Reception Issues

[f308gt4]

I am having some issues with my current installation. My antenna is an RCA ANT-751, and it is installed on a ledge outside our home above the first story.

My signal results are here:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...3cf4f737d77029

I seem to get most channels pretty well. However, some channels, such as ION (30.1) seem to be pixelated at times. Also, it seems like the lousy weather today is affecting many channels.

I am hoping for some suggestions to help with the reception.

Would it be something simple as adjusting the direction of the antenna?

Would mounting it on the roof of the building (2nd story) help? I can do it, but it will be a PITA to mount it on the roof. If that is the case, will probably pay someone to install.

What about an amplifier?

I am using quad shielded cable (don't remember the brand, but I bought it at Home Depot, so I can't imagine changing the cable would affect things.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[Tower Guy]

Originally Posted by f308gt4

I am having some issues with my current installation.

My signal results are here:

The TVfool report is generic. Try again with your exact location.

[John Candle]

And put the antenna height at the height you think the antenna is

[f308gt4]

OK, here is the revised report (I used 10 ft as antenna height):

FWIW, I have attached it with a 25ft quadshielded cable, which goes into a ground block, and then another 12ft cable which goes through the wall and to the TV, so I do have some excess cable on the outside. Could that be the issue? Should I trim the 25 ft cable to eliminate the excess?

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...7ebbd76dd2d673

When I installed the antenna, I used the exact report, and used a compass to aim the antenna at about 323 degrees. Not sure how accurate I was though, may be off by a couple of degrees (<10).

Thanks!

[John Candle]

As you can see the channels in green are all strong and are all line of sight , a excelent reception situation. . Yes you can turn and move the antenna for better reception. Look in the connectors of the RG-6 quad shield , the common problem is the foil shields and shield wires are pushed in toward the center conductor that carries the signal this 'shorts out' the signal , reducing reception. Push the foil shied and shield wires away from the center conductor. Looking at the coax to matching transformer antenna connection , is it corroded ?? Also do not assume the matching transformer is good. Replace it with a good quality outdoor matching transformer. Are there any large obstructions near by that can be interfering with reception??

[John Candle]

The television transmission are very strong , 25 feet of extra cable is Ok. . If unsure if coax cable is good , replace it.

[Tower Guy]

Originally Posted by f308gt4

OK, here is the revised report (I used 10 ft as antenna height):

FWIW, I have attached it with a 25ft quadshielded cable, which goes into a ground block, and then another 12ft cable which goes through the wall and to the TV.

If there is no building in the way that isn't shown on TVfool I'd suspect a bad connector or balun. Use one of the two rg-6 lines and connect the antenna to the TV with the antenna hand-held or on the window sill. Next try the other RG-6. Look at the connectors. Try another balun.