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8-Feb-2011, 3:24 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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Will an RCA 3036 work for me?
I am very new to the forum guys. I have done a ton of research on setting up OTA. I am getting rid of satellite and staying with OTA and Netflix. Here is my Tv FOOL report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...3cf4de8f118725
I need to know if an RCA 3036 will work for me. Also, a friend of mine who lives farther out from the stations just installed a Philips SDV 2940 from Walmart and said he has plenty of channels to watch, so I am also interested if that antenna will work for me.
Thanks!
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8-Feb-2011, 4:57 PM
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#2
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Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Posts: 4,773
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Of the two antennas you mention, the RCA 3036 is the better choice by far. The Phillips is a UHF only antenna, which would lack coverage of real channels 5, 8, 10 and 13.
The manufacture's web site does not offer gain specifications, but only a vague estimate of mileage. Presuming the RCA design has similar performance to other brands of the same general dimensions, I would expect about 8 dB of gain from the UHF section which should be adequate to receive WNPX (real 36).
You are facing the challenge of 1 and 2 edge paths for almost every signal. A Winegard HD8200U would give you some additional gain that could overcome the fading and multipath common to those conditions.
You will likely need a preamp, especially if you are going to split to multiple sets. A Winegard HDP-269 would be one choice with very little risk of overload. You may want to run an FM-fool report to see if you have strong FM stations near you. If not, you could go with any number of other preamps having lower input ratings. When I run an FM-fool report at the ZIP code level, I see several strong FM signals.
__________________
If the well is dry and you don't see rain on the horizon, you'll need to dig the hole deeper. (If the antenna can't get the job done, an amp won't fix it.)
(Please direct account activation inquiries to 'admin')
Last edited by GroundUrMast; 8-Feb-2011 at 5:14 PM.
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8-Feb-2011, 6:22 PM
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#3
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Antennas Direct Tech Supp
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,942
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For Nashville:
WTVF is currently simulcasting on UHF-50 and the TVfool plot suggests that signal will be readily received with a suitable deep-fringe UHF antenna. This would make the low-VHF capability of any all-channel antenna unnecessary, significantly reducing the size of the antenna. Additionally, WTVF has applied to build a permanent 1,000 kW UHF-25 facility to replace the current 100 kW UHF-50 translator. That application is still pending at the FCC.
You could choose from either a long-range UHF/high-VHF combo or you could choose separate long-range UHF and high-VHF antennas and combine them with either a UVSJ or a dual-input pre-amplifier.
Hey, you've got options!
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8-Feb-2011, 6:30 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,697
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Tv Antennas and Reception
To cover the options with 1 antenna. Install a All channel antenna the Winegard HD7084P with a Winegard HDP269 preamplifier on the roof. I recommend mount the antenna and preamp on a Strong and Sturdy antenna mount , Tripod mount , Chimney mount or Peak of the roof Eave mount. . Point the antenna at 144 magnetic compass. The Winegard HD7084P is Heavy Duty Construction so as to last a long time outside. Read and understand this about Real Digital Tv Channels , Virtual Digital Tv Channels , Analog Tv Channels , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695 . This how to Aim a Tv antenna , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . How many Tv's will be connected ??
Last edited by John Candle; 8-Feb-2011 at 7:05 PM.
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8-Feb-2011, 6:42 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,697
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Tv Antennas and Reception
Last edited by John Candle; 8-Feb-2011 at 7:07 PM.
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8-Feb-2011, 6:58 PM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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Thanks guys! I am wanting to go obviously the most economical route for this project. I have the RCA 3036 and the poles necessary to build the tower. I was hoping that the Philips SDV 2940 just might work, since I already have the satellite dish mounted on a tripod attached to the roof. I really do appreciate all the input guys.
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8-Feb-2011, 7:17 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,697
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Tv Antennas and Reception
If you have the RCA3036 now. It will receive the stations at about 144 magnetic compass. . How Many Tv's Will Be Connected????
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8-Feb-2011, 7:23 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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For now just one because I have my Toshiba 26" in the LR. The other one is a much older 13" Orion and I believe my wife will want that one gone from our bedroom.
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8-Feb-2011, 8:01 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,697
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Tv Antennas and Reception
For one Tv connected , should be able to receive down to WNPX-DT 36 ION with No Splitters. Each time a split takes place the signal is reduced. If not receiving down to WNPX with one Tv , or you add a second Tv with a simple 2 way passive splitter , then add the preamplifier.
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8-Feb-2011, 8:18 PM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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Sunday night I put together the antenna. I ran my 100' cable from where I had the antenna (granted it was on my back porch but I wanted to at least test it) and wanted to see if I got something. I didn't get any reception at all. My house sits on a hill, so the back porch is about 10 ft AGL. I had the antenna pointed up at an angle at that direction. I didn't get anything. I did notice that the matching transformer ( the coax end) was able to free spin inside the insulation. I don't know if that had anything to do with it or not. The funny thing about it, is I tested out a $10 Big Lots indoor antenna special (amplified) and was able to watch FOX (17.1) just fine. Granted it was the ONLY station I picked up, but still.
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8-Feb-2011, 8:44 PM
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#11
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Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Posts: 4,773
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You need a new matching transformer.
__________________
If the well is dry and you don't see rain on the horizon, you'll need to dig the hole deeper. (If the antenna can't get the job done, an amp won't fix it.)
(Please direct account activation inquiries to 'admin')
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8-Feb-2011, 8:48 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5
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I thought that was the issue, but it never hurts to ask. As soon as I get one and re-test everything out I will let you guys know.
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9-Feb-2011, 1:43 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,697
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Tv Antennas and Reception
I wonder if buying at lowest possible price and quality will end up costing more ?? It is best to use a quality outdoor matching transformer.
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