Digital Reception Problem

[Dominic26]

I currently have a CM 4228 antenna mounted 25-30 ft off of the ground with a CM 7777 pre-amp and a rotator. I can not get a digital signal from the 4 major local networks in Providence RI. I called on of the stations and the technician told me that his digital transmitter (NBC) and the ABC, FOX, CBS and PBS transmitters are all next to each other. He said there is a mountain between where I live and the transmitters. Even atnennaweb.org shows no listings of digital stations for my area.

My real question is, if I switch to something like an 91XG and angle it up, could this help me get a signal?

[SolidSignal_Mike]

If there is really a mountain between you and the transmitters then it may be hopeless. I can't really say if it would be an improvement. Customers have switched from the 91XG to the 4228 and reported better reception, and other people have switch from the 4228 and 91XG and reported better reception.

The 4228 performs better on UHF channels 20-40 and the XG is better on 40-60. The XG also has a much better front to back ration which is really helps for digital reception. Your best bet is to raise it higher. Or even try mounting it on a different location on the roof.

-Mike

[Dominic26]

Originally Posted by SolidSignal_Mike

If there is really a mountain between you and the transmitters then it may be hopeless. I can't really say if it would be an improvement. Customers have switched from the 91XG to the 4228 and reported better reception, and other people have switch from the 4228 and 91XG and reported better reception.

The 4228 performs better on UHF channels 20-40 and the XG is better on 40-60. The XG also has a much better front to back ration which is really helps for digital reception. Your best bet is to raise it higher. Or even try mounting it on a different location on the roof.

-Mike

The only way I could move it is due North about 50 ft (the length of the house). Could moving an antenna that short a distance when the transmitters are 45-46 miles away make that much of a difference?

-Dominic

[SolidSignal_Mike]

Yes it could make a big difference. The purpose would not be to get you 50 ft closer to a station, but to get a better angle at the signal. Sometimes in an area with other houses buildings or trees the signal is scattered and there are hot and cold signal areas. I have talk to people who have moved their antennas two feet to the left or right and it made a world of difference. And since you already have the best you can buy for antenna, changing the position is one of the few adjustments you can make .

-Mike

[Dominic26]

Originally Posted by SolidSignal_Mike

Yes it could make a big difference. The purpose would not be to get you 50 ft closer to a station, but to get a better angle at the signal. Sometimes in an area with other houses buildings or trees the signal is scattered and there are hot and cold signal areas. I have talk to people who have moved their antennas two feet to the left or right and it made a world of difference. And since you already have the best you can buy for antenna, changing the position is one of the few adjustments you can make .

-Mike

I found someone with some test equipment who is willing to help me in a couple of weeks. I will report back on how we make out. Thank you for the help.

-Dominic

[Dominic26]

Originally Posted by SolidSignal_Mike

Yes it could make a big difference. The purpose would not be to get you 50 ft closer to a station, but to get a better angle at the signal. Sometimes in an area with other houses buildings or trees the signal is scattered and there are hot and cold signal areas. I have talk to people who have moved their antennas two feet to the left or right and it made a world of difference. And since you already have the best you can buy for antenna, changing the position is one of the few adjustments you can make .

-Mike

Today I reconnected the antenna without theCM 3044 dist amp. Although I am still not getting 6 of the 7 local OTA-DT channels, I am now getting the analogs somewhat better and am getting a digital signal strength of about 30-31 where as before it was 0. Do you think removing the CM 7777 might help since there was some signal overdriving involved. You see, even though the transmitters for the 6 stations are clustered 45 miles away, the 7th is in the same direction only 11 miles away.

-Dominic