Upper Peninsula, Michigan

[dagr51]

I have a remote cabin in a wooded area, zip 49877, 46.1088N, 87.7829W, running one Viewsonic 22" LCD DTV-ready TV. I have a DirecTV subscription, but they do not offer local channels. 2 years ago I installed a combination UHF/VHF antenna (not sure of make or model) on a pole at a height of 20'-21' with a rotator and RG6U coax. I received CBS (channel 3) sometimes, ABC (channel 10) much of the time, and PBS (channel 13) and NBC (channel 6) all of the time. I bought the above mentioned TV last fall and figured I was all set for the transition when I left last December. Finally got back 2 weeks ago, and did a scan, re-scan and a re-re scan. I still get CBS sometimes, ABC much of the time (stunning picture, by the way), PBS all of the time, but NBC not at all! It's the closest station - what happened?! How do I fix this? While I'm at it, It would be nice to get ABC and CBS all of the time, too.

[tigerbangs]

You should probably consider a preamplifier, if you don't already have one: I would use the Winegard HDP-269 preamp, which is good, cheap and won't overload on local TV stations. It's also good for FM, as well...

[dagr51]

Thanks for your quick reply. My cabin is 400+ miles from home and so it is difficult to attempt trial and error. Do you think the pre-amp will fix it, or is there anything else that you would suggest to be sure I get it handled on my next trip?

[tigerbangs]

I can't guarantee that it is a 100% fix, but it will probably be the most cost-effective way to improve your reception, especially without knowing what kind of antenna you actually have..

[dagr51]

I'll do as you say. Thanks for your help!

Dale

[dagr51]

I managed to dig up the make/model number of my existing antenna, wondering if it would help? Phillips SDV9011K/17.
Thanks!

[tigerbangs]

There is no question that the antenna that you have chosen is a poor performer on UHF, the question is whether or not you are willing to replace it with an appropriate antenna system. You need the best possible UHF reception: I would suggest my deep-fringe prescription installed on top of your existing rotator: a Winegard YA-1713 VHF high-band yagi plus an AntennasDirect XG-91 UHF antenna monted on the same pole seperated by 4', with the XG-91 at the top of the pole. If you are going to use this combination, I also suggest using Channel Master Titan 7777 preamplifier, which wil not only amplifiy the signal, but will also serve to combine the signals from the two antennas into one coaxial cable.
http://www.indoorhdantenna.com/products ... 77%29.html
http://www.indoorhdantenna.com/products ... tenna.html
http://www.indoorhdantenna.com/products ... 13%29.html

[dagr51]

I will be incorporating all of your suggestions on my next cabin visit. I do, however, have one additional question: Where do I split off the FM feed to my receiver? Before the pre-amp power supply or after?

Thanks!
Dale

[tigerbangs]

If you choose to use a Titan 7777 from Channel Master, you must first open the preamplifier and switch out the FM trap before using it for FM reception, otherwise, you won't see any FM reception . If you choose the Winegard HDP-269, you can use that preamplifier as it comes right out of the box, since it has no FM trap installed, nor does it need one. if you want FM rception, I suggest splitting the signal after the preamplifier power sypply.

[dagr51]

I intend to follow your advice regarding the CM 7777, so I will switch out the FM trap. Will switching out the trap have an adverse effect on TV reception? Am I doing the right thing here?

Thanks for your help!