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Modified plan according to new information. Changed/updated info is in bold.
1. Move the C2V to approximately 5 feet or so away from the 91XG.
2. Run, new high quality RG6 cable (I'll be using the brand I already linked) from each antenna to a single tuner (bypassing the CM3414 and the use of any splitters) testing for reliable reception. If reliable reception is not obtained, try adjusting aim. If reliable reception is obtained, this could suggest some issue with the cable that needs to be replaced/fixed (because I don't recall that Fox has never been able to do that with this antenna setup without the use of a distribution amp; it seems other signals have been lower too). Make notes regarding the performance of the antenna with new cable (see Step 1 A-B-C test). Then reconnect to existing cable and splitter one antenna at a time making notes regarding performance (see Step 2 of A-B-C test). Compare results to Step 1 A-B-C results.
If the need for a preamp at the C2V was proven, simply lay the system out as follows; C2V Antenna > FM trap (if used) >preamp > preamp power inserter > AC7 > distribution system. The other antenna can be similar; 91XG > FM trap > preamp > preamp power inserter > AC7 > Distribution system.
3. If reliable reception is not obtained from each antenna using the new, high quality coax to a single tuner without the use of a distribution amp/splitter or after readjusting aim, consider changing out that antenna.
4. If/when reliable reception is obtained, move the AC7 combiner into the attic.
5. Without the AC7 combiner being connected and after reliable reception is obtained, add the RCA TVPRAMP1R on the 91XG antenna (making sure no other changes have been made since step 1 other than connecting through existing cable and a splitter). Observe results using signal strength/signal quality on the single tuner. Compare results to Step 2 of A-B-C test with existing cable and splitter. Run test again with RCA amp on C2V antenna.
Side note: If a strong reliable signal becomes unreliable after adding a preamp, you can safely conclude that either the preamp is overloaded or the tuner is overloaded. Adding attenuation between preamp and tuner will help you understand if the tuner was overloaded or not. Attenuation between the preamp and tuner would be expected to resolve tuner overload, not preamp overload. Attenuation ahead of the preamp affects both the preamp and tuner.
* Check for tuner overload if this situation presents itself by attaching attenuator(s) to test tuner. If it is the tuner being overloaded, continue plan to attach attenuator on AC7 combiner in Step 10. If preamplifier overload exists, remove preamp.
6. Add/utilize an FM trap on both antennas. If using the FM trap on the RCA preamp, use 1-3 feet of RG6 cable connected to the antenna and the other end to the trap (preamp input connects to the output of the trap and switch is turned on). If using the Radioshack FM trap, it needs to be between the antenna and any amplifier.
7. Reconnect antenna downleads to the AC7 combiner. Run output from AC7 combiner to the CM3414 distribution amp. Check signal quality/strength on all tuners.
8. Disconnect AC7 output from the CM3414 distribution amp. Then connect AC7 output to 4 way splitter instead. Check signal quality/strength on all tuners.
9. If significant disparity exists for signal quality/strength between the CM3414 and 4 way splitter (particularly if much lower readings are present from using 4 way splitter) replace/repair coaxial cables running to all 3 TV's. Then recheck each way of connecting again. Compare those results to previous results. Use whichever accessory between the CM3414 and the 4 way splitter produces the best results for all TV's/tuners.
10. Finally, install attenuators on the "input" ports for each antenna on the AC7 combiner and one attenuator on the "outport" of the AC7 combiner. Check signal quality/strength on all tuners. If signal quality/strength drops or picture deteriorates remove attenuators.
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