Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal


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Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal

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ignoramus
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Jun 18, 2009, 7:20 PM

Post #1 of 32 (3045 views)
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Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal	Can't Post

If I tune it with the built in DTV/HDTV tuner, the signal is weak and fluctuating. The signal strength indicator goes from normal to bad and back again, often losing the signal entirely, so that the screen just has the small rectangle that says "no signal". If I use a cheap DTV converter, and feed the
A/V outputs into the TV's A/V inputs, the reception is excellent.

What are the likely causes, andhow hard would it be for a somewhat experienced amateur repair tech to fix? I hesitate to take it apart without a solid plan of atack, because it weighs a ton.

Thanks.

jts1957
Veteran

Jun 18, 2009, 11:03 PM

Post #2 of 32 (3038 views)
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Re: [ignoramus] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

But it ain't "HD" with the converter! Wink

I assume the same antenna / (wire lead) is being used?
What is the signal strength (on the DTV box's meter)?

If signal indicates "normal to bad" (or Box's equiv.) A better signal probably is needed. If signal indicates, let's say "normal to excellent" (or Box's equiv.) then I'd speculate the TV tuner could be the cause.

-------------------------
Location: Far, Far Away

(This post was edited by jts1957 on Jun 18, 2009, 11:04 PM)

ignoramus
New User

Jun 19, 2009, 3:34 PM

Post #3 of 32 (3028 views)
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Re: [jts1957] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

>But it ain't "HD" with the converter!Wink

That's a big part of the problem. ;-)

>I assume the same antenna / (wire lead) is being used?

Yes.

>What is the signal strength (on the DTV box's meter)?

Medium to good. Much better than with the TV's build it tuner.

>If signal indicates "normal to bad" (or Box's equiv.) A better signal probably
> is needed. If signal indicates, let's say "normal to excellent" (or Box's
> equiv.) then I'd speculate the TV tuner could be the cause.

I know that the problem is in the TV tuner.

Any ideas on what inside the TV could be the problem.

Perhaps I should have mentioned that I just purchased the TV at a garage
sale from a person who probably used it with cable or satellite TV.

Ig.

jts1957
Veteran

Jun 19, 2009, 8:43 PM

Post #4 of 32 (3026 views)
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Re: [ignoramus] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

Can't say it any better myself. Unimpressed

In Reply To

>But it ain't "HD" with the converter!Wink

That's a big part of the problem. ;-)

>I assume the same antenna / (wire lead) is being used?

Yes.

>What is the signal strength (on the DTV box's meter)?

Medium to good. Much better than with the TV's build it tuner.

>If signal indicates "normal to bad" (or Box's equiv.) A better signal probably
> is needed. If signal indicates, let's say "normal to excellent" (or Box's
> equiv.) then I'd speculate the TV tuner could be the cause.

I know that the problem is in the TV tuner.

Any ideas on what inside the TV could be the problem.

Perhaps I should have mentioned that I just purchased the TV at a garage
sale from a person who probably used it with cable or satellite TV.

Ig.

-------------------------
Location: Far, Far Away

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 21, 2009, 7:15 PM

Post #5 of 32 (3014 views)
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Re: [ignoramus] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

ignoramus:

I suspect neither the TV nor the DTV converter box is at fault....
Here's why: Your TV IS bringing in a signal albeit not good...
Chances are that the DTV box has 1 or more RF pre-amps built in to it...
Thats why your DTV box appears to be better than your TV...
I suspect that you are useing a "cheap" indoor rabbit ear type antenna..
The solution is to get an Indoor AMPLIFIED HDTV UHF/VHF Antenna....
Spend about $30 / $40 USD & get one that has about 15/25 DB gain....
Google it & BEWARE of those weirdo types...& do NOT buy ANY Philips antennas...
IF you are useing cable OR satellite, then that's a whole different animal...

Quote

What are the likely causes, andhow hard would it be for a somewhat experienced amateur repair tech to fix?

As a retired TV tech , I can tell you that you are NOT qualified to fix this TV...IF it were the tuner, that requires specialized knowledge & experience to repair/replace....So in the kindest way , I say do not even think about it....It's NOT your problem (the tuner) anyway....

