Quote:
Originally Posted by Don_M
2. Inspecting the downlead for cracks in the insulation, or corrosion on or inside the connectors, particularly outdoors. This presumes you're using coaxial cable right now. If you note any signs of aging or rust, or there's flat twin lead anywhere in the system, consider replacing all of it now with RG-6 coaxial cable. Thankfully, coax is cheap. Good thing, seeing as how it can be a pain to pull new wiring! If you replace the cabling, replace the $5 coax matching transformer that connects the coax to the antenna as well. They wear out over time, too.
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The one exception to using flat twin wire is if the input to your Radio Shack amp uses screw type 300 ohm input terminals and your antenna also uses screw type 300 ohm terminals.
Then it is best replace that short piece of flat lead from the antenna to the amp with the same, flat twin lead, if you intend to keep the old amp.
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That said. More than one person has seen marketed improvement with a more modern low noise amp like Don suggested.
The new amps all have 75 ohm coax in from the antenna (mostly). So if your replace the amp then use a balun at the antenna to convert it's screw terminals to coax and run coax into the amp.
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One last important note. If you replace the antenna, be sure to buy one that covers channels 2-51 (many still list 2-69) because your CBS WTVF is on channel 5. Many of the new TV antennas don't go below channel 7 and won't work for you. You need a high gain all band antenna.
If you reach a point of considering replacing the antenna let us know, as we have researched many of the best and the best place to buy them.
