weather and my antenna

[Zeke]

Hello,
I mounted a HD7695P. It is located on my roof and there are minimal obstructions. Long story short the antenna works great in nice weather, even in cloudy weather. RAIN however creates a problem and for some reason the reception deteriorates. I really like the antenna and it performs well, but the rain is killing me. Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch, Zeke

[winegard]

Good morning Zeke -

I ran your question by engineering, here is their response...

In the case described, I believe the reception problem is more a matter of a mechanical issue than multipath. The description from the customer implies that all DTV reception is impaired in rain and the site is relatively clear. Multipath is generally limited to selected DTV channels and while this may be the result of wet surfaces, it would affect a few channels. Trees and surfaces generating multipath would need to be relatively close to the antenna.

If DTV reception fails completely in wet weather, I would ask the customer to check connections from the antenna to the point where the cable enters the building. Also, it is important that the installation use the weather boot at the antenna housing. I find many antenna installations where the boot was not used or the connection is wrapped with electrical tape. I find that connections wrapped in plastic electrical tape trap water over time and become problems in wet weather.

Of course, if there are trees in the signal line to the antenna (nearby) or a metal roof, we could have severe multipath which could wipe out much of the DTV reception in wet weather.

[Zeke]

Ah. I guess I will have to drag myself back onto the roof and install that boot. I lacked the tools to re-terminate the connection during the initial installation, and figured it would be okay since the reception was flawless on a nice sunny day. I will post again if this does not resolve the situation. Thanks for the help.