCC.

You could choose from either a long-range UHF/high-VHF combo or you could choose separate long-range UHF and high-VHF antennas and combine them with either a UVSJ or a dual-input pre-amplifier.

Hey, you've got options!

John Candle · 8-Feb-2011, 6:30 PM

To cover the options with 1 antenna. Install a All channel antenna the Winegard HD7084P with a Winegard HDP269 preamplifier on the roof. I recommend mount the antenna and preamp on a Strong and Sturdy antenna mount , Tripod mount , Chimney mount or Peak of the roof Eave mount. . Point the antenna at 144 magnetic compass. The Winegard HD7084P is Heavy Duty Construction so as to last a long time outside. Read and understand this about Real Digital Tv Channels , Virtual Digital Tv Channels , Analog Tv Channels , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695 . This how to Aim a Tv antenna , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . How many Tv's will be connected ??

John Candle · 8-Feb-2011, 6:42 PM

Here are places to buy antennas and etc. . http://www.3starinc.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com . Here are some online Tv Guides , http://www.titantv.com , http://television.aol.com , http://tvlistings.zap2it.com . How many Tv's will be connected??

Rogue Coder · 8-Feb-2011, 6:58 PM

Thanks guys! I am wanting to go obviously the most economical route for this project. I have the RCA 3036 and the poles necessary to build the tower. I was hoping that the Philips SDV 2940 just might work, since I already have the satellite dish mounted on a tripod attached to the roof. I really do appreciate all the input guys.

John Candle · 8-Feb-2011, 7:17 PM

If you have the RCA3036 now. It will receive the stations at about 144 magnetic compass. . How Many Tv's Will Be Connected????

Rogue Coder · 8-Feb-2011, 7:23 PM

For now just one because I have my Toshiba 26" in the LR. The other one is a much older 13" Orion and I believe my wife will want that one gone from our bedroom.

John Candle · 8-Feb-2011, 8:01 PM

For one Tv connected , should be able to receive down to WNPX-DT 36 ION with No Splitters. Each time a split takes place the signal is reduced. If not receiving down to WNPX with one Tv , or you add a second Tv with a simple 2 way passive splitter , then add the preamplifier.

Rogue Coder · 8-Feb-2011, 8:18 PM

Sunday night I put together the antenna. I ran my 100' cable from where I had the antenna (granted it was on my back porch but I wanted to at least test it) and wanted to see if I got something. I didn't get any reception at all. My house sits on a hill, so the back porch is about 10 ft AGL. I had the antenna pointed up at an angle at that direction. I didn't get anything. I did notice that the matching transformer ( the coax end) was able to free spin inside the insulation. I don't know if that had anything to do with it or not. The funny thing about it, is I tested out a $10 Big Lots indoor antenna special (amplified) and was able to watch FOX (17.1) just fine. Granted it was the ONLY station I picked up, but still.

GroundUrMast · 8-Feb-2011, 8:44 PM

You need a new matching transformer.

Rogue Coder · 8-Feb-2011, 8:48 PM

I thought that was the issue, but it never hurts to ask.

As soon as I get one and re-test everything out I will let you guys know.

John Candle · 9-Feb-2011, 1:43 AM

I wonder if buying at lowest possible price and quality will end up costing more ?? It is best to use a quality outdoor matching transformer.