Expert: Master Bob - 9/6/2004

Question
i have a rooftop rotating antenna.   it has been up there for over 5 years.   it seems that one of the channels doesn't come in as well as in earlier years.   is there any maintenance necessary (oiling, contact cleaning, etc) that i should be attending to?
thanx

Answer
Hi Rudy,

  Just getting back in...


 Based on your description...there may be absolutely nothing wrong with your external rooftop antenna. In recent years, many TV stations (even including many smaller local stations) have down-sized their broadcasting power wattage in favor of satellite and cable availability....as well as switching to digital broadcasting.  This has become a very common trend...and there may come a time when local stations no longer broadcast for antenna reception at all....or the signal will be so weak you pratically need to be next door to the transmitter to receive it clearly.  The stations see more revenue in cable and satellite broadcasts....and they can reach a much bigger viewing audience that way. It's primarily a sound business decision for them to upgrade and all but abandon their local signal (as far as antenna's are concerned).

 For example....we are on a satellite dish...and to get our local stations - we have to use an external antenna...and even with an amplifier - the signal has recently become so weak because they went digital and high definition....and they are just a few miles down the road !! The other 4 local stations all still come in crystal clear on the same antenna....but that may change for them as well in coming years.

You didn't state what type or brand of antenna you are using...so I have no way of knowing whether your particular model requires any routine maintenance - most don't.

 If you are still getting other channels as well as you did 5 years ago...it would be safe to conclude that the station that is now not so clear has gone with a weaker broadcast signal.....as so many have.

 Unless your antenna has been knocked off it's normal axis and position.....(such as from strong winds or storms)...or a portion of the antenna has broken off....it is unlikely that the antenna is causing the reception problem. You may wnat to inspect the unit to see if either of the above has occurred.

 But...if the station has gone the way as so many have..(to follow the laws of supply and demand)...there may be little you can do about it....except put up with the reception quality. It's possible that a newer antenna with better reception spec's may improve the signal...but for how long is anybody's guess.

 Hope this helps...if you need more details, please follow-up.


Best Wishes,

Bob Osgood
Master Electrician

RKO ELECTRIC

www.rkoelectric.com