TV antenna

If you haven't got any special equipment (and you are not running your TV thru some kind of satellite or similar decoder box that has an on-screen signal strength indication), you could just get someone to move the antenna while you observe the picture. Obviously you want to do this on a fine day to ensure best results and your friend not falling off the roof in the rain.

Sometimes "best" is hard to judge. Also consider going clockwise until a specific picture problem is noticed. Note antenna position. Now rotate counter clockwise through the "best" area and start looking for the same specific picture problem. Note this position. Now center the antenna between these two positions of "equal badness".

This isn't always helpful. But, if you have a wide arc of "good" during good conditions but problems during storms, nighttime signal skip, etc. then this method can sometimes help you find the best.

It's probably better to flip between channels and find to least "ghosting". If your set is digital (or you are using a digital set-to box) then there is usually a setup menu or similar that will give a signal strength indication.

20 odd years ago I installed my first sat dish and had the same problem. I kept putting more and more blankets/coats over the antenna to reduce the amount of signal, which reduced the arc that a picture could be received dramatically, both H & V. Allowing a very fine accurate adjustment that worked in all but the heaviest of rainfalls.

I only recently took the dish down as we were insulating the whole house and it was in the way asnd it was analog......but it worked with no more adjustments all that time!!

GA for a good idea for those not afraid to open up their TV.

If you must use an antenna, why not use an antenna rotator? I don't think that they are particularly expensive and they give you the comfort of adjusting your antenna direction and consequent signal strength from your arm chair.

DIGIAIR PRO ATSC/NTSC TV Antenna Signal Meter

DIGIAIR PRO TV Antenna Signal Meter Alignment with Digital Readout, Measure the Strength of Up To 6 Channels at One Time, Audio Squawker, Rechargeable Battery, Part # DIGIAIRPRO

Optimize your Off-Air HDTV and Analog TV Antenna Signals Fast and Easy the first time!!!!!

The DIGIAIR PRO meter is intended to provide you with a spectrum view of the available off-air channels and provide a relative strength reading, which will assist in alignment of directional antennas. The default screen (on start-up) focuses on one channel, other multiple-channel presentations (up to 6 channels can be displayed at one time) can be made from the main menu list. The DIGIAIR PRO has a built-in tone generator to assist in alignment. The internal rechargeable batteries can lend power to an antenna pre-amp to give an accurate set-up location.

Features:

• Easy to Use with Compact Rugged Design
• Developed for exact Alignment & Adjustment of Off-Air Television Antennas (ATSC & NTSC)
• Digital LCD Display for Signal Strength
• DIGIAIR can Show a single channel or up to six channels at the same time.
• Can feed Voltage (5 Volt) to external active - amplified antennas. Short-Circuit protected by automated fuse.
• Charged by External DC Power Source of 14 - 20 Volt.

Includes:

• Easy to Read LCD Display: 128 x 64 Pixels
• Input Frequency: 47 - 862 MHz
• Input Level: 25 - 1000 dBuV
• Input Impedance: 75 Ohm, F - Connectors
• Short Circuit Protection: Automatic fuse on antenna input
• Indicator: Antenna Voltage 5 Volt on/off
• Power Supply: External DC Power Supply 12 - 18 Volt (Center-Pin +)
• Car Charger
• Power Consumption: Ca 230 mA
• Battery: 600 mAh, 8.4 Volt
• Carrying Case

Measuring Method:

• Signal Presentation on LCD Display in form of thermometer-scales. Spectrum display or three digital numbers. Pitch tone indication on loudspeaker.

Signal Level Readout:

• Thermometer- scales showing maxhold & current signal level. Three-digit numbers showing highest value when measuring on a single channel. Highest tone on loudspeaker. Max-hold function.

http://www.cyberestore.com/satellite/signal-meters/digiair-pro-atscntsc-tv-antenna-signal-meter.html