View Full Version : OTA Reception Problem
stevo8040
10-10-2002, 03:31 PM
I have a stealthtenna which I normally get 90-100 reception on all my locals with the antenna. Sometimes it goes down to 0-20 until I go back up on the roof and mess with where the coax attaches to the antenna and then it seems to go back up. I unattach and reattached the coax thinking it was a bad connection, but still did not fix my problem. It seems to happen also when its raining or crappy out.
Do I have a bad coax adapter that is on the antenna?
Could it be caused by Rain?
Can't figure out why 100 signal for a couple of days and then bam no reception. Does not make sense!
Thanks
Certainly sounds like a bad coax. Replace with RG-6 if it's RG-59. If you don't want to replace, redo the connections at both ends properly. Rain often causes this type of problem.
stevo8040
10-10-2002, 03:49 PM
So you don't think it could be the adapter on the stealthtenna where the coax comes into the antenna?
Thanks
Could be. You may wish to "wiggle it" with someone inside watching the signal/TV.
kevinw
10-10-2002, 04:07 PM
With that signal fluctuations are you getting any dropouts or picture breakups(pixelation)? What is the terrrain around you? Any tall trees or hills?
stevo8040
10-10-2002, 04:14 PM
No i get perfect 100 reception on all 4 DTV Signals and then all of the sudden nothing. I went up and played with adapter and got about 20 on all of the channels. It is raining, but I have a feeling it is the coax connector on the Antenna. Does anyone know how to change these or what to do?
Thanks
If you're a little bit handy, you just cut off the old connector and some of the cable (make sure you can still reach the connection) and replace the connector with a new one. There are special crimping tools that can assist. Go to a store that sells coax and the accessories. If you don't feel confident doing it yourself, take the cable with you, if that's possible, or get someone to do it for you.
I've done it several times indoors where there is not too much strain on the cable, without a proper crimping tool (used pliers), but outside, the connection needs to be solid.
kevinw
10-10-2002, 04:48 PM
They are easy head to Radioshack for the supplies but do get the crimp on and not the screw on connecters RS part# 278-232 use crimp tool #278-242
1)Strip the cable to expose 1/4 to 3/8" of the outer braid and 3/8 to 5/16' of the center conductor.
2)Fold back the braid over the outer jacket.
3)Push the F connector over the exposed wire end rotating the connector to get a secure fit.
crimp connector with crimp tool
