TV reception--lack of

slapshot12 · 05-05-2015, 07:14 PM

I can't get any channels on the TV with the antenna. I have switched the TV to air and done the auto channel scan, but still nothing. Any ideas?

Also, there is a standard coax cable going into the cable plug on the TV, but there also is an a/v cable (r/w/y) from the wall to the TV. I have no clue what that's for.

BooBoo23 · 05-05-2015, 07:21 PM

Did you push the little button on the antenna wall outlet to turn the "over the air" amplifier on. A little light should turn on when it is on. You won't get a signal without the amp turned on. When you are hooked to cable leave the amplifier turned off. Same coax connection for OTA and cable. The other outlet would be for DVD player and possibly for satellite use.

slapshot12 · 05-07-2015, 07:39 PM

ahaaaaaa, I found that button. I couldn't see it because of the angle. I will check that tomorrow when I can look up ac power. Thanks!!

Timex · 05-07-2015, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapshot12

ahaaaaaa, I found that button. I couldn't see it because of the angle. I will check that tomorrow when I can look up ac power. Thanks!!

It might look like this.

slapshot12 · 05-09-2015, 04:10 PM

I tried autoscanning channels with the switch on and off and it still didn't help. With the switch on, I only get 4 of the local pbs channels, no networks at all.

Timex · 05-09-2015, 04:28 PM

Is your antenna similar to this?

I'm about ready to put my old Batwing back on because even trying to pinpoint the antenna, some stations blink on/off. Could have been because of frontal systems coming thru but on the last trip, it was plum exhausting to watch tv with the signal going in/out.

The digital signals are very precise. If you are not on it, you won't get it.

dan-nickie · 05-09-2015, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapshot12

I tried autoscanning channels with the switch on and off and it still didn't help. With the switch on, I only get 4 of the local pbs channels, no networks at all.

Well then, you are now getting channels, just not the ones you want.
Have you tried pointing the antenna to the direction of the tower transmitters?

BooBoo23 · 05-09-2015, 05:05 PM

It all depends on how far you are from the transmitter and the terrain. The signal is line of site so buildings, trees and other objects will affect what you can pick up. You don't say where you are located. If you over 30 miles from a city (transmitter) or down in a valley you won't get much selection.
Try one of these to get the direction to point your antenna.
http://tvfool.com
http://antennapoint.com

PBS has a lot of repeater transmitters to reach the more rural areas so that is why they are more available.

OldCoot · 05-09-2015, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timex

Is your antenna similar to this?

I'm about ready to put my old Batwing back on because even trying to pinpoint the antenna, some stations blink on/off. Could have been because of frontal systems coming thru but on the last trip, it was plum exhausting to watch tv with the signal going in/out.

The digital signals are very precise. If you are not on it, you won't get it.

Funny, everywhere I go, I get at least 15-20 stations with the Jacks and in laying flat on the trailer. Get 35-40+ with it elevated and pointed. We love it.

Timex · 05-09-2015, 05:50 PM

Maybe it was just the cool weather we had last week. Never got over 75* and was breezy early in the week. Seemed like the reception was worse when the wind was strong. We were about 50 miles west of Huntsville, where the station was. The only station we watched the whole week was MeTV. Just love those old shows.

beyerjf · 05-09-2015, 06:02 PM

There is a cool app available for your Android phone;
Search for: TV Antenna Helper Free on Google play. It will scan for signals either where you are or any location you put in. Displays the signals on a map or a list and their strengths. I use it all the time traveling works great.
Tells you exactly where the towers are and which stations are broadcasting from them.

Timex · 05-09-2015, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beyerjf

There is a cool app available for your Android phone;
Search for: TV Antenna Helper Free on Google play. It will scan for signals either where you are or any location you put in. Displays the signals on a map or a list and their strengths. I use it all the time traveling works great.
Tells you exactly where the towers are and which stations are broadcasting from them.

You are a lucky guy that gets to communicate with a person from the Stone Age who still has and loves his Flip phone!

I grew up in the age when you went outside the house with a pipe wrench to turn the antenna pole. Somebody inside would say no, a little more, no go back, until the station came in clear enough to see. You'd be happy with those 2 stations!

beyerjf · 05-09-2015, 06:23 PM

I'll be right back. I have a little snow on the screen, I can hop in the 1951 Studebaker Champion and go down to Woolworth's and check a few tubes in the self tester. I think that will do it. Then I'll fiddle with the rabbit ears and put a little aluminum foil on them, that should do it...
Cool, Superman is on....

slapshot12 · 05-09-2015, 07:22 PM

My antenna is the standard round black one that came on it. There is another coax plug on the rear cabinet. I'm going to try that one and see if it works any different.

Timex · 05-09-2015, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beyerjf

I'll be right back. I have a little snow on the screen, I can hop in the 1951 Studebaker Champion and go down to Woolworth's and check a few tubes in the self tester. I think that will do it. Then I'll fiddle with the rabbit ears and put a little aluminum foil on them, that should do it...
Cool, Superman is on....

I see you're catching on!

Timex · 05-09-2015, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapshot12

My antenna is the standard round black one that came on it. There is another coax plug on the rear cabinet. I'm going to try that one and see if it works any different.

I think I'm getting more confused'er!

Pics would make a world of difference!

EXGMTech · 05-09-2015, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timex

Maybe it was just the cool weather we had last week. Never got over 75* and was breezy early in the week. Seemed like the reception was worse when the wind was strong. We were about 50 miles west of Huntsville, where the station was. The only station we watched the whole week was MeTV. Just love those old shows.

well hello...duh...the wind was blowing the signal away.....like fa shir...

Timex · 05-09-2015, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXGMTech

well hello...duh...the wind was blowing the signal away.....like fa shir...

I see you're catching on too!

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