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Old 22-Aug-2016, 2:40 AM   #1
760side
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Suggestions for improvements?

So ive had solid reception overall but there are 2 channels that give me fits, 15.1 and 39.1. Of course 39.1 is the one we watch the most and causes the most spousal frustration with its drops. Are there any UHF antennas that would do a better job or any other improvements i could make?

heres my map

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e2cbcabff3538b

set up is below:
UHF Antenna (antennas direct db8)
|
Radio Shack splitter/joiner -->cpa-1---wall plate--Power Supply Inside-->TV
|
VHF Antenna (antenna craft yagi vhf antenna)
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Old 22-Aug-2016, 11:24 AM   #2
ADTech
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1. Where/how is the DB8 mounted?
2. What exact direction is it aimed?
3. What is out in front of the DB8, for example, trees, buildings, etc?

There is a little bit of improvement available by swapping from a DB8 to the newer "e" version as far as peak forward gain is concerned, but situations such as yours usually suggests a sub-optimal mounting situation that should be investigated first.
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Old 22-Aug-2016, 4:26 PM   #3
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Looking at your TVFool.com report shows that KNSD, your NBC station lies in a direction that is 25 degrees off from your ABC and CBS stations. That, combined with KNSD's weak signal strength at your house, would be enough to cause problems with KNSD.

The most obvious solution would be to mount your antenna array on a rotator, which would allow you to fine-tune the antenna between the local transmitters. If we assume that your TV set has a signal quality meter, you could turn the antenna from indoors to maximize signal quality for all your channels.
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Old 22-Aug-2016, 8:20 PM   #4
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Quote:
cpa-1
Huh? Do you mean CPA-19?

Quote:
Radio Shack splitter/joiner
Which one? There is a right one and a wrong one.

He doesn't need to aim between. VHF is 159 deg magnetic, and UHF is 137 deg magnetic.

That hill in the signal path for KNSD doesn't help.
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...dALLTV%26n%3d8
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Last edited by rabbit73; 22-Aug-2016 at 8:28 PM.
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Old 23-Aug-2016, 1:28 AM   #5
760side
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i have a cpa 19

Im using a radio shack joiner since i have a vhf and uhf antenna.

I have the vhf pointer at the towers, approx 159 magnetic, for channels 8 and 10 those come in solid.

the db8 is pointed approximately 137 magnetic.

both antennas are mounted about 30-40 feet off the ground.

Last edited by 760side; 23-Aug-2016 at 1:34 AM.
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Old 23-Aug-2016, 2:52 PM   #6
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Quote:
i have a cpa 19
OK, good if it is working properly.
Quote:
Im using a radio shack joiner since i have a vhf and uhf antenna.
That doesn't answer my question. Some people try to use a splitter in reverse as a joiner and some people use the correct device, a UVSJ.



You didn't answer ADTech's question
Quote:
3. What is out in front of the DB8, for example, trees, buildings, etc?
Assuming the path is clear in front of the DB8, you should be receiving those two channels OK. If not, something else is wrong, but we haven't discovered it yet.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg RSuvsj2.jpg (91.1 KB, 1458 views)
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Last edited by rabbit73; 23-Aug-2016 at 3:03 PM.
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Old 24-Aug-2016, 2:31 AM   #7
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Im using that exact UVSJ.

There isnt much immediately in front of the the DB8. Like I said its mounted about 30 feet off the ground.

Maybe 1-2 miles south there is a small mountain range which is probably cause for some interference but not sure.
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Old 24-Aug-2016, 5:07 PM   #8
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HDB91X a lot cheaper than the DB8 and I think it works better then the DB 8

Last edited by Nascarken; 24-Aug-2016 at 5:10 PM.
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Old 25-Aug-2016, 4:05 AM   #9
760side
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Would replacing the DB8 with a 91xg improve my reception?

