Electronics Repair (sci.electronics.repair) Discussion of repairing electronic equipment. Topics include requests for assistance, where to obtain servicing information and parts, techniques for diagnosis and repair, and annecdotes about success, failures and problems.

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Default Poor television reception

I live in Riverside, CA (about 50 miles east of Los Angeles).

I do not have a cable system nor a satellite ("dish") system.

Except for small "dish"-type antennas, the condo-rules allow
"yagi"-type antennas only in the attic of each house. But, knowing how
much signal is lost by attic-installation, my Terk TV38 antenna is
laying on a flat roof (so it's not too conspicuous to the condo-board).
A coax cable runs across the roof for 15 feet, goes down 4 feet into
the attic and is connected to a Radio Shack signal amplifier. A coax
cable goes from the amplifier, through the attic for about 30 feet to
the TV set.

Here are the channels I get:

Note: KVCR 24's broadcast tower has a compass orientation of 51 degrees
and is 9 miles from my house. The towers for all of the other channels
have a compass orientation of 287 degrees and are 43 miles from my
house.

Call sign Network Channel Reception Rating *

KCBS CBS 2 F
KNBC NBC 4 G
KTLA WB 5 E
KABC ABC 7 E
KCAL IND 9 F
KTTV FOX 11 P
KCOP UPN 13 P
KVCR PBS 24 P
KCET PBS 28 F
KOCE PBS 50 E
KDOC IND 56 G
KLCS PBS 58 E

* Reception ratings:
E = excellent (crystal clear)
G = slight snow
F = moderate snow
P = can't see picture

Any suggestions on what I can do to get better reception?

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g. beat
 
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Default Poor television reception

wrote in message
oups.com...
I live in Riverside, CA (about 50 miles east of Los Angeles).

I do not have a cable system nor a satellite ("dish") system.

Except for small "dish"-type antennas, the condo-rules allow
"yagi"-type antennas only in the attic of each house. But, knowing how
much signal is lost by attic-installation, my Terk TV38 antenna is
laying on a flat roof (so it's not too conspicuous to the condo-board).
A coax cable runs across the roof for 15 feet, goes down 4 feet into
the attic and is connected to a Radio Shack signal amplifier. A coax
cable goes from the amplifier, through the attic for about 30 feet to
the TV set.

[snip]

Any suggestions on what I can do to get better reception?


I have no experience (quality) with this specific TV antenna product (Terk
38).
Having lived in a deep fringe (90 - 110 mile) area for 20 years - and only a
few miles from the Winegard factory -- I only purchase Winegard antenna
products.

You really need to get this yagi to have a clear shot at the horizon (LA
broadcast towers).

You could complain to the condo association or suggest that they lower the
association fees to cover the monthly costs of satellite dishes for all
condo residents.
The "discrimination" of the rules against on-air TV (decent signal and
future HDTV) is unlawful.
One antenna could serve the entire building (MATV)

If you don't want to petition or fight it, then you chose to live there --
with these covenants.

gb


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g. beat
 
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Default Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996

wrote in message
oups.com...

I live in Riverside, CA (about 50 miles east of Los Angeles).

I do not have a cable system nor a satellite ("dish") system.

Except for small "dish"-type antennas, the condo-rules allow
"yagi"-type antennas only in the attic of each house.


Here is US LAW .. provide this to your condo association attorney.
Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, FCC web site
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

You should exercise point #3 below.
Q: What types of antennas are covered by the rule?

A: The rule applies to the following types of antennas:

(1) A "dish" antenna that is one meter (39.37") or less in diameter (or any
size dish if located in Alaska) and is designed to receive direct broadcast
satellite service, including direct-to-home satellite service, or to receive
or transmit fixed wireless signals via satellite.

(2) An antenna that is one meter or less in diameter or diagonal measurement
and is designed to receive video programming services via broadband radio
service (wireless cable) or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals
other than via satellite.

(3) An antenna that is designed to receive local television broadcast
signals. Masts higher than 12 feet above the roofline may be subject to
local permitting requirements.

