Hello all,

New to the board here.

Can anyone advise if the FCC will allow DTV broadcasters to increase DTV output power levels after the Feb 2009 cutover date ? I fear that without a signal level increase I will see no improvement.

Maybe the broadcasters here are simply using a low RF output level currently ? Or maybe they only transmit DTV on specific days ? Can anyone confirm ?

Or, maybe I just need to be patient and wait until February 2009 ?

When I checked the FCC website I found that the local network affiliate stations here are authorized for up to a 1000KW ERP signal output level per FCC licensing. (That's a million watts folks).

So here's my concern: Dismal reception 35 miles north of Seattle when atmospheric changes occur - despite the multiple "fixes" that I've tried.

Good (new) moderate gain multi band (UHF / VHF) directional yagi antenna in place now (oriented south) outside on the roof - that has INCREDIBLE ANALOG (clear) signal at all times. Not so with the few DTV signals that I can capture on odd days.

I understand the channels: 9, 11, and 13 will remain at VHF (digital) after the cutover date so maybe there is some hope yet ?

Have tried both a tower top amp and also an in-line amp with worse signal results on DTV. I'm at a 200 foot elevation with a good view of the horizon into Seattle.

Replaced all feedlines with high quality (solid copper) RG-6U cables that are less that 75 feet in length. Proper broadband (modern / weather tight) compression fittings are used. I used a very conservative amount of GE silicone dielectric protectant grease on the "F" fittings for a weathertight seal. No improvement.

Again, atmospheric conditions seem to really impact the DTV signal here. Cloud cover even on dry days, and rain, both really impact the signals negatively. Some days see an 80% signal capture - and then on the following day there is a broken signal, . . . even when I've made no equipment adjustments in-between the changes in weather. Can't understand it. I've considered sunspots and the current solar cycle too.

Have tried multiple subtle adjustments in the antenna path orientation / direction, but no joy.

Replaced the 300 / 75 ohm matching transformer twice just for good measure. That proved interesting too. Seems that one of the matching transformers acts as a notch filter, and won't pass channel 13. Strange indeed.

Removed the 2-way splitter for the second receiver with no improvement either. It is understood that each port on a splitter can introduce a loss of -3db to -7db.

O.K. you "techy" types, what am I missing here ?

"Signaless" in Seattle.