View Full Version : Weather and OTA Broadcasts
Tomel
09-30-2004, 09:58 AM
Got my new HD set-up last week, hooked up my attic antenna, fired it up. Digital stations looked great, HD fantastic, no problems whatsoever -- until Monday night. Lots of break-up in the video and audio the whole evening, regardless of the digital station. Analog signals looked normal. The only difference is that it was overcast and rainy on Monday night. I'm only 5 miles from the broadcast tower and have a dedicated directional UHF antenna in the attic (all the local digital stations are UHF signals). The next night the weather had cleared and the signal problem disappeared.
I can't believe the weather would have that much impact, but the evidence sure points to that way.
Anybody else with similar experience or with specific knowledge of weather impact on digital vs analog signals.
kevinw
09-30-2004, 10:06 AM
Happens all the time. That is why I use a rotator to move the antenna. I have to move it 30-40 degrees at times to get a solid signal
I'm only 5 miles from the broadcast tower and have a dedicated directional UHF antenna in the attic (all the local digital stations are UHF signals).
If you're only 5 miles from the broadcast tower, I'm surprised something as little as the UHF bow-tie doesn't keep a strong signal. At that distance, nothing should effect your signal. Are there really large buildings between you and the tower?
Tomel
09-30-2004, 05:00 PM
No, no really tall buildings. There are a couple of 5-6 story motels/hotels within 1/4 mile of the towers. I am surrounded by tall trees, but have been told that trees should not interfere. I have a full-sized Radio Shack directional UHF antenna in the attic pointed at the towers. The stations say they are broadcasting at their full power.
Ratman
09-30-2004, 07:07 PM
Water on the leaves have been known to contribute to multipath. YMMV
kevinw
09-30-2004, 09:43 PM
No, no really tall buildings. There are a couple of 5-6 story motels/hotels within 1/4 mile of the towers. I am surrounded by tall trees, but have been told that trees should not interfere. I have a full-sized Radio Shack directional UHF antenna in the attic pointed at the towers. The stations say they are broadcasting at their full power.
Leaves and pine needles are known causes of multipath
Tomel,
Did you notice (or next time it happens can you check) when you were having issues, was the signal strength real low, or was it ok and dropping/rising rapidly?
Tomel
10-02-2004, 09:17 AM
raff . . .
I did notice. When the problem began occurring, I turned on the signal strength indicatior. The signal would look normal and then drop to almost zero, then go back to normal. Does this behavior help diagnose the issue?
Tomel
10-02-2004, 09:18 AM
raff . . .
forgot to mention. I see your id includes "sickest eagles fan." I hope this won't affect your answer, but I'm a very long term Skins fan.
Ratman
10-02-2004, 10:20 AM
That is a symptom of multipath, drastic fluctuation of signals.
kevinw
10-02-2004, 10:43 AM
You don't mention what STB you are using. Some have had SW updates to improve reception. As Ratman said you are describing classic symptoms of multipath. Many people have seasonal multipath. Occurs fall and spring when pine needles star dropping. Amazingly pine needles are near the sam frequency of UHF signals...
fredinva
10-02-2004, 06:59 PM
Strange occurance here re digital ota.
I can't get Fox here, due to weaker output. But during Ivan rainstorm here it came in okay for awhile?
fred
Tomel
10-03-2004, 09:53 AM
My STB is the LG LST-3510A.
