Rabbit73 and MikeBear, thank you both for the help.
I tested the TV tuner tonight (clearing the channels as Rabbit suggested) and found that it will display an actual channel's strength even if the channel is not located in the scan (i.e. I can set it to 23 without running through a scan, and it should show strength).
Sorry to rehash your comments, but want to try and make sure I got things straight in my head before I play with things this weekend.
For this weekend, I most likely will not be able to get access to any parts currently not in my possession (our Radioshack closed down earlier this year, and I'm not sure if Bestbuy would have this stuff).
First option would be to disconnect the pre-amp, and see what I get, with the antenna turned to magnetic 75. (I take it the magnetic listed on TV Fool takes into account the declination for my area). If I show some signal here, then it is likely the pre-amp is the biggest problem. If I still get goose eggs, then it could be that we need more power, there is obstruction, etc....
Second option would be to play around with the location of the antenna. This could indicate that there is an obstruction or other problem. Angling the antenna on the mast could also help.
Third option would be to disconnect the VHF antenna from the UHF on the existing antenna and see if it picks up anything.
After exhausting these options we go into the 2 antennas whose signals are merged. If I end up going this route, you both suggest filtering out the FM signal on both sides (bummer since we've been using that signal to listen to radio on the mixer), only using a higher quality pre-amp on the UHF side. The setup would involve the cheaper UVSJ to filter out errant VHF signal from the UHF antenna, and then would use another UVSJ to combine the signals. I'm not quite sure what to look for in that second UVSJ that has the UHF pass - if someone could post or message me with what I should be looking for there it would be appreciated.
If I decide to go the two antenna route is there any reason I cannot use the
EZHD antenna (I had it up the past year, and only upgraded to try and grab the KTMF signal) to grab my VHF signal? I've used it the past year to get KUFM, KPAX and KECI.
Again, I appreciate all of the help from folks.
Thanks
FC
PS I'm hoping I just need to upgrade the Pre-Amp
