Welcome to the forum, kokadjo:
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My research led me to purchase and install a Weingard HD7698P Platinum HD Series Antenna. It is installed on the highest peak of my roof which puts it approximately 40ft above ground level.
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That sounds like the right thing to do. I see a lot of trees in your area; I hope there aren't any in the signal path. See attachment 1.
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Currently I have no preamplifier and it connects directly to my upstairs tv as I gauge reception before running lines/splitters/etc.
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Now that you have tried it without, it's time to try it with a preamp. I don't see any very strong local FM signals to cause interference, but you should try an FM filter. Some preamps have one built in. See attachment 2.
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My antenna is pointed at 265 degrees (based on my iphone compass app).
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They are known to have poor accuracy; use a real compass for 265 degrees magnetic.
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My two main questions are why would I be able to receive other UHF stations from the same broadcast site with similar power, but not NBC and CBS.
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My guess would be the difficult terrain between ESB and your location. If you look at the coverage map, you will see you are in a signal dead zone, attachment 3.
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My other question is, should I have purchased an antenna that receives VHF-Low as they seem to broadcast on that frequency as well.
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No, the antenna needed is determined by the real channel number, not the virtual channel number.
VHF-Low, real channels 2-6
VHF-High, real channels 7-13
UHF, real channels 14-51
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Other potentially pertinent information is that I just do a simple channel scan on my Sharp TV to find stations. I cannot figure out how to manually search for a station.
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Every TV is different; I'm not familiar with that brand. My Sony allows me to add a channel after scan.
Some Samsungs can accept an added channel by entering the virtual channel number 2.1 or the real RF channel number 33; try it.
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Also, my area is quite hilly and wooded.
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Yeah, I expected that; both are serious barriers.
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My tv analysis says that channel 33 is prone to co-channel interference.
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You are correct; it's from WFSB-DT, which is 18.8 dB weaker and in another direction. I don't see it as a serious threat.
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does anyone know of a way to also receive a NY CBS feed?
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Have a friend in NYC stream it to you over the internet with a slingbox.