antenna booster

[v1rtu0s1ty]

hey guys,

I want to receive or strenghten more signals so that I can get more farther channels. I currently have Radio Shack VU-120 XR model. I also have the rotor. Can someone please recommend me a really strong antenna booster that's mounted near the antenna?

Thanks,

V1rt

[Ratman]

Channel Master Titan 7777.

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Btw, I was searching antenna booster last night and read something that I should be careful when picking up antenna boosters. It mentioned there that I should be aware of what signals are already strong and what signals are weak. Why is this so? Oh I forgot, does this mean that some channels that is see in antennaweb.org that are more than 70miles away will be now captured too?

Thanks for the product recommendation. :)

And al

[mjones73]

If you have an already strong signal on some of your channels and you boost it, it can overpower your tuner and it won't be able to lock on that channel anymore. There are ways to help if this problem happens, start with trying the pre-amp out first and go from there.

[v1rtu0s1ty]

ok. But am I correct that some channels that I'm seeing(90miles away) in antennaweb.org will now be captured by my antenna once I connect that pre amp?

What are the work arounds if the problem happens?

[Splicer]

That all depends on if there are any obstacals in the path as to if you will receive them with or without a booster. Chances are, no you will not be able to pick them up. Short of moving closer to those signals, cable or satellite would probably be your best bet.

[mjones73]

ok. But am I correct that some channels that I'm seeing(90miles away) in antennaweb.org will now be captured by my antenna once I connect that pre amp?

What are the work arounds if the problem happens?

I hope your antenna is up really high up on a tower if you intend to have a chance getting channels 90 miles away. Do you see any signal at all on those channels now? If not, I doubt a pre-amp will help.

[kevinw]

ok. But am I correct that some channels that I'm seeing(90miles away) in antennaweb.org will now be captured by my antenna once I connect that pre amp?

What are the work arounds if the problem happens?
Not likely with digital. You may get the Rockford stations but you have abetter shot at the all the Chicago ones. 60 miles is pushing a UHF signal.

I am suprised you need an amp? Your not more 25- 30 miles from the towers.

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Yes, I get chicago stations and 2 rockford stations. However, channel 2 CBS is kinda weak. I do get HDTV for CBS but sometimes, sound will just go away. Picture is still awesomely clear but no sound. IIRC, there are other channels listed in antennaweb.org that I didn't see when I did a channel scan. So i guess, there is no need for a pre-amp since it will not answer my objective. :(

[mjones73]

The pre-amp might help with channel 2, it's strange that your locking on a picture and no sound though.

[Ratman]

Take into consideration that the intended pupose of a pre-amp it to compensate for long cable runs (from the antenna to the TV).

Although pre-amps can help in some situations with spotty reception, be aware that if the signal is 'noisy' or bad, all the pre-amp will do is amplify the noise and/or bad signal. YMMV

It's always worth a try. Just be sure that wherever you purchase the hardware has a lenient return policy, just in case.

Anything over 60-70 miles is a stretch (with UHF), unless your antenna is real high with a good line of sight.

[v1rtu0s1ty]

But are there other stronger external antennas but still using the current height I have now? 6 feet above roof.