Recommendations when posting for advice

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

1happyguy · 10-19-2009, 03:16 PM

Good post!!

tigerbangs · 10-19-2009, 08:44 PM

Make your life a whole lot easier: just listen to what I tell you to do! LMAO!

rm00k · 10-24-2009, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aka.Hooper

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

To moderator: might be a good idea to take this post and turn it into a questionnaire form and make it the first sticky (but somehow mark it for no-replies).

sawzalot · 10-24-2009, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigerbangs

Make your life a whole lot easier: just listen to what I tell you to do! LMAO!

Better post

tigerbangs · 10-25-2009, 10:06 AM

Thank you, thank you...I'm here all week! be sure to tip your waitresses!

Small Engine · 10-28-2009, 07:45 PM

Awesome Post !

rm00k

Quote:

To moderator: might be a good idea to take this post and turn it into a questionnaire form and make it the first sticky (but somehow mark it for no-replies).

Or just make it into the first sticky in this forum area.

Mike

aka.Hooper · 11-06-2009, 03:58 PM

I was going to add this as an edit to my OP, but obviously I waited too long...

Here's a classic example of why you need to post an exact address report.
Compare the generic zip code tvfool report:
http://redirectingat.com/?id=42X9415...507c4913db3469

To this poster's exact address report:
http://www.highdefforum.com/attachme...-radar-all.png

As you can see, they are considerably different. This poster's exact location gives him much better possibilities. And if he put together a system based on the zip report he may well be spending money he doesn't need to... Or adding an amp because he thinks he needs one and having it overload.

But of course this could just as easily have been the reverse, in which case if you set up a system based on what appears to be very easy, it could turn out to not work as well as planned - and you're left scratching your uh, head...

Here's another example of such a situation:
http://www.highdefforum.com/958484-post18.html

The moral of the story: Just post your exact location report right from the start!

Oh, and thanks to the gentlemen that gave their seal of approval.

Small Engine · 11-11-2009, 07:16 AM

aka.Hooper,
Thanks for taking the time to post this very useful information for people that are coming to the Highdefforum for the first time. Following these simple set of rules will help the first time poster get expedited answers for there particular situation from Members that give there time, advise and

for free...

Good Day

IDRick · 11-11-2009, 08:51 AM

I agree, job well done Hooper! We need to get this stickied to the top where new members can see it....

10-18-2009, 02:47 PM	#1
aka.Hooper "Babe" 2002-2009 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eastern Suffolk, LI, NY Posts: 292	Recommendations when posting for advice 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 __________________ Some details on my DIY antenna builds: http://mysite.verizon.net/res11d41p/

10-19-2009, 08:44 PM	#3
tigerbangs Antenna Maven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Springfield, MA Age: 54 Posts: 2,116	Make your life a whole lot easier: just listen to what I tell you to do! LMAO! __________________ Real men don't use indoor antennas; neither do real women!

10-25-2009, 10:06 AM	#6
tigerbangs Antenna Maven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Springfield, MA Age: 54 Posts: 2,116	Thank you, thank you...I'm here all week! be sure to tip your waitresses! __________________ Real men don't use indoor antennas; neither do real women!

11-06-2009, 03:58 PM	#8
aka.Hooper "Babe" 2002-2009 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eastern Suffolk, LI, NY Posts: 292	Just to drive the point home... I was going to add this as an edit to my OP, but obviously I waited too long... Here's a classic example of why you need to post an exact address report. Compare the generic zip code tvfool report: http://redirectingat.com/?id=42X9415...507c4913db3469 To this poster's exact address report: http://www.highdefforum.com/attachme...-radar-all.png As you can see, they are considerably different. This poster's exact location gives him much better possibilities. And if he put together a system based on the zip report he may well be spending money he doesn't need to... Or adding an amp because he thinks he needs one and having it overload. But of course this could just as easily have been the reverse, in which case if you set up a system based on what appears to be very easy, it could turn out to not work as well as planned - and you're left scratching your uh, head... Here's another example of such a situation: http://www.highdefforum.com/958484-post18.html The moral of the story: Just post your exact location report right from the start! Oh, and thanks to the gentlemen that gave their seal of approval. __________________ Some details on my DIY antenna builds: http://mysite.verizon.net/res11d41p/

11-11-2009, 07:16 AM	#9
Small Engine Free Tv -94.4 33.9 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Searching the Curves of the Earth Posts: 108	aka.Hooper, Thanks for taking the time to post this very useful information for people that are coming to the Highdefforum for the first time. Following these simple set of rules will help the first time poster get expedited answers for there particular situation from Members that give there time, advise and for free... Good Day __________________ Antennas are like Real Estate.. its all about location.. location. http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...bc2786867f8eb2

10-19-2009, 03:16 PM	#2
1happyguy High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 206	Good post!!

11-11-2009, 08:51 AM	#10
IDRick High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Eastern Idaho Posts: 1,104	I agree, job well done Hooper! We need to get this stickied to the top where new members can see it....

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