TV antennas are classified in four basic groups: VHF (channels 2-13); UHF (channels 14-69); Combination UHF & VHF (channels 2-69); and Compact Indoor RV & round saucer type antennas. VHF channels are easier to receive than UHF channels. All TV antennas are HDTV ready, but you need a good one. Normally antennas receive a certain band of frequencies (VHF-UHF or both) and are classified in db gain or range in miles. Most quality manufacturers use db gain, which is difficult terminology for the average consumer to understand. Some give you both db gain and range, but you will need to be sure to use the manufacturer specs and not those of a private seller. However, this valuable information allows the technician to select the appropriate size antenna, amount of coax, and type of amplifier needed to achieve good results.
When a consumer without any electronic background purchases an antenna, it is hard to always get the best results. After serving the antenna market for over 39 years and seeing the numerous problems that consumers encounter, we have compiled the following list of helpful information:
· Be sure that you purchase the correct antenna to receive the desired channels. For channel listings in your area visit www.antennaweb.org
· Be sure that the antenna is assembled correctly.
· Be sure to open all elements, particularly the dipole part of the antenna and be sure to connect phasing wires correctly. Phasing wires are found on most combo antennas, UHF bay antennas, and some VHF antennas.
· Be sure to hook transformer to the correct set of terminals, such as with the Winegard PR-9022; PR-9018; and the PR-9032 or any feed-through type UHF antenna.
· With HDTV applications, the consumer should know that a low channel, such as 6.1 or 7.2 or Channel 10.1 may be assigned a UHF HDTV digital channel, therefore requiring a UHF antenna to receive.
· Be sure to always use high quality RG-6U coax that has a 100% copper center. Visit your local satellite shop to purchase the appropriate coax.
· Remember that coax requires a good connection from the ground side and the center conductor and shield and center conductors cannot be shorted together. Have cable connectors installed by a professional. NEVER USE TWIST ON FITTINGS!!!
· My recommendation is to use (1) coax straight from the antenna to one TV. Make it work before attempting to hook up more TV’s.
· Keep cable length usable, but no extra.
· If you have a satellite system, DO NOT use an active Dish coax to diplex signal on one coax for both antenna and dish. Diplexers have loss in them, therefore making your Dish system less reliable and preventing you from using an amplifier with your off-air antenna.
· Be sure to install antenna in a position for least obstruction and shortest coax length.
· Be extremely careful to stay away from power lines. Numerous individuals are killed each year from electrical shock.
· If your TV is set on (cable frequency), go into TV menu and set up channels for off-air and NOT CABLE.
· RF signal meters are used to calculate the gain by which picture quality is determined. Since consumers usually do not have access to a signal meter, they must use the trial and error method.
· Remember that attic installations cut the signal by 50-75%.
· You should know the direction to the station you wish to receive and which way to point the antenna you have.
· All good, high-gain TV antennas are directional and will only pick up a small (10-20 degree wide) one direction beam.
· Omni-Directional antennas do not work well unless you are 15 miles or less from the station.
· If you wish to receive channels from multiple directions, at any distance, you will need a rotator. You cannot connect multiple antennas of same frequency band together to receive multiple directions. This will cause your signal to cancel out and decrease your gain drastically.
· Ask a neighbor that has an antenna if he has a good picture. If he does, then you can too.
· Ask a local professional Dish or Antenna installer about the signal in your area.
· A distance of up to 30 miles over level non-obstructed terrain is an easy area for getting an antenna to work.
· A distance of 40-50 miles requires more knowledge for success when wanting to receive HD UHF channels and requires a pre-amp for distance stations.
· Areas with hilly terrain, such as areas in Tennessee are the worst for achieving good reception. TV reception is line of sight to station and most necessary when trying to receive HD UHF channels. *Call A Professional* or be prepared to experiment a little.
· The use of amplifiers is in the reach of most Do-It-Yourself consumers. Pre-Amplifiers are used for increasing the signal level right at the antenna to help receive farther distances. Most electronic stores do not carry pre-amplifiers. They only stock distribution amps which are used to increase the RF gain in order to overcome long coax runs and multiple TV outlet splitter losses.
· Some TV stations operate on very low power. Newer stations in small communities are sometimes hard to get. Call the station and ask if they are a low-power station.
· Antenna reception is better in winter conditions due to lack of foliage. Temperature and precipitation also cut down on signal.
· Close proximity to trees, such as pine and cedar, should be avoided.
· If you can’t go higher, place the antenna farther away from obstructions (possibly other side of house).
· You may email me at the following address: info@cox-antenna.com for more information or visit our website: www.cox-antenna.com for further details on pre-amplifiers or contact an Electronic Distributor Parts Company and ask where to buy pre-amplifiers for television reception. Summary:
*Correct antenna for channels you want to receive.
*Correct assembly (refer to instructions included with purchase)!
*Use good coax.
*Start with only one (1) TV.
*Mount antenna where its location is not obstructed in the direction of the station.
*Stay away from power lines.
*Seek local help and information.
Note:
*Weak analog channels will have a snowy picture.
*Weak HD Digital channels will only say NO SIGNAL or cut off and on. You will not be able to determine
how much more gain you will need without the use of an RF meter. Refer to trial and error method
mentioned earlier.
We take our Do-It-Yourself customers seriously. If you need technical help, just e-mail your questions to us at the following address: mailto:info@cox-antenna.com
