[Electron]

If you will like to try reception without the preamp.

Simply unpluging the preamp will shut the preamp off and the preamp will become a attenuator.

ALL parts of the preamp must be disconnected if you will like to try reception without the preamp , the outside part , the inside parts.

ALL parts.

Yes the sun can blast the signal and reduce or bloc the signal.

Also check -> ALL <- connections.

Has water entered any of the outside connections??

The starting aim direction of the antenna is the , starting aim direction , the antenna can be turned to find a aim direction that is best signal for the tv stations/channels you will like to receive.