Getting less OTA channels with upgraded antenna than original one

[rudyr]

I've been with Voom for about a month now, and I'm having problems with OTA channels. I've had installers come out 3 times now, with 4 now call, no shows. Originally my problem was that I could get all OTA channels, but could not get certain ones consistently without breaking up. I finally got the upgraded antenna and now the only channel I can get is PBS. I explained my situation to the installer and he just shrugged his shoulders and told me, "I don't know what could be causing the interference." One thing I noticed was when he was aligning the antenna, he didn't use a compass. He just eyeballed it! I've attached a picture of the antenna. If anyone could give me any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.

 

[rvsixer]

First thing I would do is to check your signal strength(s). Go to antennaweb.org and get the RF numbers for your local OTA channels.

Go into setup on your VOOM box (press VOOM-green button-green button, select Installer Menu, select aim off air antenna).

Enter the RF number for one of your OTA channels, and see what signal strength you have. You are looking for a number >85 (anything less than 80 and you will not lock on).

If you are below that, turn the antenna until you get peak signal strength. If you can't get to at least >80, you have something else wrong besides aiming.

Good luck,

Rob.

 

[joverstr2]

You think the original antenna that's still installed could be interfering?

 

[rudyr]

First thing I would do is to check your signal strength(s). Go to antennaweb.org and get the RF numbers for your local OTA channels.

Go into setup on your VOOM box (press VOOM-green button-green button, select Installer Menu, select aim off air antenna).

Enter the RF number for one of your OTA channels, and see what signal strength you have. You are looking for a number >85 (anything less than 80 and you will not lock on).

If you are below that, turn the antenna until you get peak signal strength. If you can't get to at least >80, you have something else wrong besides aiming.

Good luck,

Rob.

Yeah, I've been trying that, and I finally mangaged to get Fox (88), but that's it. Everything else is around 40-50 signal strength. All the towers around me are in the same direction. Do you think it could be something in the wiring?

You think the original antenna that's still installed could be interfering?

That's a good question. I'll climb up tomorrow morning and take it off to see if that helps.

 

[rudyr]

I just called the installer and asked him if he thought the old antenna could be interfering and he said no. Can anyone confirm if he's just trying to pull my leg?

 

[stevej27]

Judging from your photo.....the OTA should be located at a higher level. I had a problem with my OTA and called Voom. the installer came out and relocated the OTA away from the SAT and mounted to a chimney.... your OTA seems too close to your SAT ...have it relocated to a higher level away from SAT if possible...Get on the phone with Voom and demand to relocate and set up your OTA properly...eye balling the setup is rediculous...BTW I get all local channels now

 

[rvsixer]

.... OTA seems too close to your SAT ...

FYI the standard location for the "batwing" antenna is right on top of the dish, works fine there. 93-98 signal, my distance to the broadcast antennas is 18.1 miles clear line of site though.

Rudyr how far away are your broadcast antennas? Clear line of sight or do you have hills/buildings/structures in the way (maybe causing multipaths)? Though not directly related, do you get standard analog stations okay?

Rob.

 

[rudyr]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I just called Voom and they said that they would send someone out Tuesday Feb.1 Hopefully Voom will still be up by then. The furthest tower away from me is 23.9 miles. There are no hills or buildings that should be obstructing either. I'm just baffeled how I was able to get more channels on the old Winegard than the "new upgraded" antenna. I've attached a photo from Antennaweb.org so you can see all the info.

This is my first time switching from cable, and I'm really starting to regret it. I'm hoping I can finally get this all resolved so that I can just sit back and enjoy my hd while it lasts.

 

[stevej27]

Dont give up yet... I had voom for almost a year switched from direct TV... a few kinks here and there but once you are up and running you are going to love all the HD programing. Dont blame Voom for the stupid installer...it happens sometimes......

 

[TYORK]

Ok Here is my 2 cents . It is no wonder your first antenna is no work it is install wrong 1st of all it should not be below you dish and your sencond antenna is way to close to the dish and 1st antenna to be getting anything i am not sure who installed this but i can tell you what he need to go back to the voom training class cause i can asure you that is not how he was train to install the OTA . good thing he is in VA cause he would never pass a QC job from me . No wonder there is so may OTA problems if anyone else is installing these antenna this way.

Tyork

 

[rudyr]

I don't blame Voom for this at all. In fact, they have been very cooperative through everything.

Tyork - After climbing a ladder and taking a closer look, I see that the installer didn't even mount the antenna all the way down to the roof. The metal bracket is not flush with the roof like the one on the dish which is going to lead to water damage. I will take a picture in the morning so that you can see what I'm talking about. By the way, I sent you a pm.

Thanks again everyone. This forum has been very helpful.

 

[TYORK]

I don't blame Voom for this at all. In fact, they have been very cooperative through everything.

Tyork - After climbing a ladder and taking a closer look, I see that the installer didn't even mount the antenna all the way down to the roof. The metal bracket is not flush with the roof like the one on the dish which is going to lead to water damage. I will take a picture in the morning so that you can see what I'm talking about. By the way, I sent you a pm.

Thanks again everyone. This forum has been very helpful.

Rudy ,

Please do take a picture i have done sent your other picture on the my bosses boss so he can find the rightful owner of your install sent me more picture and i will sent them on as well. Just out of carostity did he bother to install a ground or ground block anywhere if so send me that picture to just want to see how he done it to . if he didn't install one hope he put it on a surge protector.

tyork

 

[rudyr]

I've updated the pictures in the first post, so that you can see the whole set up in the daylight.

I've also attached all the pictures that I took this morning. You will notice what I'm talking about when I said that the bracket is not flush with the roof. I also noticed that the old diplexer (Channel Master Model 4032IFD) is still connected to the old antenna. The new antenna has a different diplexer that looks more like a splitter. Does anyone know if that makes a difference?

 

[TYORK]

I've updated the pictures in the first post, so that you can see the whole set up in the daylight.

I've also attached all the pictures that I took this morning. You will notice what I'm talking about when I said that the bracket is not flush with the roof. I also noticed that the old diplexer (Channel Master Model 4032IFD) is still connected to the old antenna. The new antenna has a different diplexer that looks more like a splitter. Does anyone know if that makes a difference?

Rudy,
I just foward you picture on to the regional manger he will send them to you feild Manger in your area as soon as he get them. also just leave it the way it is cause if you bother it the installer will say he didn't leave it that way
the reason for the 2 diplexer is that the upgraded antenna will not work though the black on and i am surprised the old anteena did them are surpose to be for the stealth antenna not the sensor II i will let you know if i here anything.

tyork

 

[rudyr]

Thanks Tyork.