First MANY thanks for the first rate suggestions and discussions. I haven't put up a TV antenna since the 60's (ugh!)
some replies:
"Pretty good signal of what?">>Channel 9,-it's all about 9 Hi-VHF 160 deg Mag
"Don't buy the MCM 33-2230 UVSJ UHF/VHF combiner.">>Too late. I bought it hoping to mount it on the mast, since it is in a weathertight enclosure. I agree it does not work well. I tried combining the VHF of the RCA751 with the UHF of the 8-bay and got zero VHF as a result. I intend to send it back.
"A suitable VHF-High antenna would be an MCM 30-2475 or 30-2476. They are inexpensive, have poor assembly instructions, but perform well.
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/produc...-2475-/30-2475
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/produc...-2476-/30-2476
UVSJ
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=uvsj
http://mjsales.net/products/tru-spec...ant=1198505857
https://www.antennasdirect.com/store...FUmRfgod9YAKRw"
Thanks for the antenna and combiner suggestions...ordering tomorrow.
Just to prove that I am not crazy and hallucinating I have attached two photos. I took down the RCA 751 and stood it on end against a wall, intending to rotate it by hand to find the best signal either inside or hanging out the window. The TV was set to Channel 19 (real #9). The signal was 54 and the quality 100%. Note that the tower is directly behind where the photo was taken! Moving the antenna just a little bit, less than a foot, reduced the signal strength. Moving it 4-5 feet and the signal disappeared. This is the same result I got with the 8-bay bowtie. Diffraction?! Is it possible the 25 ft cable is acting as an antenna?
This is pretty frustrating!