Signal fades in Marietta, GA 30062

[sregitz]

I have a Channel Master 3018 antenna and a Channel Master 7777 amp. Most of the major network transmitters are in nearly the same location in Atlanta. The problem I am having is that even on clear days the Fox Channel (RF Channel 27) will swing from 5 bars of signal strength to 0 bars on the TV's signal strength indicator for no apparent reason. The TV is a Samsung TX-P2775H. WPBA 30 (RF channel 21), WUPA (RF channel 43), and WATL (RF channel 25) also fade out to the point they are unwatchable. On rainy nights like tonight the ABC channel (RF channel 39) suffers from fades as well.

The channels that are the most solid in any weather are CBS, NBC, and GPTV (RF channels 19, 10 and 8 respectively).

What do you think this causes this great variability in signal strength that the TV is seeing from transmitters are very close to each other? I have checked the azimuth of the antenna and it is correct. I have also checked the cables and connections and found them to be good.

[tigerbangs]

You didn't mention whether your antenna was n the attic or not, but, if it is, that s most likely your issue. Also, I would be wary of using a CM Titan 7777 so close to the transmtters, as it is likely to overload in the face of strong signals. How many TV sets do you have conected to the antenna? If oyu only have one, consider removing the preamplfier and see if that helps.

[sregitz]

The antenna is outside and mounted about 6' above the chimney. I only have the one set connected to the antenna.

I will remove the pre-amp and see if that helps. Thanks.

[tigerbangs]

When you remove hje preamp, be sure to take the preamplfer out of the circuit completely: simply unpluggng the power to the preamplifer will not work: the preamp will stop all but the very strongest TV signals if you just unplug it.

[sregitz]

I have by-passed the pre-amp on both the top and the bottom. The FOX channel is much more stable but still suffers from the wild swings from 4 bars to 0 on the TV's signal strength indicator. The picture gets pixelated briefly but does not drop out completely like it had been doing. WATL (RF channel 25) is much better as well.

However WPBA 30 (RF channel 21), WUPA (RF channel 43) are non-existent. It surprises me that WPBA has a problem because it's frequency is close to that of the CBS station which comes in great - RF channels 21 vs 19 - and the transmitters are in nearly the same direction. Any ideas on these 2 channels?

[tigerbangs]

It does sound as if you have an aming issue: is your neighborhood surrounded by hills or tall buildings?

[sregitz]

Not surrounded by hills but there is a stand of trees and one large house behind mine.