- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
Help with antenna experts
Posted on 2/22/20 at 10:58 am
Posted on 2/22/20 at 10:58 am
So I am trying to find a way to boost my antenna signal. There is one channel in my area that I am struggling to get. I looked at the antenna maps and it shows that I am only 12 miles from the tower and I should have a strong signal. I have an attic antenna and I get every other channel perfect. The one channel that I struggle with is the only channel in my area that hasn't switched from VHF to uhf. Is there anything I can do to boost the signal? Moving the antenna to the roof is not an option.
6
Posted on 2/22/20 at 1:26 pm to dltigers3
I have the same problem and am sorry to report that I think you’re out of luck. My attic antenna picks up everything perfectly except the one UHF channel just a few miles away. After a lot of frustration I realized that my attic lining blocks UHF signals 
I bet you have the same problem. So the only solution is to mount your antenna outside, in which case you won’t need any booster at all.
I’ve been toying around with the idea running a line either outside or maybe even a well placed indoor one and splicing them together, but I’m not sure how well that would work.
I bet you have the same problem. So the only solution is to mount your antenna outside, in which case you won’t need any booster at all.
I’ve been toying around with the idea running a line either outside or maybe even a well placed indoor one and splicing them together, but I’m not sure how well that would work.
This post was edited on 2/22/20 at 1:27 pm
Posted on 2/22/20 at 2:15 pm to Cold Drink
Yeah, honestly, the channel is a local NBC and there isn't really anything I want to watch on it. So it's not worth it to me to move my antenna for that one channel.
There is an amplifier in my attic also, but it isn't hooked up and I have no idea how to use it
There is an amplifier in my attic also, but it isn't hooked up and I have no idea how to use it
Posted on 2/22/20 at 7:02 pm to dltigers3
Is there a mountain between you and the transmitter? Even a small "shadow" cast by a mountain can lower the signal. I'm less than 5 miles from a transmitter but there's a hill that juts out and screws me pretty bad.
Also, mount you amplifier close to the antenna as you can, not by the TV.
Also, mount you amplifier close to the antenna as you can, not by the TV.
Posted on 2/22/20 at 7:55 pm to dltigers3
This amp really helped my reception on all channels at the two locations I have one installed.
Order from Amazon and you can return it if it doesn't work.
Order from Amazon and you can return it if it doesn't work.
Posted on 2/22/20 at 7:59 pm to NASA_ISS_Tiger
Definitely no mountains or hills here. So shouldn't be an issue with interference. I'll try to hook that amplifier back up, it has controls for gain and loss I believe. Not sure what that does
Posted on 2/22/20 at 8:05 pm to dltigers3
Try the amp. Also, reverse a signal splitter into a combiner and combine the UHF and VHF signals into one cable before they hit the amp.
Posted on 2/22/20 at 8:37 pm to robchand58
I'll give it a shot, I'll report back if it helps
Posted on 2/22/20 at 9:09 pm to dltigers3
quote:
the only channel in my area that hasn't switched from VHF to uhf.
Which antenna you have could make the difference. Is it high VHF or low VHF. That could also make a difference. My experience has been that low VHF signals are the main issue. Check your antenna to see if it captures both VHF and UHF.
Posted on 2/23/20 at 12:11 am to dltigers3
Similar situation here except it’s ABC. I don’t necessarily need the channel but the perfectionist in me hates that I’m not getting it.
But if your attic lining is blocking the signal (like mine is), then there no amount of boosting you can do to make it work. You need a reception point on the other side of your attic lining.
But if your attic lining is blocking the signal (like mine is), then there no amount of boosting you can do to make it work. You need a reception point on the other side of your attic lining.
Posted on 2/23/20 at 12:15 am to mdomingue
quote:
Check your antenna to see if it captures both VHF and UHF
Doh! nd of course this is the most obvious solution. Many antennas these days only capture VHF. You might need a UHF adapter or even second (or replacement) antenna to catch a UHF channel.
But again, my attic lining blocks UHF so it’s a decent bet yours does too.
This post was edited on 2/23/20 at 12:15 am
Posted on 2/23/20 at 6:40 am to Cold Drink
quote:
Many antennas these days only capture VHF.
You have that backwards. HD TV signals are mostly broadcast in UHF, some in high VHF almost none in low VHF. By default, almost all modern antennas will pick up UHF, many (maybe even most) high VHF and some low VHF.
quote:
But again, my attic lining blocks UHF so it’s a decent bet yours does too.
If your attic lining is metal (like foil back thermal shielding) it may inhibit all EMF, particularly if it is somehow grounded. VHF and UHF frequencies are very close together, odds are if one is inhibited, both are. My attic is not lined in any way.
Posted on 2/23/20 at 2:30 pm to mdomingue
How do I check if my antenna picks up VHF also?
As far as attic lining, that's not an issue. I just have roof decking and shingles. I'll try running the antenna through the amplifier, but not sure if that will help
The channel is wmctv. It is VHF, channel 5-1
As far as attic lining, that's not an issue. I just have roof decking and shingles. I'll try running the antenna through the amplifier, but not sure if that will help
The channel is wmctv. It is VHF, channel 5-1
Posted on 2/23/20 at 3:39 pm to dltigers3
quote:
How do I check if my antenna picks up VHF also?
Look up the specifications for it. Mine does everything, but it's outside. I have no problems picking up all of the channels here. If your antenna doesn't have a VHF element, it won't pick up any VHF signals.
Posted on 2/23/20 at 4:12 pm to BigD45
I'll have to see if I can find some info on it. It was already in my house when we moved in.
Posted on 2/23/20 at 5:43 pm to mdomingue
Yeah you right - my bad, got them mixed up. All I know is that I get all the UHF channels perfect through my attic but not the one VHF
Posted on 2/23/20 at 6:36 pm to dltigers3
Are you opposed to going above your rooftop? That will get you the best signal.
Posted on 2/23/20 at 6:38 pm to HubbaBubba
Yes, I'm not going to take it outside. Only reason is that it is a channel I don't care much about. It is the local NBC affiliate and there isn't anything that really comes on NBC that I care about
Posted on 2/23/20 at 10:22 pm to dltigers3
Based on the channel range, I’d say that is low VHF so likely in the most likely frequency band most “HD’ antenna’s have difficulty with.
Posted on 2/25/20 at 9:43 am to dltigers3
I have the same problem with CBS here in Baton Rouge. Finally gave up, but a lot of smart guys chimed in:
Old Antenna Discussion
Old Antenna Discussion
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News