PLEASE reply & let us know what you are useing for an antenna???...Cable,satellite , or , ???....OK.... Wink

....

Later.....Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

ignoramus
New User

Jun 22, 2009, 9:34 PM

Post #6 of 32 (2998 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

"I suspect neither the TV nor the DTV converter box is at fault....
Here's why: Your TV IS bringing in a signal albeit not good.."

Three quarters of the time it doesn't bring in a signal at all.

"Chances are that the DTV box has 1 or more RF pre-amps built in to it...
Thats why your DTV box appears to be better than your TV...
I suspect that you are useing a "cheap" indoor rabbit ear type antenna.."

I'm using a home-made hoverman type antenna, that works very well
with DTV converter boxes.

"The solution is to get an Indoor AMPLIFIED HDTV UHF/VHF Antenna....
Spend about $30 / $40 USD & get one that has about 15/25 DB gain....
Google it & BEWARE of those weirdo types...& do NOT buy ANY Philips antennas...
IF you are useing cable OR satellite, then that's a whole different animal..."

We don't have cable or satellite. Strictly over the air.

" Quote
What are the likely causes, andhow hard would it be for a somewhat experienced amateur repair tech to fix?
As a retired TV tech , I can tell you that you are NOT qualified to fix this TV...IF it were the tuner, that requires specialized knowledge & experience to repair/replace....So in the kindest way , I say do not even think about it....It's NOT your problem (the tuner) anyway....

PLEASE reply & let us know what you are useing for an antenna???...Cable,satellite , or , ???....OK....Wink...."

See above.

"Later.....Ron.M....Cool....
Veteran & Retired TV technician "

I'll try an add on pre-amp.

Thanks.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 22, 2009, 11:05 PM

Post #7 of 32 (2993 views)
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Re: [ignoramus] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

ignoramus:

1st:..THANKS for your reply....
I have a couple of questions...

Quote

I'm using a home-made hoverman type antenna, that works very well with DTV converter boxes.

I have NO idea what a "home-made hoverman type antenna" is!!!
Can you enlighten me ??...Is it an outdoor antenna ???...Never heard the term "hoverman" before...
& the reason it works on your DTV box is ""Chances are that the DTV box has 1 or more RF pre-amps built in to it""

Quote

Three quarters of the time it doesn't bring in a signal at all.

Could be because it's a "home-made hoverman type antenna"....
See above questions....

A bit more info may help me out,such as:.. What part of the world do
you reside in ??...How for do you live from the TV transmitting antennas ??

Quote

I'll try an add on pre-amp.

That MAY , MAY NOT be the answer....
PLEASE hold off on that til I get answers to ALL of the above questions...

THANKS Again for your reply...

Later.....Ron.M.... Cool

.....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

Paulpablo
Enthusiast

Jun 23, 2009, 12:40 AM

Post #8 of 32 (2986 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am like you Ron, I had never heard of a Hoverman antenna and I have been in this business for 50 years, so I decided to explore and see what comes up! It seems this is an old 60's designed antenna that only had 10.6 db gain! You can get that on a pair of good rabbit ears! And you have to install the Hoverman outside on the top of your house! I think the gentleman has an antenna problem! You have to understand that Digital signals are very weak compared to the old VHF signals as the Digital signals are in the UHF frequency, so I think you need to try a different antenna , and if that does not work, then indeed you could have a tv tuner problem.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2009, 1:36 AM

Post #9 of 32 (2978 views)
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Re: [Paulpablo] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

Paulpablo;....
Nice to meet you....
I have over 45 years in the biz ,mostly self-employed , so Hi there , "old man".... Wink

....

Quote

It seems this is an old 60's designed antenna that only had 10.6 db gain!
You can get that on a pair of good rabbit ears!"

Maybe, depends on how far from the transmitters he is...

Quote

I think the gentleman has an antenna problem!

I'm 99.99% sure he does...

Quote

You have to understand that Digital signals are very weak compared to the old VHF signals as the Digital signals are in the UHF frequency,

Weaker, YES they are.....However , here in the Las Vegas area where I live not ALL the "New" channels are UHF...One or two or more ARE VHF...So that requires a UHF/VHF antenna...Be it indoor OR outdoor...

