WRBL Dropping Out

[zedsdead]

I have a DB8 Multidirectional HD Antenna, use a Dish 912 receiver and I live on top of Summerville Road in PC. I have located my HD antenna in my attic and can get all of the local station's digital signals at a strong 90 - 115 strength. No dropouts with the exception of WRBL. WRBL is very flakey. When I adjusted the direction of my antenna but it does not help WRBL. The signal strength for WRBL is 80-90 but it then drops to 0 then back to 75-80 then to 0 then to 80-90. Has anyone else had this happen to them. Is this a WRBL thing?

If anyone has some tips for me I would be happy to listen.

[Mike Slade]

I would guess that's its a combination of their tower's distance from you, it's height and the transmitter power. They, along with all the stations, are low power and their digital tower is only 300'. WTVM's transmitter is in the same place but it is running at a higher power so I would guess that is why it's easier to pick up.

Since having the antenna inside the attic also blocks some of the signal I would recommend putting it on the roof. Using an indoor antenna I can also get all the channels stations except WRBL. Until they go full power and/or move to a higher tower, it's probably best to have the antenna outside. Or you could also try using a signal amp and see if that helps if you are not already.

[Scott]

I live in Phenix City also, I originally tried an attic multidirectional antenna and I couldn't pick up WRBL at all.

Mike is right on both counts, WRBL has the weakest signal in Columbus and you really need an outdoor antenna. Also, a directional antenna will give you more distance than a Multidirectional antenna.

[zedsdead]

Thanks. I do have a signal amp. I have tested the amp and the signals on all the stations seem to remain the same strength even if I have it off. I know it works but it may not work well with this antenna. What kind of signal amp do you guys use?

I don't want to mount the antenna outside. This is why I tried to get a large multi directional antenna. I wanted to compensate for the signal loss that I would get in the attic and not be worried about aiming. I have aimed the antenna to where all stations come in at max signal (except WRBL). Does anyone know when they may step up the power?

[Mike Slade]

I don't currently use an amp but in the past i've used a simple cable amp I got for like $20. At my old house it seemed like it helped but now, like you said, it doesn't look like it changes anything.

I looked up that antenna you are using, what makes it multidirectional? Do some of the elements point different directions. It looks very similar to the channel master 4228 which is a directional 8 bay antenna. In the picture of the DB8 i found, it looks very directional to me. www.antennasdirect.com/DB8_HD_Antenna.html

I understand not wanting to mount it outside but until our locals go full power or you're able to get them from cable, it might be the only option.

[zedsdead]

I looked up that antenna you are using, what makes it multidirectional?

The wording in the adv made it multidirectional.

You may be right about mounting it outside as an option. I want to exaust all other options first. It is an ugly antenna (like there are any that look good). I will look at the RCA amp that is sold at Home Depot. The unit I looked at has a varable gain control. I will let you guys know how it works out.

[zedsdead]

Signal Amp did not work.

[zedsdead]

UPDATE

I have moved my antenna outside and aimed it in a south by south east direction and I have over 100% signal on all channels with no signal amp. I plan to keep it outside until they step up the power. Thanks for all the advice you guys gave. Just thought I would post to maybe help someone else out.