DTV reception in winter, none in summer...

[GTL]

So I bought a TV back in January and it worked fine on both analog signals and digital signals, but when spring came and the leaves came out on the trees, my digital signal went to zero. The analog still worked fine, at least on VHF channels.

I have an outdoor antenna, albeit an old one and it certainly needs replacing as does the wiring in my house. That's not a problem, I can do that myself, but I don't want to buy a new antenna if it's not going to work.

The reception modelling sites all say I should get a good signal from where I am, but there's always the caveat "trees may affect reception". How can I find out if a new antenna will work or not from where I live in the forest without having to buy one?

Thanks!

[tigerbangs]

Please read; Tips for getting good antenna advice" at the beginning of the forum nd repost your questions with the information requested, then we can help you out...

[GTL]

Well, you know I live in a heavily forested area, mostly oaks and poplars. Again, I was getting a decent DTV signal even with the antiquated antenna and poor wiring before the trees leafed out.

My zip code is 30043, but I live on the north side of the zip code area, and the tranmitters are mostly to my south and west.

The TV I'm using is a 24" Insignia (Best Buy brand). If I'm successful in getting a useful DTV signal, I'll add a converter for a second TV.

I will definately have to run new cable and connectors, again, not a problem as I have those skills.

There's a three-story school building about 500 feet east of my house, but it's not between me and the majority of the transmitters.

Here's my question: How can I find out if a new antenna will work or not from where I live in the forest without having to buy one?

Thanks

[tigerbangs]

The Atlanta signals are pretty strong where you live, but are obstructed by hills and trees between the transmitters and you: this means that you need a high-gain, highly directional antenna to cut through the clutter to see the transmitters. Using your zip code for a guide, it appears that your stations are only about 25 miles from you, but most of them are on UHF, and require a very good antenna to see clearly. It's easiet to pinpoint your specific reception if I have your soecific coordinates, because TVFool.com, the reference that i use to determine reception, will show me all of the natural obstructions between you and the transmitters if i have your coordinates. Based on what I can see so far, however, you need a good VHF-high-band plus UHF antenna to see the stations that you are looking for. You also need new RG-6u coaxial cable, and will need a splitter if you plan to run other TV sets.

I suggest using a Winegard HD-7696P or an AntennaCraft HBU-44 antenna mounted on your roof in a clear spot where tree branches will not contact the antenna elements. Aim the antenna at 240 degrees, as measured by your compass, make your connections, and yu should be good to go: be sure to rescan your tuner to find digital stations afte installing the antenna.

http://www.winegard.com
http://www.antennacraft.com
http://www.channelmasterintl.com/docume ... lation.pdf

[GTL]

Thanks, Tigerbangs.

My coordinates from Google Earth are:

34*02'51.31 N
83*56'46.53 W

Do you have any refinement of your recommendations based on the coordinates?

Do you think I'll need an amp if I use a 3 way splitter?


Thanks again,
Lee

[tigerbangs]

When I ran your coordinates, Lee, they actually looked BETTER than the zip code results did: you are going to do just fine with the antenna system that I suggested. I also suggest that you try running without a preamp or an amplifier first with your splitter in place and see how you do: you MAY have enough signal without an amp. The best way to find this out is to connect ONE TV set to the antenna first, then run your tuner scan and see what turns up. I suspect that they will all be fine with one TV set. The put the splitter in the line and see how the other TV sets do: if you notice a degradation of the signal, then add a small distribution amp like a Winegard HDA-100 before the splitter, which will restore the lost signal. Good Luck!

[GTL]

Many thanks, Tigerbangs!

[tigerbangs]

Anytime!