Trying to set up an antenna for the house we are having Thanksgiving at. For some reason I just can't get the Fox HD station on my antenna. ABC, CBS, and NBC are OK but FOX is very weak. I'm about 47 miles from the station according to the antenna web and it's only 1 degree off from the other channels that come in fine. I get it fine from my house which is right across the street with a lesser antenna. I get a solid 100 signal strength for all the major networks. Just can't get it from this current location. Remember having the same problem trying to get the superbowl from my dads house on FOX with the same antenna. Could it be the antenna? I have a Channelmaster 4228. Please help!
Help! I can't get FOX HD channel w/ antenna?
- Thread starter howletus
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howletus,
What is your zip code? I would ask you to post your TV FOOL readout, but you can't until you have a few more posts.
What is your zip code? I would ask you to post your TV FOOL readout, but you can't until you have a few more posts.
howletus,
That 4228 is a great Antenna, but quite directional (about 15° beamwidth)
You might try turning it just a couple degrees in favor of the Fox Channel.
But, what you pick up on one side, you may loose from the other!
Other Antennas with equally capable range, but with a wider "eye" would be...
Antennas Direct DB8
Channel Master 2020
Winegard 8800
(and others)
Have a good Day !
S.W.
That 4228 is a great Antenna, but quite directional (about 15° beamwidth)
You might try turning it just a couple degrees in favor of the Fox Channel.
But, what you pick up on one side, you may loose from the other!
Other Antennas with equally capable range, but with a wider "eye" would be...
Antennas Direct DB8
Channel Master 2020
Winegard 8800
(and others)
Have a good Day !
S.W.
Or better yet, click on the website link below and get your geographic coordinates. This will give us a better idea of the signal levels at your location
Address Map Coordinate (Lat/Long) Finder
Address Map Coordinate (Lat/Long) Finder
The most common problem with a 4228 is that it's a UHF only antenna that kinda-sorta works on VHF. 47 miles on VHF is too far for kinda-sorta.
What channel is your FOX station on?
Interesting that last night and even when I set up my own home antenna all our local HD stations were yellow (small to medium range antenna required) according to the antenna web. Even last night. Now this morning for some reason all the stations are blue or purple which would mean a large directional antenna.
FOX here is channel 40.1. Distance is 47 miles. Azimuth, True 327, Magn 313.
Again, what's odd is that the smaller antenna on my house gets all locals fine but this 4228 which is supposed to have even better range is not cutting it. Maybe I'm just not high enough? The one on my house is mounted at the top of the chimney. This one is mounted on the fence of the house. It only sticks up about 12 feet but there's nothing blocking the path to the stations we're trying to get within 50 feet. I would guess the one working on my roof is 8 to 10 feet higher. Might be the difference huh?
FOX here is channel 40.1. Distance is 47 miles. Azimuth, True 327, Magn 313.
Again, what's odd is that the smaller antenna on my house gets all locals fine but this 4228 which is supposed to have even better range is not cutting it. Maybe I'm just not high enough? The one on my house is mounted at the top of the chimney. This one is mounted on the fence of the house. It only sticks up about 12 feet but there's nothing blocking the path to the stations we're trying to get within 50 feet. I would guess the one working on my roof is 8 to 10 feet higher. Might be the difference huh?
No Static At All - What kind of VHF antenna is that in your avatar? I've got about the same setup as you with the XG91 and rotor minus the VHF. 2 of my locals are going back to VHF in Feb and the selection of VHF only antennas doesnt seem to be nearly as good as the UHF only. Wheres the best place to order one?
Can't give you any better guess than yours on heigth. Ch 40.1 is actually broadcast on Ch 55 and Ch 10.1 broadcast on Ch61 have virtually identical broadcast distances and directions. Specs are virtually the same on both channels. Have you tried a different piece of coax cable?
Have you another ATSC tuner to try?
Maybe lug your TV across the street and try it (If it's not too big)?
Maybe the FOX signal from this station is slightly off spec and the tuner can't pull it in.
Maybe lug your TV across the street and try it (If it's not too big)?
Maybe the FOX signal from this station is slightly off spec and the tuner can't pull it in.
It sounds like you need to find a sweet spot for that FOX station. Try moving the antenna 6 to 12 inches(up, down, left, right) and see what happens. You've got plenty of signal available; but the antenna seems to be in a dead spot for FOX. I have seen a few inches make a huge difference even with a relatively strong signal.
Are you just referring to channels 7-13? Unless you are in an extreme deep fringe area, the Winegard YA-1713 is a good choice.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=YA1713
I only have 2 VHF-HI digital stations right now.(4 more on the way) One is 6 miles away(8) and comes in at almost full strength(It's only a 198 watt station-WTF???). The other station(12) is 65 miles away, and shows about 60-65% signal strength.(No amp) It does have an occasional hiccup, but I have 2 full strength analog VHF stations(7 & 9) less than 4 miles away that I think are drowning it out a bit.
That channel 5 makes things a bit more difficult. If channel 11 is strong enough, I would go with this antenna.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD-5030
If channel 11 is weak, and you don't mind 2 "additional" antennas.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=Y5-2-6
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=YA1713
The highest VHF gain for the money is a combo VHF/UHF antenna
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD8200Uhttp://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HD8200U
The Winegard 8200 combo antenna may work out to be a good one antenna solution for you, and you may not need the 91-XG at all. The UHF on the Winegard 8200 is as good as as it gets for a combo antenna