Quote

"so I think you need to try a different antenna , and if that does not work, then indeed you could have a tv tuner problem"

Based on the following quote from ignoramus's initial post:..

Quote

From:..Jun 19, 2009, 7:20 AM
If I tune it with the built in DTV/HDTV tuner, the signal is weak and fluctuating. The signal strength indicator goes from normal to bad and back again, often losing the signal entirely, so that the screen just has the small rectangle that says "no signal".

I seriously doubt that the tuner is the problem....
IF & When he replies to my questions , we'll have a better idea of what his problem really is...

FYI:...
I "Googled" "Hoverman antenna" & saw a pix of it.... It looks like the antenna we used to call a
"4 Bay Bow Tie" UHF ONLY antenna....Not very good (with DTV) unless you are CLOSE
(in the 20 mile range) to the stations antennas....

Paulpablo: THANKS for your reply......

Later.....Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

ignoramus
New User

Jun 23, 2009, 9:24 PM

Post #10 of 32 (2967 views)
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Re: Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

All right, here is some more specific information.
I live about 15 miles from the transmitters, just outside of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. When I got a DTV converter, I started out with rabbit ears,
but their performance was disappointing.
I saw an article on building a Hoverman antenna, and
the article said that it would be good for DTV, so I built one, and the
reception impvoved markedly. It grabbed all the local channels. Then
I bought the Zenith HDTV at a garage sale. Its performance with the same
antenna was lousy, so I went back to using the DTV converter, and feeding
its A/V outputs into the Zenith. Performance went back up.

I tried it with a 10 dB antenna booster, and performance increased nicely,
but I needed the booster elsewhere, so I took it off again, and started
looking for another one. (The best I found locally was 20 bucks for
24 dB gain. I haven't bought it yet, but I may.)

Then, today, I heard someone say that the problem could be the RF cable
that comes from the antenna not fitting well enough into the TV, so I
put a different cable, one with a stouter looking center wire, from the
antenna to the TV. Reception is better, but the signal still fluctuates between
good and nearly non-existant. Rreception is now good most of the time, but
certain channels that came in well before now come in weakly.
This is confusing the heck out of me.

Also, I just noticed that the RF connector on the back of the TV runs very
hot.

Any clues or suggestions?

Ig.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2009, 10:35 PM

Post #11 of 32 (2964 views)
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Re: [ignoramus] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

ignoramus:....

Quote

This is confusing the heck out of me.

YOU'RE confused ???....NOW I AM also!!!

Quote

Also, I just noticed that the RF connector on the back of the TV runs very hot.

This is WHY !! How long approximately does it take to get hot??

Quote

Rreception is now good most of the time, but
certain channels that came in well before now come in weakly.

Just changeing the RF cable should not have caused certain channels that came in well before now to come in weakly.
That "hoverman" antenna IS HIGHLY DIRECTIONAL....IF you moved it even slightly when you changed the cable could be the reason for this....
Keep in mind you are 15 miles away & a 1 or 2 degrees of shift can cause a drop in signal strength...

Quote

Its performance with the same antenna was lousy, so I went back to using the DTV converter, and feeding its A/V outputs into the Zenith. Performance went back up.

Did you try the RF input on the TV from the DTV box???

Finally (for now):...

The tuner sensitivity for signal reception varies from manufacturer to manufacturer to the different models & chassis made...
While one TV may work perfect on a borderline antenna , another may not...
The "hoverman" antenna for your location falls into that catagory...
You are 15 miles away & there could be large buildings , hills (small mountains) etc, interfering with your reception...I lived & ran a biz in the Fox Lake , Ill area for 25 years...If memory serves , that area is relatively flat land with small rolling hills...If you are in a low spot , your antenna is struggling to get a signal...

Try the above ie;(Did you try the RF input on the TV from the DTV box???),& let me know what happens...OK...PLEASE....
Also let me know about the RF connector getting hot....That concerns me....

THANK you VERY much for your informative reply....

Later.....Ron.M... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

ignoramus
New User

Jun 24, 2009, 7:39 PM

Post #12 of 32 (2958 views)
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Quote

This is confusing the heck out of me.

YOU'RE confused ???....NOW I AM also!!!

