Question: Defeating multi-path?

[MrPogi]

I'm getting a lot of breakup on a few channels, a little more noticeable now with my new TV. I'm thinking it's got to be the result of multi-path, as my antenna is about 2 feet out from my balcony (stucco building) on a busy street across from a large building. I'm using a 2-bay antenna with a home made dipole because I have channels from VHF 2 up to uhf 50. I seem to have the most issues with channels in the VHF-hi range, mostly FOX and PBS.
Here's my TVfool:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9038ebcc0http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d9038ebcc0309af


I'm thinking a more directional antenna like an RCAANT751 may solve the problem, but does anyone have any other suggestions?

 

[Jim5506]

Most newer tuners are supposed to be better with multi-path.

Two basic methods to reduce multi-path are re-orienting/moving the antenna and using a more directional antenna.

You are quite near the towers which actually increases the possibility of multi-path due to reflections.

You will just first have to try relocation and re-orientation, if that fails a more directional antenna, possibly going to a yagi for VHF.

I can just visualize a Winegard HD8200 hanging off your balcony. :^)

 

[MrPogi]

Yea, I don't think a huge antenna will make anything better, LOL!
My new TV tuner is actually slightly worse with multi-path. I'm using my PVR for these trouble channels, but it still breaks up. I can't really move the antenna much, so my only option seems to be another antenna.

I'm leaning towards the ANT 751, but if anyone can suggest other small directional UHF/VHF antennas, it's nice to have more choices!

 

[Fringe Reception]

I'd try a small 2-Bay panel like a DB-2 'enhanced' with a single VHF element.

 

[MrPogi]

I'm already using a 2bay with a dipole. Really need something more directional. It's the VHF (mostly VHF-hi) that's giving me trouble.

 

[Fringe Reception]

How about this Winegard. Some of the reviews claim better results than the RCA.

https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-Com...ords=Winegard-Company-Compact-Antenna-HD7000R

------------------------------------------------------------
Here's one review:

"This is a great antenna at a reasonable price. I'm in the Philadelphia area, about 21 miles from the broadcast antennas, and receiving WPVI (ABC) channel 6 and KJWP channel 2 have been a challenge with my previous RCA ANT751R antenna. This is primarily because the smaller RCA antenna was not designed to receive the low-band VHF signals I wanted, even with an amplifier. (The RCA antenna is great for high-band VHF and UHF signals, but it's absolutely lacking for TV channels 2 through 6.)" ...

 

[MrPogi]

How about this Winegard. Some of the reviews claim better results than the RCA.

https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-Com...ords=Winegard-Company-Compact-Antenna-HD7000Rhttps://www.amazon.com/Winegard-Company-Compact-Antenna-HD7000R/dp/B001TIQ6SW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521692531&sr=8-1&keywords=Winegard-Company-Compact-Antenna-HD7000R


------------------------------------------------------------
Here's one review:

"This is a great antenna at a reasonable price. I'm in the Philadelphia area, about 21 miles from the broadcast antennas, and receiving WPVI (ABC) channel 6 and KJWP channel 2 have been a challenge with my previous RCA ANT751R antenna. This is primarily because the smaller RCA antenna was not designed to receive the low-band VHF signals I wanted, even with an amplifier. (The RCA antenna is great for high-band VHF and UHF signals, but it's absolutely lacking for TV channels 2 through 6.)" ...

Granted, the ANT 751 isn't DESIGNED for VHF-lo, but I don't need much to get my VHF-lo channels. I'm less than 10 miles from mostly full power transmitters. Hell, the 2 bay antenna alone gets most of the VHF-lo and hi channels. The It also comes with a J-pipe mount and it's $5 less than the Winegard. The Winegard would be a lot more difficult to mount in my situation.
I've got some time so I'm going to make some adjustments to my current setup and see how that works out first.

 

[MrPogi]

I've ordered an RCA ANT751. I hope this solves the problem. It's small and seems more directional than what I have now. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

[dkreichen1968]

The RCA ANT751 and a Winegard HD7000R are the same family of antennas. Both manufactured by Winegard. Only real difference is the longer dipoles for low VHF on the HD7000R

 

[MrPogi]

ANT751 arrived. Missing important part and assembly instructions.
Back it goes.
I did tweak the current antenna aim a bit, it's a lot better now, I lost one channel I didn't really watch. I'll continue tweaking and see if I can get it just right!

 

[MrPogi]

The RCA ANT751 and a Winegard HD7000R are the same family of antennas. Both manufactured by Winegard. Only real difference is the longer dipoles for low VHF on the HD7000R

And the price is higher! Size is an issue, too. I can only get so far out from the balcony without a serious construction project. I don't own the condo, so I can't do much!