Azimuth and true

gossamer · 8-Nov-2018, 8:32 PM

Hi,
My address is here:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...90383c9c5637ec

It looks like I should be pointing at 156 for best reception for the majority of the channels in my area (northern NJ). What is the "MAGN" direction that's also being displayed?

Which should I use?

Does it matter which end of the antenna is pointing in the direction of the transmission? The narrow side or wide side?

This image most closely resembles my antenna.

I don't know why my link doesn't work :-( Please see the image here:
https://imgur.com/XyCrtJR

rickbb · 8-Nov-2018, 9:57 PM

MAGN stands for Magnetic North. That's where your compass will point to. You can use that to aim your antenna.

True north is not the same. True north is what is shown on maps, so you have to adjust for something called magnetic declination if you want your compass to point to true north.

This declination changes constantly so yearly adjustments need to be to compensate.

gossamer · 9-Nov-2018, 2:22 AM

Thanks so much for your help. I had forgotten all of that :-)

rabbit73 · 9-Nov-2018, 2:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gossamer

Does it matter which end of the antenna is pointing in the direction of the transmission? The narrow side or wide side?

Yes, point the narrow end at the transmitter.

Quote:

This image most closely resembles my antenna.

We need to see a photo of your actual antenna or know the model number, because that antenna might not be correct for your location. It doesn't cover your UHF channels, real channels 14 to 51.

Quote:

I don't know why my link doesn't work :-( Please see the image here:
https://imgur.com/XyCrtJR

It doesn't show because it doesn't have ".jpg" after rtJR.

gossamer · 9-Nov-2018, 3:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rabbit73

Yes, point the narrow end at the transmitter.
We need to see a photo of your actual antenna or know the model number, because that antenna might not be correct for your location. It doesn't cover your UHF channels, real channels 14 to 51.
It doesn't show because it doesn't have ".jpg" after rtJR.

Thanks so much for your help. I have the Winegard HD7694P.

rabbit73 · 10-Nov-2018, 3:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gossamer

Thanks so much for your help. I have the Winegard HD7694P.

OK, good. That is suitable for your channels, except for real channels 2-6, which you probably don't need.

JoeAZ · 10-Nov-2018, 1:17 PM

If I may, while knowing the difference between Azimuth and true
is important, aiming an antenna for the best signals overall is
really what matters. You may find that a few degrees either way
may provide a better signal. Also, the tilt of the antenna can also
contribute to improving the reception. Pointing the small end upwards
slightly can really make a difference!

gossamer · 10-Nov-2018, 1:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeAZ

If I may, while knowing the difference between Azimuth and true
is important, aiming an antenna for the best signals overall is
really what matters. You may find that a few degrees either way
may provide a better signal. Also, the tilt of the antenna can also
contribute to improving the reception. Pointing the small end upwards
slightly can really make a difference!

The problem I have is that the antenna is on a 10' pole - I can really only visually adjust it based on the compass settings from the app on my phone.

Is there a better way to be more precise?

Also, while the majority of the channels are southeast (169 or so), there are some that are a completely different direction. I assume it's just a matter of picking the majority of the channels that I want and sacrificing the rest?

Thanks guys!

rabbit73 · 10-Nov-2018, 2:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gossamer

The problem I have is that the antenna is on a 10' pole - I can really only visually adjust it based on the compass settings from the app on my phone.

Some phones don't have an accurate compass. I prefer to use an ordinary pocket compass.

Quote:

Is there a better way to be more precise?

Yes, use the green signal lines on the TVFool Interactive map.
http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?opti...pper&Itemid=90

Quote:

Also, while the majority of the channels are southeast (169 or so), there are some that are a completely different direction. I assume it's just a matter of picking the majority of the channels that I want and sacrificing the rest?

Correct

JoeAZ · 10-Nov-2018, 4:20 PM

"The problem I have is that the antenna is on a 10' pole - I can really only visually adjust it based on the compass settings from the app on my phone.

Is there a better way to be more precise?"

If your television(s) have signal meters, I would suggest you
use them to find the best direction. At only twenty miles from your major stations, aiming with the Winegard 7694P is not that likely to be that critical.

rickbb · 19-Nov-2018, 7:12 PM

I like to get on the roof with a small TV or use my laptop with a USB tuner in it. Works really well for fine tuning the direction and angle if needed. Takes out all the losses from long cable runs, splitters, introduced noise, etc.

My neighbors think I'm nuts when they see me up there like that, but they are probably right.