In addition, antennas covered by the rule may be mounted on "masts" to reach
the height needed to receive or transmit an acceptable quality signal (e.g.
maintain line-of-sight contact with the transmitter or view the satellite).
Masts higher than 12 feet above the roofline may be subject to local
permitting requirements for safety purposes. Further, masts that extend
beyond an exclusive use area may not be covered by this rule.

========================================

gb




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g. beat
 
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Default Poor television reception


wrote in message
oups.com...

I live in Riverside, CA (about 50 miles east of Los Angeles).

I do not have a cable system nor a satellite ("dish") system.

Except for small "dish"-type antennas, the condo-rules allow
"yagi"-type antennas only in the attic of each house.


This restriction is in violation of Section 207 of the Telecommunications
Act of 1996, unless a WAIVER has been filed with the FCC.

Q: Who is responsible for showing that a restriction is enforceable?

A: When a conflict arises about whether a restriction is valid, the local
government, community association, property owner, or management entity that
is trying to enforce the restriction has the burden of proving that the
restriction is valid. This means that no matter who questions the validity
of the restriction, the burden will always be on the entity seeking to
enforce the restriction to prove that the restriction is permitted under the
rule or that it qualifies for a waiver.



Q: Can I be fined and required to remove my antenna immediately if the
Commission determines that a restriction is valid?

A: If the Commission determines that the restriction is valid, you will have
a minimum of 21 days to comply with this ruling. If you remove your antenna
during this period, in most cases you cannot be fined. However, this 21-day
grace period does not apply if the FCC rule does not apply to your
installation (for example, if the antenna is installed on a condominium
general common element or hanging outside beyond an apartment balcony. If
the FCC rule does not apply at all in your case, the 21-day grace period
does not apply.

Q: Who do I call if my town, community association or landlord is enforcing
an invalid restriction?

A: Call the Federal Communications Commission at (888) CALLFCC
(888-225-5322), which is a toll-free number, or 202-418-7096, which is not
toll-free. Some assistance may also be available from the direct broadcast
satellite company, broadband radio service provider, television broadcast
station, or fixed wireless company whose service is desired.


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Default Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996


g. beat wrote:
wrote in message
oups.com...

I live in Riverside, CA (about 50 miles east of Los Angeles).

I do not have a cable system nor a satellite ("dish") system.

Except for small "dish"-type antennas, the condo-rules allow
"yagi"-type antennas only in the attic of each house.


Here is US LAW .. provide this to your condo association attorney.
Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, FCC web site
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

You should exercise point #3 below.
Q: What types of antennas are covered by the rule?

A: The rule applies to the following types of antennas:

(1) A "dish" antenna that is one meter (39.37") or less in diameter (or any
size dish if located in Alaska) and is designed to receive direct broadcast
satellite service, including direct-to-home satellite service, or to receive
or transmit fixed wireless signals via satellite.

(2) An antenna that is one meter or less in diameter or diagonal measurement
and is designed to receive video programming services via broadband radio
service (wireless cable) or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals
other than via satellite.

(3) An antenna that is designed to receive local television broadcast
signals. Masts higher than 12 feet above the roofline may be subject to
local permitting requirements.

In addition, antennas covered by the rule may be mounted on "masts" to reach
the height needed to receive or transmit an acceptable quality signal (e.g.
maintain line-of-sight contact with the transmitter or view the satellite).
Masts higher than 12 feet above the roofline may be subject to local
permitting requirements for safety purposes. Further, masts that extend
beyond an exclusive use area may not be covered by this rule.

========================================

gb


50 miles is at the edge of this antenna but it will fall into the FCC
rules. The preamp version might do a little better.

http://www.winegard.com/offair/squareshooter.htm

I use one at 35 miles (no preamp) in 90274 and it does very well. Note
-- this is a UHF only unit. It is barely marginal on hi band VHF and is
useless for lo VHF (2-6). Currently, all DTV in LA is UHF.

GG

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