My most aggravating issue with the new coach

[Lee Bode]

I have had some small issues with the new 303, axles, seals, small water leak, etc. that were promptly repaired by the dealer and overall ecstatic with the GD. But the over the air TV reception is about to send me over the edge. I read some very helpful suggestions during the first few trips out and tightened all the coaxial connections and had reasonably good reception. Last night set up, got everything else in place and scanned the channels and was amazed to find we had 26 channels which is well above the "normal" 10 or 12. Was watching the Skins game from Richmond station (both living area and bedroom) with perfect reception, walked down into the kitchen turned on one light, put a couple of glasses in the sink, turned off the same light as I ascended the stairs and BOOM, signal too weak pops up on the screen. I scrolled through the 26 channels and found that I had lost in the blink of an eye approx 10 of those, not snowy pictures, complete no audio or video from stations that were perfect just a few moments ago. I guess I am asking some of the veterans if they've ever experienced this and if they could point me into a possible issue. We are primarily weekenders in state parks (no cable) with a few week long stays during each year, thus satellite is just not a reasonable option at this point. Thanks for any tips or suggestions to this bewildering situation.

Happy Labor Day

[Paul & Deb]

Lee, I have found that, depending on where in the country I am, sometimes the over-the-air signal drops significantly at a certain time at night. I always thought the television channels had to drop their broadcast strength at night but I could be wrong on that.

[Lee Bode]

Thanks Paul it could be the case, but it has been my experience even with my old TT setup and a Rayzar antenna that I would receive more channels in the evening as opposed to daytime, what a conundrum.

PS I did not move the antenna position from our last weekend thus eliminating the thought that the cable separated by twisting it too far, yet another head scratcher to the mix.

Thanks again,

[LCBoyer]

Air wave radio propagation is not a very exact science. For some reason signals seem to carry better at night.

[JCR GD]

Could the booster/switch have been turned off or lost power some how?

[Lee Bode]

Good thought, but she was already asleep, thus no lights on in the bedroom and that green light was shining brightly and could still receive "some" channels just about half what I got with the original scan.

Thanks Jim

[Barbara & Dave]

Just FYI, digital TV signals are basically "all or nothing". Either the signal is good enough for a decent picture, or you see nothing at all (blue screen on my Hair). Snowy pictures like the old days are for the most part gone

Dave


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[Lee Bode]

There are channels that "pixelate" I guess would be the proper description, as certain sections of the picture block and move etc. Heading back to the coach and see what the Wheel of Air Reception lands on tonight.

Thanks again

[Barbara & Dave]

Several things could be going on here.

When it scans for channels, your TV will include as viewable some channels that are only marginal, in the hope that propogation will improve.

UHF signals are affected by many things. Rain, clouds, aircraft, temperature gradients, etc. A signal may seem to come and go.

Antennas receive best (have gain) in a single direction. Sometimes an adjustment of as little as 10-15° can be enough to get a steady picture.

Many common items generate stray signals that can interfere with the TV signal. I've found I get better reception on certain channels by turning specific LED lights off. Low power electrical supplies (wall-warts) are also frequently RF noisy. Try unplugging them, or moving them to a different outlet.

Ultimately, you might want to consider an outside antenna mounted on a mast at least 15-20 ft tall. That will make marginal signals stronger, although you'll discover stations you never knew were there become a new batch of marginal.

Dave


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