Structures such as floors, cabinets, and walls can impact signal, so placing your antenna high in a window is ideal, as long as it's free from exterior obstructions (trees, buildings, billboards, etc.).
First orientate the antenna in the general direction of the required transmitter - make sure it is aligned along with neighbours TV antennas, or with a map reading. This gives a good starting point. Also make sure it has the required polarisation - horizontal (which is more common) or vertical.
A height of 120 feet or even higher will provide even more advantages for long-distance communications. To a distant receiving station, a transmitting antenna at 120 feet will provide the effect of approximately 8 to 10 times more transmitting power than the same antenna at 35 feet.
As a rule, it's best to place your antenna where the entire height of the mast can 'see' in all directions – on the roof, or on the roof racks. Use a quality, hinged mount and remember that an antenna works best when installed vertically. How should I route the UHF antenna cable?
Correct Antenna Orientation: Antennas should all be pointing vertically. Incorrect Antenna Orientation: Antennas should not be pointing vertically and horizontally. Incorrect Sensor Positioning: Sensors should not be mounted high with wireless gateways mounted low.
Most of the TV signal in US are broadcast in horizontal polarization (check your terrestrial TV operator's website to get the latest information). Because most of the TV transmitter are horizontal polarized it would be best to start putting the antenna in a horizontal position.
The larger the surface area of the antenna, the more channels it's likely to receive. Because outdoor antennas are up high, they are more likely to get long-distance signals. Outdoor antennas receive broadcasts with less interference, as well.
If hills, trees, buildings, or other geographic features are in between the broadcast towers and the antenna, the signals might not be able to reach your antenna. Elevating the antenna, either by placing it in a higher location or using a taller mast, will increase the signal reception.
If possible, place your indoor TV antenna in an attic or a second-story location, preferably by a window. Sometimes objects in the room or roofing materials will interfere with the signals, so it pays to try a few different attic locations.
A: You may have seen “line of sight” mentioned many times when it comes to antennas. This simply means that in an ideal scenario, there is a direct, straight line between your TV antenna and the broadcast towers it is receiving signals from.
The direction of the field can be determined using the right hand thumb rule. The thumb is pointed in the direction of the current and the fingers of the right hand wrapped into a loose fist. The fingers point in the direction of the magnetic field.
You'll get more channels: The biggest pro of a an outdoor antenna is that without any housing materials in the way, you should be able to pick up far more channels. While indoor antennas can pick up channels from broadcast stations within a 20-30 mile radius, the reach of an outdoor antenna is about 60 to 80 miles.
Factors That Influence Range
Antenna Length & Type: Everything else equal, longer antennas will always have a longer range than shorter antennas. Also, certain types of antennas have a longer range than others.
Aiming An Outdoor/Attic Antenna
If your omnidirectional antenna has VHF-attracting poles sticking out at the sides, like the one shown below, just make sure at least one is pointed toward the direction of the towers in your area.
The dual antenna technology means you always receive the strongest signal automatically whether you're in the high country, on rough terrain or on the flat.
However, if you're wondering where to mount a UHF antenna without a bullbar, this might be your answer. If you're looking for improved signal transmission, don't look past roof mounting! This location can provide greatly improved range for many styles of antennas.
Verify all connections are secure and are on the correct ports. If the antenna is mounted outdoors, make sure there is no water in the connectors on the coaxial cable. Visually inspect the antenna, coaxial cable and the balun/matching transformer (the device that connects the antenna to the coaxial cable).
If you are experiencing picture break up or missing channels, your problem might be a reception problem and not due to interference. Therefore, you may just need to manually re-tune your television, this can often solve a number of common problems.
High winds can play havoc with digital-television reception whether you have an outdoor TV antenna or an indoor or attic mounted antenna.