aka.Hooper
10-18-2009, 02:47 PM
Something I've noticed here is that a fair amount of time is spent (wasted) trying to get the information that is necessary to draw a conclusion on a situation.
Before you post a question you should first use the search engine to try and find information relevant to your situation. And even if you can't find an answer that applies directly, you may gain much insight into your own dilemma by reading the scenarios of others - and this is always a good thing!:)
When you do post a question, try and give as much information about your situation as possible - starting with an EXACT ADDRESS tvfool.com "Signal Analysis Tool" report. Your actual address doesn't show on the report, so your privacy is protected. Be sure to input your actual antenna height as well.
If you are new, and have less than 5 posts you cannot post a link. There are two ways around this:
1. Save the tvfool image to your computer (by clicking on the "Save Image" button on the tvfool report page) and upload it to your post using the "Manage Attachments" button here when you post, or
2. Copy & paste the link into the text in your post leaving out the www.tvfool.com part. This will allow all to view your reception possibilities, and give you accurate advice. (Note: For some reason this method adds a space just before the last character in the address that must be deleted for the address to be valid.)
Running a report for just your zip code or city location usually isn't accurate enough! As there can often be significant reception differences over relatively short distance changes, you will always be asked to post an exact address report - may as well just put it up here right from the start so everyone knows exactly what you're dealing with, and can give you good advice.
This also applies if you live in a rural area; tvfool may put your antenna location (by address) at the street and this can also make a difference in the signal at the actual/proposed antenna location. In this case go to tvfool and use the "TV Maps" feature. Put in your exact address and you can view a satellite picture of your location, with a cursor identifying the exact antenna position. Move the cursor to your existing/proposed mounting position and copy & paste the Lat/Lon coordinates into a regular (Signal Analysis Tool) report choosing "coordinates" (instead of address) and post it as described above. Again, the last digits of the Lat/Lon location are blocked out, so you need not worry about someone showing up on your doorstep using a GPS!;)
Other relevant info to be sure to include in your post are:
* The approximate length of your cable run(s)
* How many sets you are/intend on serving.
* The model #'s of any existing antenna(s)
* The model #'s of any amplifiers you are using.
* Your specific geographic/environmental conditions. For instance:
Does your antenna aim point into a stand of Sequoia's, high voltage power lines, or a hill?
Or are you on top of a hill?
Do you have close buildings taller than your antenna height between you and the transmitters?
Or does your aim point you across a large body of water?
I've probably forgotten a few things, but I'm sure others will chime in and add to this.
And since this is a public forum on the world wide web until the end of time, (or until the forum closes down, whichever comes first) I would advise against actually posting your exact address or precise GPS coordinates...
Just a thought
Before you post a question you should first use the search engine to try and find information relevant to your situation. And even if you can't find an answer that applies directly, you may gain much insight into your own dilemma by reading the scenarios of others - and this is always a good thing!:)
When you do post a question, try and give as much information about your situation as possible - starting with an EXACT ADDRESS tvfool.com "Signal Analysis Tool" report. Your actual address doesn't show on the report, so your privacy is protected. Be sure to input your actual antenna height as well.
If you are new, and have less than 5 posts you cannot post a link. There are two ways around this:
1. Save the tvfool image to your computer (by clicking on the "Save Image" button on the tvfool report page) and upload it to your post using the "Manage Attachments" button here when you post, or
2. Copy & paste the link into the text in your post leaving out the www.tvfool.com part. This will allow all to view your reception possibilities, and give you accurate advice. (Note: For some reason this method adds a space just before the last character in the address that must be deleted for the address to be valid.)
Running a report for just your zip code or city location usually isn't accurate enough! As there can often be significant reception differences over relatively short distance changes, you will always be asked to post an exact address report - may as well just put it up here right from the start so everyone knows exactly what you're dealing with, and can give you good advice.
This also applies if you live in a rural area; tvfool may put your antenna location (by address) at the street and this can also make a difference in the signal at the actual/proposed antenna location. In this case go to tvfool and use the "TV Maps" feature. Put in your exact address and you can view a satellite picture of your location, with a cursor identifying the exact antenna position. Move the cursor to your existing/proposed mounting position and copy & paste the Lat/Lon coordinates into a regular (Signal Analysis Tool) report choosing "coordinates" (instead of address) and post it as described above. Again, the last digits of the Lat/Lon location are blocked out, so you need not worry about someone showing up on your doorstep using a GPS!;)
Other relevant info to be sure to include in your post are:
* The approximate length of your cable run(s)
* How many sets you are/intend on serving.
* The model #'s of any existing antenna(s)
* The model #'s of any amplifiers you are using.
* Your specific geographic/environmental conditions. For instance:
Does your antenna aim point into a stand of Sequoia's, high voltage power lines, or a hill?
Or are you on top of a hill?
Do you have close buildings taller than your antenna height between you and the transmitters?
Or does your aim point you across a large body of water?
I've probably forgotten a few things, but I'm sure others will chime in and add to this.
And since this is a public forum on the world wide web until the end of time, (or until the forum closes down, whichever comes first) I would advise against actually posting your exact address or precise GPS coordinates...
Just a thought