Is there any other data or pictures I could provide that would help?
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Old 25-Aug-2016, 11:56 AM   #10
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Yes SOLID signal.COM the ANTENNA performance is a s m, the price of the HDB91x is $45,dollars shiped but hurry the sale runs out SOON, I HAVE 2 stacked with a channel master 7777,amp,I receive channels 80Miles with no dropouts in heavy rain or snow signal strength is 70,antennas are 80Ft high,
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Old 25-Aug-2016, 6:27 PM   #11
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Quote:
Would replacing the DB8 with a 91xg improve my reception?
I'm not convinced that it would at this point.

The only advantage to the 91XG (or the HDB91X clone) is that you can tilt the front end up to catch the signals coming from the peak of the hill. It made a difference for one user I helped.
Quote:
Is there any other data or pictures I could provide that would help?
A photo of your antenna system and a photo of what the antenna "sees" when it is aimed at 137 degrees magnetic might help.

and I think tilting the front of a UHF antenna up might help:



TVFOOL terrain profile for KNSD:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...dALLTV%26n%3d8
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 760sideTVFp2KNSD.JPG (120.7 KB, 1380 views)
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Last edited by rabbit73; 25-Aug-2016 at 8:22 PM.
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Old 25-Aug-2016, 9:31 PM   #12
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We'll I say that if you put the ANTENNA up 5Ft more and WITH the 91 and a channel master 7777amp I think it will be able to receive all in all Good luck!!
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Old 26-Aug-2016, 2:10 PM   #13
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Ill try and post some pictures this weekend. Im heading out of town today but will be back sunday.
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Old 17-Sep-2016, 8:27 PM   #14
760side
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finally

Heres the pictures of my setup, the direction the antenna is pointed and the HDHR signal reading after a sight adjustment...and I mean maybe rotating 1/4 of an inch
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 0.jpg (24.8 KB, 566 views)
File Type: jpg seet.jpg (37.1 KB, 602 views)
File Type: jpg horizon.jpg (40.3 KB, 596 views)
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Old 17-Sep-2016, 10:10 PM   #15
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Thanks for the photos. The HDHR readings indicate that NBC should look good on the TV; does it, or do you still have a problem?

Attached Images
File Type: jpg 760sideTVFant2.jpg (79.1 KB, 1370 views)
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Last edited by rabbit73; 17-Sep-2016 at 10:29 PM.
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Old 17-Sep-2016, 10:17 PM   #16
760side
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yes its fine for the time being but usually around 5 or 6 at night the reception starts to break up every now and then.
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Old 17-Sep-2016, 10:40 PM   #17
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What is that in the photo, is it the VHF yagi?

Quote:
around 5 or 6 at night the reception starts to break up every now and then.
Could be from a temperature inversion that helps the propagation when it is hot, but when it cools down the signal is weaker.

I still think tilting the aim of the antenna up might help. It would be a custom modification for the DB8, but there is a tilt adjustment on the 91XG and the HDB91X that allows you to tilt the front of the antenna up.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg HDB91Xtiltadj.JPG (57.6 KB, 579 views)
File Type: jpg HDB91Xtiltbracket.JPG (61.7 KB, 577 views)
File Type: jpg HDB91Xtiltbracket2.jpg (59.1 KB, 579 views)
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Last edited by rabbit73; 17-Sep-2016 at 11:52 PM.
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Old 18-Sep-2016, 12:38 AM   #18
760side
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The 2nd antenna is a vhf yagi that pulls in channels 8 and 10 solidly. Yes i know it needs to be more level but I have no problems with those channels.

I will look into tilting the antenna up.
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Old 18-Sep-2016, 4:15 PM   #19
Nascarken
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That's why I suggest the 91 XG instead of the DB 8 and the DB 8 is a wind sale and a lot of money for what it is and you can not t I 'll t ,it with OUT Mickey mousing it, like I say about the DB 8 is a piece of junk in my book and the vhf ANTENNA THAT u have is a good pick and I don't no why you did not BUY a 91XG that wood OUT performs the DB 8 and the price TO well good luck and be safe on the roof
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Old 18-Sep-2016, 5:54 PM   #20
760side
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I purchased the DB8 6-7 years ago and it was one of the highest rated OTA antennas at the time.
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