I've had a Radio Shack VU-190XR antenna (15-2156) topside for about 15 yrs, RS amp 15-1108 (adj gain) and a rotor. Recently I decided to go with two antennas and moved the 190, sans amp, to a mount 19' off the gnd facing East to pull in the NYC stations I watch. Keeping it simple, no rotor or amp and only facing East at the moment, this direction seems to give me the best signals for the stations I watch although the signal analysis report seems to indicate pointing the antenna more North (?).
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...d2436a3af744d3
The signals are pretty good so far but with some reception problems on distant freq's. I have noticed the signals will deteriorate when the weather changes from clr skies to cloudy. That can knock out the distant stations like WLIW ch 21. I would think placing the RS amp on it would be helpful in pulling in a stronger signal, especially for WLIW out of Long Island around 55 miles away. Is there any real benefit in replacing this antenna with a newer, better model or even just a UHF model, or, since I usually do receive all the stations I need, should I just put an amp on it?
As to the other antenna. It's mounted on a rotor with the RS 15-1108 amp. It's probably a Rat Shack VHF/UHF model 15-2161, don't have any paperwork on it, don't know when I bought it, it has sat unused in the attic for a over a decade. Since most of the distant TV stations I watch (50+ miles away) are ch's 7-69 and many out of Philadelphia, I figured I really only needed the smaller VHF/UHF ant for them. Much less wind loading, easier on the rotor and while it's 22' off the gnd now, I can bump it up to 25' and still be able to safely get it in place.
If I replace this ant, which models might I look at for better gain and what amps might I choose from that would work best on the freq's I'm trying to receive? Reception is pretty good now, but I do lose distant TV signals due to the ever changing weather. Having one ant pointing to NYC for TV and FM signals and one rotor mounted UHF ant seems to be the best way to go. I just use an A/B switch and can pretty much leave the ant's in place, only occassionally having to move the rotor.
Antenna's I've considered are the Antennacraft HBU44 and 55, carried by Radio Snack. I've also looked at others and have read about some of them on the TVFool forums, just looking for advice based on my individual needs. I like having an adj amp but will consider all amps suggested, thanks!