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Old 14-May-2010, 5:31 PM   #14
Tigerbangs
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Location: Springfield, MA
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I don't understand the issue; if you already have an antenna on the roof, why is it an issue to replace it with a larger antenna: it is a simple replacement? Based on the signal strengths available at your location: you are in a fringe-to-deep-fringe reception area for the LA transmitters: you should be looking at much more antenna than what you are using. Unless you are looking for some oddball stations, everything that you will want to see will come from Mt. Wilson, and won't require the installation of a rotator.

I would suggest using a Winegard HD-7696p. You need to pull the TERK preamplifier out of the system, since it is likely overloading on the two local transmitters in your area. You will need to use a high-input preamp like a Winegard HDP-269, which won't overload on your local signals while still amplifying the weaker LA signals. DO NOT use a high-gain preamp like the Winegard AP-8275 or the AntennaCraft, or you will overload them and lose channels! The Gain control on the AntennaCraft will NOT protect you from overload problems!

The biggest mistake that you can make is to assume that a preamplifier will substitute for a better antenna: a preamp can only work with the signal that the antenna provides. the Radio Shack antenna that you are using is their smallest antenna, and is not intended to work in a fringe areas such as yours. Using that antenna with a high-gain preamplifier is not going to do you much good, and will probably do more damage. also, if you are using RG-59 cable, yahk it out and replace it with modern RG-6u cable!

Last edited by Tigerbangs; 14-May-2010 at 5:38 PM.
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