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Old 2-Apr-2014, 1:36 AM   #1
alienmario
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Join Date: Mar 2014
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New to Cord Cutting – Need Help with RCA Digital Signal Preamplifier

I’m new to cord cutting and I’m in the beginning stages of setting up my equipment. I am in the Niagara region and here is my Signal Analysis Results: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...5b9444a6246567

I’ve purchased 2 RCA ANT751R antennas (http://amzn.com/B0024R4B5C) and I have them mounted in the attic above my garage. I was planning on pointing 1 towards Toronto (342 degrees) while the other antenna would be pointed towards Buffalo (123 degrees). Is this my best option or should I consider pointing the antennas elsewhere?

I also purchased a RCA TVPRAMP1R Preamplifier (http://amzn.com/B003P92D9Y). I was planning on having both antennas connected into the preamp and run a coax from the output jack to my basement where the signal would be split to different rooms. After reading the instructions, I am a bit confused. It mentions having an antenna setup as UHF and the other as VHF but it there an option to have both as UHF? I thought the preamp would act as a splitter allowing me to combine the signals from both antennas into 1 output. In order to accomplish this, do I need to connect both antennas into a splitter before it connects to the UHF/COMBINED INPUT jack of the preamp?

I am excited to finally cut the cord and I appreciate any help you can provide.
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Old 2-Apr-2014, 12:14 PM   #2
ADTech
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Quote:
I thought the preamp would act as a splitter allowing me to combine the signals from both antennas into 1 output.
Nope. It allows the combination of a single UHF antenna with a single VHF antenna, same as all other pre-amps with dual inputs.

Quote:
In order to accomplish this, do I need to connect both antennas into a splitter before it connects to the UHF/COMBINED INPUT jack of the preamp?
You can give that a try, but do not be surprised if it doesn't work the way you want it to, it rarely does.

Your best bet would be to try a single antenna with preamp aimed to the southeast and see if you can get lucky with back-side reception of the Grand Island and Toronto stations.

You will need to get the antenna out of the attic and well up in the air if you want to improve your chances of getting the stations to your southeast.
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Old 2-Apr-2014, 5:49 PM   #3
Stereocraig
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Originally Posted by ADTech View Post
Nope. It allows the combination of a single UHF antenna with a single VHF antenna, same as all other pre-amps with dual inputs.


So, am I to understand that even when set to:"Combined" I am not supposed to use a pair of UHF antennas on these preamps?

If not, I thank you for saving me from a potential hassle in the future!
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Old 2-Apr-2014, 6:12 PM   #4
ADTech
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Quote:
when set to:"Combined"
That setting provides for a single amplification path that covers all pass-frequencies (VHF plus UHF).


Quote:
I am not supposed to use a pair of UHF antennas on these preamps?
As noted, "You can give that a try, but do not be surprised if it doesn't work the way you want it to, it rarely does."

See http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/merging.html for a discussion.
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Old 2-Apr-2014, 11:55 PM   #5
teleview
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The Current Tv channels that are being Transmitted and Received in , USA , Canada , Mexico , are.

VHF low band channels 2 thru 6.

VHF high band channels 7 thru 13.

UHF band channels 14 thru 51.

Your reception location has channels in the , VHF high band and UHF band.

---------------------------------------

Preamps such as and not limited to the RCA TVPRAMP1R preamp has 2 inputs.

When operated in the Separate antenna mode.

1 input is for the UHF channels.

The other input is for the VHF channels.

When operated in the Combined mode.

A Combined UHF/VHF antenna can be connected.

----------------------------------------

The Canada Tv stations are Strong Signal Strength and easy to receive.

The USA Tv stations , WNLO , WNED , WUTV , are easy to receive.

The USA Tv stations , WNYB , WIVB , WKBW , WGRZ , are Very Weak Signal Strength and will most likely not be received reliably with a ANT751 antenna.

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For reception of the Canada Tv stations and , WNLO , WNED , WUTV , I Strongly Recommend install only 1 ANT751 antenna Above the Peak of the Roof in sucha a manner that reception is not , obstructed , impeded , blocked , by the roof and building in the directions of , South East , South , South West , West North West , North.

Aim the ANT751 antenna at about , 160 degree magnetic compass direction.

Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

Use a Real and Actual magnetic compass to aim antenna , do not trust a cell phone compass.

-------------------------------------

The Canada Tv stations will be received through/at the back angles of the ANT751 antenna when the front of the ANT751 is aimed at the USA Tv stations.

No antenna rotation is required.

A second antenna is not required.

------------------------------------

The RCA preamp will most likely not be required for reception of the USA Tv stations WNLO , WNED , WUTV , and the Canada Tv stations are easy to receive.

If you put the ANT751 antenna in the attic , the USA Tv stations , WNLO , WNED , WUTV , will most likely become if'y.

-----------------------------------

If you will like to reach out for the Weak Signal Strength , USA Tv stations , WNYB , WIVB , WKBW , WGRZ.

A Big Antenna Above The Peak Of The Roof Will Be Required.

And the RCA preamp will be required.

Will you like to reach out for the Very Weak Signal Strength USA Tv stations??


-----------------------------------

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. in Canada.

http://www.saveandreplay.com.

http://www.trentondistributors.com
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Old 3-Apr-2014, 1:37 AM   #6
alienmario
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ADTech View Post
You can give that a try, but do not be surprised if it doesn't work the way you want it to, it rarely does.
Darn, wish I would have posted here before purchasing my antennas and starting the installation. Seems like I was given misinformation when someone told me I could have 2 antennas pointed in different directions and have them combined using a splitter.

I guess I'll try it with the splitter + preamp since the 2 antennas are already installed. Seems like I have nothing to lose at this point.
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