Need Help Reading My Results

IsatorHero · 27-Dec-2011, 5:46 AM

Dear TvFool Forum Members,

I just did an analysis of my exact address using the Signal Analysis Tool and my results are here. I live in Walnut, California. (Zip: 91789)

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...4033509c1790db

I'm having some trouble understanding these results though. Based on the map tool, I see that I live in a bit of a dead zone, yet the signal analysis picks up many channels. I was wondering whether it would still be possible for me to receive these channels and how many of these channels I would receive? Also what type of antenna would be best for me? A specific brand and model would be extremely helpful.

Thanks,
Alex

GroundUrMast · 29-Dec-2011, 5:42 PM

Your situation is better than your description makes it out to be. Though there is some terrain in the way, a roof mounted antenna such as the Winegard HD7694P (or it's larger variants) pointed at Mt. Wilson, 308° compass, will provide a long list of stations.

I would try this with no amplifier if you are driving just one or two sets. An Antennas Direct CPA-19 may be appropriate if you are splitting the signal to several sets.

Electron · 30-Dec-2011, 4:09 AM

Your reception location is not in dead zone. The digital tv reception will be very good. Install a Winegard HD7000R antenna above the roof , aimed at about 306 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Here are some antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html. Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com

Electron · 30-Dec-2011, 4:17 AM

For one tv set connection , a coax cable with no splitters will be fine. For 2 tv set connections a simple common 2 way splitter will be fine. For 3 or 4 connections , install a http://www.channelmasterstore.com , CM3414 distribution amplifier.

IsatorHero · 12-Jan-2012, 8:50 AM

Thanks for all the help everyone. I received the antenna today and proceeded to set it up. I've gotten the antenna set up on my roof and have it connected to my 5-6 year old Sony TV. I used the leftover mount from an old DirecTV satellite that I had up there to mount the antenna along with some PVC pipe and tape. I used the pre-existing coaxial cable that was routed when the DirecTV satellite was set up to connect the new antenna to my TV. I also pointed it in approximately the 300-320 degree direction. Despite setting it up like this, I receive next to no channels.

The autoprogram feature on the TV was able to find around 20 channels, but almost all of them except for NBC are unviewable. There are a lot of channels that are like 18.1, 18.2, 18.3, etc, all of which have no signal. CBS has bad picture quality and the one local channel I really like, KTLA, is not discovered by my antenna. Only NBC works properly.

Does anyone have any tips on how I can get more channels?

Attached to this post is a picture of where I have the antenna set up and where it is pointing. North is shown in the compass in the top right.

Thanks!

GroundUrMast · 12-Jan-2012, 4:36 PM

Which make & model antenna did you choose? Did you also purchase an amplifier? If so, what make & model?

Just to be sure, here are diagrams that demonstrate how to aim various types of antennas: http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html (As I drive around, it's sad to see so many antennas aimed 180° or 90° away from the direction toward the towers.)

Some satellite system components look similar to over the air splitters but do not pass OTA frequencies effectively. Have you removed all such components?

Were the cable connectors sealed against the weather since the old satellite system was decommissioned? If water has entered the coax cable, it should be replaced. I'd suggest you get a new cable with connectors already installed, use it to test the antenna, simply run directly from the antenna to a single TV, through an open door or window, to verify your trouble is with the antenna, or the old satellite cable.

I see a chimney in your photo. That would be an excellent mounting option because it puts the antenna at a higher point, with a better view. Here's an example of chimney mounting hardware: http://www.3starinc.com/ez29-36s_y_c...a_bracket.html

IsatorHero · 12-Jan-2012, 7:00 PM

Thanks for the reply. I'm using the Winegard 7694P antenna that I bought from Winegarddirect.com. The cables are in perfect condition because I only unplugged the satellite dish to install the antenna. I am not using an amplifier. Based on the picture I posted is the direction of where the antenna is pointing correct?

Ill see if I can mount he antenna on the chimney. Any other ideas?

GroundUrMast · 12-Jan-2012, 7:29 PM

Have you removed all satellite system components?
Are you connecting more than one set at this time?
How many feet of cable are between the antenna and set?

The most reliable way to prove you have aimed correctly, is to use only one TV, one known good cable and the antenna. With one person adjusting the aim of the antenna and another checking reception at the TV, you'll want to sweep the antenna left and right in small steps to be sure you have the best aim. Use the signal meter on the TV if it's equipped with one.

This document http://www.winegard.com/kbase/upload/HD7694P.pdf includes a drawing of the antenna. The longest elements are at the back of the antenna. The drawing is as if you were standing in front of the antenna and a bit to one side. The front of the antenna needs to be closer to the transmit towers than the back of the antenna.

The aim depicted in your photo appears correct.