"lbbs" wrote in message
...
My low channels and high channels are coming in week (I especially would
like to improve channel 49). I like in a small city of 130,000
population. We have Toronto aprox 40 miles north and Buffalo 40 miles
south of us. I would to find a way to improve my TV signal. One of
the
things I would like to try is put a preamp on the antenna, but not sure
what
dB rating to use so I don't over amplify my signal (I don't want to
improve
some channels at the expense of other good channels). Any ideas?



Also, what about cleaning up the connection at the antenna, by cutting off
the end
that is corroded and reconnecting it to the antenna? Or just cleaning
the
connection with sand paper?




Other pertinent info:

Basically I looking for ways to improve my signal. I am satisfied with
the

12 channel or so

that we are presently getting and I don't what to pay for more channel
with

cable or dish.

All I want is to get a 15% improvement or so in my TV signal. I get a
fair

TV signal now, but I have a couple of channel like 49 that my parents
better

then us. I received a few suggestions like replace my coax with RG6
wire

and get an preamplifier at my old tower antenna. The antenna is 35
years

old at most (that is the age of our house), 15 years at best).
Anything

else I can do to improve signal. I don't mind putting some money into
it

since it is a long term investment. Thanks.



p.s. I am not interested in buying a new antenna.



If your antenna is 15 years old, it's not even acting as an antenna
anymore.. (at least not as it was designed to do). Whether you are
interested in buying one or not, you need to. A good antenna is cheaper than
a good amplifier, and will likely do a lot more good given that your current
antenna is over 10 years beyond it's normal life expectancy.

I have had good luck with an antenna mounted Channel Master Triton III
preamp.

Some other thoughts.

New antennas pick up a signal better than an old corroded antenna.

Coax and twin lead wears out due to weather and sunlight. It may be marginal
and need to be replaced.

A good ground might help signal reception.

The higher the antenna the better the signal.

Any trees grow up in the way of your antenna over the years ?

A VHF/UHF combo antenna is a compromise. A seperate UHF antenna might do a
better job of pulling in the weak signals.

"Steve Stone" wrote:
A good ground might help signal reception.

Not a chance! A ground may be good idea for lightning protection, but it's
not going to improve TV reception.

Art Harris N2AH

On Thu, 27 Nov 2003 14:43:28 GMT, "Arthur Harris"
wrote:

"Steve Stone" wrote:
A good ground might help signal reception.

Not a chance! A ground may be good idea for lightning protection,

And electrical system safety.

Roger (K8RI)

but it's
not going to improve TV reception.

Art Harris N2AH


You'll have to fix the return add due to dumb virus checkers, not spam
Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member)
(N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair?)
www.rogerhalstead.com