I am stumped at signal loss

[andy_horton]

The " big 3" networks in Chattanooga Tennessee are in the VHF range. With my amplified rabbit ears depending on how long I extend the rods, the signal level drops by around 10-15 points for no apparent reason. Nothing moving near the antenna and with the adjustable gain I even have it set to the lowest setting to get a signal between 50-80. I can't figure out why. Is it the wiring in my apartment? Even up high it does the same thing. Any thoughts?...Thanks.

 

[Tampa8]

What it really means is the rabbit ears is not enough to keep the signal. You need something either at a window that directly faces the transmitting antennas, or an outside type that faces them.

 

[andy_horton]

What it really means is the rabbit ears is not enough to keep the signal. You need something either at a window that directly faces the transmitting antennas, or an outside type that faces them.

Thank you. I'll try putting them at the window. I'm not allowed to put an antenna on the outside.

 

[Jim5506]

Indoor antennas are at the whim of everything metallic or containing water that is in your house.

Even a person (large bag of water) walking around the room and disrupt the RF signal indoors and metal appliances, etc. cause horrible reflections.

I have used a small outdoor VHF antenna indoors with some success, see if you can find one and mount it about 1 ft below the ceiling pointed toward the target.

 

[boba]

Indoor antennas are at the whim of everything metallic or containing water that is in your house.

Even a person (large bag of water) walking around the room and disrupt the RF signal indoors and metal appliances, etc. cause horrible reflections.

I have used a small outdoor VHF antenna indoors with some success, see if you can find one and mount it about 1 ft below the ceiling pointed toward the target.

Or as Iceberg posted a picture of his antenna near the ceiling in an apartment closet.

 

[andy_horton]

Thanks y'all. I think I found the "sweet" spot for reception. The rabbit ears are fairly close to the window in a V shape with amplification set to its lowest setting. I have a steady 61-65 on ABC, NYC, and CBS. Going to try the paper clip for the others. If not, back to the clothes hanger. Very little pixelation on any channel now. Not bad for an indoor antenna. Also using ROKU for streaming and Netflix. Also hooked up an HDMI cable from my laptop to my tv for streaming from different sites that have tv shows and movies plus YouTube. Also cut the cord!!!! Yay....it feels good good not to be "paying" if you will for tv other than Netflix. Of course I still pay for HSI from Comcast but have a really good deal on it for a year. I guess you can never cord cut completely but I have done so as much as possible. It feels really good!!!! Now if I can get through Saturday mornings with all those kids shows on the big 3. Guess I'll stream Netflix or watch a dvd.

 

[Mr Tony]

Or as Iceberg posted a picture of his antenna near the ceiling in an apartment closet.

since boba has mentioned it a few times but yet didnt post a link here is the orignal "antenna in the closet" pic
http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads...th-good-VHF-Hi-coverage?p=3314889#post3314889

but now there are newer ones
http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads...th-good-VHF-Hi-coverage?p=3417756#post3417756