Weak/nonexistent TV over an antenna in Puna

[Dave Smith]

Hard to tell from the comments whether others are experiencing the same problems (or whether not many people rely on antennas).

None of you folks in Puna have had similar problems?

[Bullwinkle]

check your alignment - digital beam being narrower. And... added anything lately? .... adding a metal carport seems to have cost me two of the weaker channels over at the shop.

I have great results with a full size radio shack antenna at the house.... Lost a couple on the uhf (model # db 2 the db 4 may have been a better choice) antenna when I added the tin roof.....

I did learn that the digital frequencies are all in the uhf band ... stacked right around channel 30 or so for the hawaiian line up.

Also check the connectors... corrosion always active in the tropics

you may also may want to do a search for fta ... rumors are that viewsat will have a provider open again soon for our viewing enjoyment. In the meantime there are many free channels on regular fta satellite

aloha

[missydog1]

Dave,
if I were you I'd go purchase a new non Radio Shack antenna, see if it makes a difference, and return it if it does not.
Three years outdoors in our climate could be some serious wear and tear, plus the technology improves all the time.
I'm sorry the only experience I have is from Waikoloa.
However, I can tell you that the one they bought worked great before they did any climbing. In other words, they could test out whether it worked before it went up on the roof.

[Scott_S]

I am in HA and all the channels are still good here, and I am only using a salvaged antenna I fixed up. Sometimes 13 might drop out but not very often.

Scott

[Greg]

Is this true? Is it possible to pick up a television signal without a cable or a satelite?

What will they think of next?

[]


punatoons

[Wao nahele kane]

As already cited, I'd check the feed from the antenna as it's the most likely cause.
If that's not it, I'd guess a simple increase in local activities that may be inducing signal degradation. You may need a better antenna if that’s the case.
There's an abundance of possible but perfectly normal reasons for signal degradation. I can assure you that if Puna and Hilo were to miraculously be populated over night like Honolulu... you wouldn't get much on any of the present stations you currently receive. Signaling is a constant battle in a growing population as it adds one assault to another on the electromagnetic field. Even adding seemingly simple things such as windmill power generators can create havoc on a number of signals including but not limited to satellite.
The Bottom line is; yes, the networks should care about the signal and whether or not you’re getting it, local advertising account dollars are at stake. If you can’t seem to get it to work after a valid attempt with an unquestionably good antenna and feed… then give the stations in question a call and let them know about your situation, they may have a quick remedy for it.


E ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa.