Reception issues

[nashtv]

I just purchased a Winegard HD7694P. I have mounted the antenna in my attic and run about 20ft. of coax from the antenna directly to the television. I am able to receive all the channels in my area, generally at around 70-85% signal, according to the meter on my TV.

I am still experiencing a lot of drop-out or "hits" on some channels.

There are three sets of transmitters in my area, one at about 34 degrees, 15mi away; one at 48 degrees, 6mi away and one at 112 degrees, 7mi away. I have pointed the antenna at 79 degrees, right in the middle of all the transmitters. My attic is small enough that a larger antenna would be difficult to install; in my current installation I have hung the antenna using non-conductive cotton string, since it's impossible to mount an antenna mast anywhere that will allow the antenna to rotate. The string is touching only the boom of the antenna.

My reception issues are mainly with the transmitters at 34 degrees. I have tried aiming the antenna directly at 34 degrees with little or no improvement. Trouble channels are 5, 15, 17, 21, 23 and 50 (simulcast of channel 5). Channel 36 seems to be fine. I have noticed that my reception problems often clear up late at night, then re-appear during the day.

Pretty frustrated and open to suggestions. I live in zip code 37221.


Thanks,

Iain

[winegard]

Good morning nashtv,

The ideal situation would be to move the antenna from the attic to the outside. This would get you at least 50% more signal strength and possibly eliminate reflected signals bouncing around in your attic. If this is not possible then try mounting the antenna on a piece of PVC or some other pipe up to a 2.0” O D and move the antenna around in the attic to see if you can find another location in the attic that will give you a stronger signal at the 34 degree heading.

[nashtv]

Thanks for your suggestions Winegard; I'd prefer to avoid a legal battle with my homeowner's association unless absolutely necessary, so I will try moving the antenna around in the attic.

If this doesn't work, could you suggest another antenna I might try? Would it do any good to shoehorn an HD7084P into my attic (the antenna Winegard's selector recommended)? Would a large, omidirectional work better?

Thanks for your help.



Iain

[winegard]

A homeowner's association cannot restrict the installation or placement of antennas per Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

The rule (47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000) has been in effect since October 1996, and it prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas. The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal.