WCBS (NY) Problems

ginginlala · 1-Jan-2012, 5:03 PM

Hello!

Report: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...4033c1f01259af

Antenna: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=3730720

(Not using the amplifier)

Antenna is mounted on my roof, pointed directly at the Empire State Building, and has more or less clear LOS.

For whatever reason, I'm having problems with CBS, and CBS only. I receive every other station in my area flawlessly.

CBS is odd. It cuts completely in and out. My signal meter shows it going from 0 to 100 to 0 to 100 instantly. It'll stay at 100 for anywhere from 15-60 seconds at a time, then cut instantly to 0 for about 5-7 seconds, then pop right back to 100.

Question is simple: is this more likely a problem on MY end or is it possible that CBS is having some kind of transmitter trouble in NYC? This started happening yesterday (12/31/11) and is continuing today.

Any ideas?

GroundUrMast · 1-Jan-2012, 7:07 PM

An amplified antenna would not have been my recommendation if you were starting from scratch. You have many powerful signals that would drive many amplifiers into overload. Most antennas with built in amplifiers do not provide a means to remove the amplifier, either physically or electrically. You indicate that you're not using the amplifier. Can you describe the method you use to remove the amplifier from the circuit?

A basic set of non-amplified rabbit-ears should have no trouble with the strong signals available to you. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2828

A simple inexpensive test would be to compare results against a sub $5 set of rabbit-ears

My theory is that the strong local signals are interacting with the underpowered amplifier components located inside the antenna.

Electron · 1-Jan-2012, 8:11 PM

http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2908

No static at all · 1-Jan-2012, 8:23 PM

The most cost effective for reliable reception would be either the Antennacraft HBU-22 or the RCA ANT-751.

I would take the current antenna back if possible for a refund. Most Radio Shacks sell the HBU-22, but it usually takes a few days.

ginginlala · 1-Jan-2012, 8:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electron

http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2908

Aye, I should have returned to that thread to extend my thanks. Sorry about that. I ended up putting the antenna on the roof of my building, which rectified all problems raised in that original post. The current issue with CBS is new.

As for the amplifier, it's actually not part of the antenna body itself. It's a separate unit connected to the coax that came with the antenna, so I'm simply not using that cable.

The antenna is on the roof, but is probably not elevated far enough. I'm considering purchasing a mast and non-penetrating mount system that can elevate it about 5' (it's currently about 2.5' off the roof).

I may also look at the antenna that was recommended in that thread.

Interestingly, the problem has stopped altogether in the last 2-3 hours. CBS is now coming in at just under 100% on my meter, just like all other stations.

Electron · 2-Jan-2012, 4:00 AM

Install a Winegard HD7210P , multipath/ghost killer antenna above the roof aimed at 346 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Also install a coax ground block , the best place to ground to is electric service ground. Grounding the coax shield , directs interfering signals to ground. The center wire of the coax carries the tv signals to the tv.

Electron · 2-Jan-2012, 4:03 AM

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com

GroundUrMast · 2-Jan-2012, 6:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ginginlala

Aye, I should have returned to that thread to extend my thanks. Sorry about that. I ended up putting the antenna on the roof of my building, which rectified all problems raised in that original post. The current issue with CBS is new.

As for the amplifier, it's actually not part of the antenna body itself. It's a separate unit connected to the coax that came with the antenna, so I'm simply not using that cable.

The antenna is on the roof, but is probably not elevated far enough. I'm considering purchasing a mast and non-penetrating mount system that can elevate it about 5' (it's currently about 2.5' off the roof).

I may also look at the antenna that was recommended in that thread.

Interestingly, the problem has stopped altogether in the last 2-3 hours. CBS is now coming in at just under 100% on my meter, just like all other stations.

I have not torn this particular antenna apart, but I suspect the "separate unit" is just the power supply. I'm sure there are amplifier components still in the circuit (inside the housing of the outdoor unit) and the raw power in the air is 'pushing' through and past those components.

Good news - That you have access to the roof. I think a non-amplified antenna up there will be able to serve well.

Electron · 2-Jan-2012, 7:02 PM

Here are two mounts that do not penetrate the roof , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html

Electron · 2-Jan-2012, 7:15 PM

Do Not use any type or kind of amplified antenna. If the antenna has amplifier any where , on , in , outside , inside , around the antenna , in front of the antenna , behind the antenna , on top of the antenna , under the antenna , even if you disconnect the amplifier do not use the antenna. No amplifier . The Tv transmissions are VERY STRONG at your location. No amplifier. Being that a antenna is now on top of the roof , aim the antenna at 346 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html