That must mean we're making progress ;-)

Quote

Quote
Also, I just noticed that the RF connector on the back of the TV runs very hot.
This is WHY !! How long approximately does it take to get hot??

Today, it didn't get hot after about 15 minutes that I had it on.
This is primarily my Dad's TV, so I don't monitor it that closely.

Quote

That "hoverman" antenna IS HIGHLY DIRECTIONAL....IF you moved it even slightly when you changed the cable could be the reason for this....
Keep in mind you are 15 miles away & a 1 or 2 degrees of shift can cause a drop in signal strength...

I knew it was directional, but not to that degree. I'll have to keep this
in mind from now on.

Quote

Did you try the RF input on the TV from the DTV box???

I just tried it. It worked better than just the antenna. I conclude that
the converter box issues a stronger signal on channel 3 than what comes
from the antenna.

The terrain around here is mostly flat, and buildings are low and spaces out.
There are trees and low hills. But the biggest obstacle is the nearby
road and railroad tracks. When a train or vehicle goes by, the picture gets
disrupted quite a bit. We are reluctant to put up a mast, because we had
the old one torn down when we re-roofed the house after a hail storm,
and I like the looks of the house without it, not to mention the cost of putting one up. Rather, we would have to consider getting cable or satellite,
and those go against our grain.

Quote

Try the above ie;(Did you try the RF input on the TV from the DTV box???),& let me know what happens...OK...PLEASE....
Also let me know about the RF connector getting hot....That concerns me....

THANK you VERY much for your informative reply....

I'll have to keep an eye (or fingers) on the RF input.

You're VERY WELCOME. And thank you for your input,
RF and otherwise ;-)

Ig.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 25, 2009, 1:53 AM

Post #13 of 32 (2949 views)
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Re: [ignoramus] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

ignoramus:....

Quote

Today, it didn't get hot after about 15 minutes that I had it on.

I'm relieved to hear that....IF it was as hot as you said earlier , it MUST have been on for hours....It would be quite warm then due to the heat generated inside the TV...Please monitor it for awhile....IF it gets HOT to the touch , we may have to delve into what is going on...

A 'Hoverman" antenna is nearly identical to the "4 Bay Bow Tie" antennas of years back....& ARE VERY directional....
They are UHF ONLY , so if ANY of the new DTV channels in your area are broadcasting in the VHF range , you won't get them....

Quote

I conclude that the converter box issues a stronger signal on channel 3 than what comes from the antenna.

That is because the DTV box has a RF pre-amp built in....Since the box IS a converter , you will NOT get HDTV on your TV using the RF input....You will need to use the A/V jacks from the box to the TV....

Quote

But the biggest obstacle is the nearby road and railroad tracks.When a train or vehicle goes by, the picture gets disrupted quite a bit. We are reluctant to put up a mast, because we had the old one torn down when we re-roofed the house after a hail storm, and I like the looks of the house without it, not to mention the cost of putting one up.

WHERE is this antenna located?????.....IF it's in your attic , roofing matierals gobble up a portion of the signal , ESPECIALLY UHF....THAT could be your problem!!!... Unsure

....

Based on what info you finally coughed up Wink

Your problem IS the antenna....Could be location,orientation ,etc...Your TV tuner IS OK....

Go ahead & try that $20.00 24db booster....
PLEASE reply about the antenna location & with the results using the booster....OK....THANKS..

Later....Ron.M... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

jts1957
Veteran

Jun 25, 2009, 1:06 PM

Post #14 of 32 (2944 views)
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That is because the DTV box has a RF pre-amp built in....

Quote

Since the box IS a converter , you will NOT get HDTV on your TV using the RF input....You will need to use the A/V jacks from the box to the TV....

While they DO make HDTV converter boxes. Most DTV converter boxes output Standard Definition whether through the RF or Audio/Video Outputs. Major difference: RF out = Monophonic audio while A/V = Stereophonic audio.

-------------------------
Location: Far, Far Away

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 25, 2009, 5:33 PM

Post #15 of 32 (2933 views)
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jts1957;

In Reply To

That is because the DTV box has a RF pre-amp built in....

Quote

Since the box IS a converter , you will NOT get HDTV on your TV using the RF input....You will need to use the A/V jacks from the box to the TV....

