SS-3

[enricong]

I currently have a Zenith ZHDTV1 HDTV-UHF. I'm in the Philadelphia Market living in NJ approx 20mi away from the towers. I have attached my TVfool.com info below.

I was in a 3rd floor apartment and believe I had LOS. Using that antenna I got 90-100% signal but it would randomly jump down to zero every now and then (seems to be whenever I'm watching something important).

I've now moved to a different apartment that is on the 2nd floor so my LOS may be blocked by a 3 floor building. It seems that now my signal is about 75-100%.

The signal is fairly stable but I will get random glitches every minutes or hours randomly. The Zenith antenna seems to be very directional so I am thinking it may be too sensitive. However, I also have concerns with multipath since I am in an aparment complex.

Anyways, I'm looking to replace this antenna to something more reliable and am considering your SS-3000. However, I fear that with an amplified antenna, I will be over powered. From your manual, it seems that the amplifer is just an attachment. Would I be able to use your product without the amplifier? I have no idea how my current antenna design differs but I am getting a pretty strong signal already.

[winegard]

Good morning enricong,

The SS-3000 antenna can not be used with out its power supply. The amplifier is in the antenna and if it is not powered up you will experience approximately an 85% signal reduction of your incoming signals. The SS-3000 antenna has a reflector grid which should help your multi path problems. We have had nothing but great reviews concerning the SS-300 when used in metro areas. The issue with metro areas are the larger buildings blocking the signal so their is not enough for the digital tuner to operate on.

[enricong]

Good morning enricong,

The SS-3000 antenna can not be used with out its power supply. The amplifier is in the antenna and if it is not powered up you will experience approximately an 85% signal reduction of your incoming signals. The SS-3000 antenna has a reflector grid which should help your multi path problems. We have had nothing but great reviews concerning the SS-300 when used in metro areas. The issue with metro areas are the larger buildings blocking the signal so their is not enough for the digital tuner to operate on.

I am not in a city environment. I am in a suburb, but in an apartment complex. The buildings are 3 floors and spaced out. I'd have to get a compass but I may even have a clear view. From the attached image in my original post, you can see the strength of signal I am getting. Do you think this antenna would be appropriate for me based on what I have described? Or would you recommend something else. I am concerned about the signal becoming over amplified but I don't know much about your antenna design so If my concern is valid.

I would assume you also are not familiar with the current antenna I am using for a baseline. It is a popular style though.

[winegard]

I have been unable to view the tv fool .png. Could you private message me your full address? Our internal software here will be able to do this more accurately.

Thanks

[winegard]

enricong -

I would definitely reocmmend the SS-3000. It looks like your close to 20 miles out from all of your stations and we have many consumers using the SS-3000 closer than that with no issues. It has been a very strong performer.

[enricong]

ok, thanks for the help.
My main concern was that I would get overpowered since I am currently getting a 75-100% signal using an unamplified antenna. I don't really know how the numbers from TV fool correlate to antennas but I'm glad I could get an expert opinion from you.

[winegard]

Yeah, the difference is in the design. The SS-3000 is specifically built for close range, metro type areas with strong signals that may be bouncing around because of the larger buildings. You may not have the larger buildings right next to you but this still fits its use.