TomG2 wrote:
I am having trouble receiving a good signal from two stations that are both east of me, but a few degrees apart. I am using a Wineguard Wingman and wonder if that might be the problem. I don't want to move the antenna those few degrees every time I change channels if I can help it.
the wingman is designed to gather in more UHF signal and then focus that signal to the UHF receiver in the head of the winegard antenna. winegard designed this product after the mandated switch from analog to digital TV signals and many TV stations that were previously assigned an operating frequency in the VHF range moved to a new operating frequency in the UHF range (even though they kept their VHF channel identity). everything else being equal and in very general terms a VHF signal will have a greater range than will a UHF signal.
assuming that the transmitters are at an equal distance from you, transmitting with the same power and there are no obstructions between you and each transmitter or the same obstruction is between you and each transmitter you should not have to adjust your antenna in order to receive each transmitter's signal. but if any of those assumptions are false then you may very well have to make that adjustment. you can also do the following (in no particular order):
- raise the height of the receiving antenna. if you're in a seasonal campsite from which you don't move you might want to consider a more traditional residential TV antenna on a length of mast. the higher up you can get the antenna the better the reception will be.
- remove or, more likely more easily, move away from any obstructions between you and the transmitter (trees, buildings, etc). depending on distance and the angle between your antenna and the transmitter trains going by or air traffic can disrupt TV signals. the closer you are to the rail tracks or airport the more likely it is that you'll experience the interference.
- ensure that the TV amplifier is on and working.
- replace the length of coaxial cable between the antenna and the roof connector. after several years the UV rays of the sun will start to break down the outer layer or jacket of the cable. the cable can also become "water logged" if constantly exposed to water. water can enter the cable thru cuts in the cable or, more likely, thru the connectors. both will reduce the effectiveness of the cable which will result in reduced reception range.
if none of these options are practical or have been tried with no success you may have to live with adjusting the antenna when you change channels.
you might want to refer to
this reference page for more information about coaxial cable.
