DTV reception problem question

[algopher]

I've got channels 3, 5, & 10 on the VHF band. The UHF section of my antenna has 14 reflector elements and 15 director elements with a bowtie in the axis where the balun attaches.

[algopher]

About a year ago while I was still in the shopping mode I found a dealer that had some sets on display that he let me "play" with. In other words, check out the menu's and controls etc... The set was on an antenna, but wouldn't pick anything up. He let me have the ops manual and in it, it was mentioned to set the time zone when initially setting up the unit. I did and then stations started coming in. That is why I mentioned about correcting the time zone setting.

Still getting much pixelation on 15.1 (47) this morning. Basically unviewable. I'm open to any and all suggestions.


John

[akirby]

You could get a UHF antenna cut specifically for channel 47 and add that to your existing antenna setup if that's the only channel you're having problems with. Or get the 4228 for UHF and keep your existing one for VHF only.

[algopher]

I like your idea, what would be your suggested method of keeping the one coax run and joining the two antennae together?

[akirby]

You have to add a filter so that you don't get the same channel from 2 different sources that would interfere with each other. e.g. if you're using separate UHF and VHF antennas you could block UHF signals on the VHF coax and vice versa on the UHF coax then you combine them with a diplexor so you still have the one coax feed.

If you have an antenna cut just for 47 then you may or may not need a filter on the main antenna. Probably depends on how strong the signal is for 47 and if other nearby channels are affected.

[kq6qv]

John- The

[algopher]

First of all I'm going to check what coax I have on the VU190 run. I know I put RG6 on the DishNetwork when I installed that, but I could have RG59 on the VU190. Then I'll put the Channel Master in the attic and see what I've got.
Right now the attic is still running about 130 degs and the pitch on my roof doesn't permit me to walk or stand straight. After major back surgery about a year and a half ago I'm going to take it easy up there. To put the amp up there I've got to hook it up to some AC power first.

When I was pricing the 4228 at a local dealer which I knew from my days before retirement I mentioned my problems with the specific channel and he wasn't a bit shy about mentioning how that station has some big problems and I wasn't the only one with problems. So, I'm probably going to slow down a bit and go and see him one day and find out what is up. I think he didn't want to elaborate on the phone.

I think I will be able to disconnect the electrical connections for the UHF portion of the VU-190 and then connect the 4228 there with the proper baluns. I shouldn't have to put it on a rotor as all the UHF are in same area as the VHF in our market. There is two VHF slightly off the bearing to the problem child, but they are much closer and haven't ever been a problem. What do you think of that disconnection?

[akirby]

The preamp power is supplied at the receiver end, not the antenna end. You won't need power at the antenna. At least not for the 7777.

The 4228 is fairly directional and might need a rotor but you can always try it without one first.

[whatchel1]

OK looking at your area you will have 3.1, 10.1, 15.1, 20.1, & 42.1 are one direction. The stations 13.1 & 19.1 are about 170 degrees to the other side. The reason I mention this is that to get all of them you will have to have to antennas with filter combiner or a rotator to get all of them. All of the channels are UHF except 10.1 which is transmitted on VHF 9 most good UHF antennas would still get enough signal to pick it up. Transmitted power for the 15.1 & 15.2 is broadcast on channel 47 at 1000kw. At 40.5 miles it should be receivable but it also depends on terrain and housing around you. There is a really possibility that you have a multi-path problem that is killing you. In the latter case you will need an antenna that has a tight pick up area. Using Google maps I got a general area picture. Can;t tell for sure but looks like that are metal warehouses in the area that may be causing possible multi-path. You will have to find this out yourself since all I can do is look at the overhead view of Google maps. I looked up the VU-190 antenna should be a very tight beam unit. How high off the ground is it? Like I said above you will need a rotor. So that's my 2 cents worth.

[algopher]

I also have a 5.1 in the area and it is at 27. But, it shares a location with 10.1 and 42.1 on that antenna farm. It is about half the distance as the other stations with a slight bearing difference. 44.1 (45) is very near the same location as 15.1(47) and comes in good as well as another station 23.1. As I mentioned in the last post I'm thinking 15.1 has some other problems. I'm not interested in 13.1 and 19.1 as I'm getting so many in the direction I'm pointed now and they are coming in great. The reason I'm so hard after 15 is because it is the only NBC affiliate around here.

Does anyone have any thoughts about electrically disconnecting the UHF portion from the VU-190 at the terminals and then adding the 4228 with a balun to these terminals? That way I'll be running just one coax?