I'm a newbie to DTV....
Your info is VERY welcome....
THANKS for enlightening me.....
I'm currently battling a DTV reception problem of my own...
Signal strength , pixelating , weaker transmitters ,etc...
Just walking around the room interupts the signal... Mad

....
Turning on or off a room light interupts the audio,etc,etc.. Unsure

...
Didn't have NONE of that BS with analog....
High Def did not impress me much , But this new digital stuff is driving me whacko.... Unsure

....

Later....Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

(This post was edited by Ron.M on Jun 25, 2009, 5:37 PM)

Paulpablo
Enthusiast

Jun 25, 2009, 11:55 PM

Post #16 of 32 (2923 views)
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If you are determined to use the Hoverman antenna in-doors ( I am guessing) , put the strongest amp on it that you can find and place the antenna by a window! I installed a 4 bay antenna in my shop with an amp with a 30db gain and it works great as I am 20 miles from all transmitters, Like Ron, I don't prefer this new technology, but my goverment has dictated that they know what is best for all of us! Do you smell MONEY! These new TVs are nothing but a computer monitor with a TV tuner hung inside!

jts1957
Veteran

Jun 26, 2009, 12:16 AM

Post #17 of 32 (2922 views)
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Re: [Paulpablo] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

Another happy TV viewer heard from.

Can you say "Cable" or "Satellite?"

Contact your congressman, senator, etc. They passed the legislation for the "New Normal," maybe they can put it back the way it was with enough of a public outcry.

-------------------------
Location: Far, Far Away

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 26, 2009, 1:45 AM

Post #18 of 32 (2914 views)
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Paulpablo;....

Quote

If you are determined to use the Hoverman antenna in-doors ( I am guessing)

That or it's leaning up against something...Could be in his attic also.... Unsure

...

Quote

I am 20 miles from all transmitters,

I am also 20 miles from the transmitters....& battleing a reception problem with a couple three stations...I am currently using an old pair of "rabbit ears"....I tried one of those "Amplified UHF/VHF HDTV" antenna & guess what??...The old rabbit ears OUT PERFORMED the Amplified UHF/VHF HDTV antenna....Money wasted !!! Mad

....

Quote

Do you smell MONEY! These new TVs are nothing but a computer monitor with a TV tuner hung inside!

OH YEAH!!! .. Do I ever !!!...EVERY antenna manufacturer is cashing in BIG time...Just add HDTV or DTV to the antenna model # or specs & get more MOOLAH !!!....What a RIPOFF!!!!....

Quote

Like Ron, I don't prefer this new technology, but my goverment has dictated that they know what is best for all of us!

At this point in my life , I wouldn't trust my government to run a "Hot Dog" stand... Unsure

....
They have SOOOoo many programs that don't work or are SOooo messed up by politicians that they are doomed from the git go...
And MANY,MANY more that are TOTALLY rediculous & UNNEEDED.... Mad

...
So much for my thoughts on Washington...END of Rant....

I TRULY wished I could've ended this on a lighter note...SORRY, I can't... Frown

.....

Later....Ron.M... Cool

.....Have a GREAT evening....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 26, 2009, 1:56 AM

Post #19 of 32 (2913 views)
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jts1957;...

Quote

Can you say "Cable" or "Satellite?"

NEITHER one is in MY vocabulary!!!....NOR MY budget...Long story,not for now...

Quote

Contact your congressman, senator, etc. They passed the legislation for the "New Normal," maybe they can put it back the way it was with enough of a public outcry.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!.. Sly

.....
Something this big will NEVER be reversed.... Mad

...

With ALL due respect , jts1957 , WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SMOKING????....Funny stuff???....

Later....Ron.M.... Cool

.....Have a GREAT evening....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

jts1957
Veteran

Jun 26, 2009, 3:48 AM

Post #20 of 32 (2906 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

Have not been able to smoke anything since my first heart attack about ten years ago. Wink

-------------------------
Location: Far, Far Away

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 26, 2009, 9:28 PM

Post #21 of 32 (2896 views)
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jts1957;...

Quote

Have not been able to smoke anything since my first heart attack about ten years ago.

I should have put a bunch of these "HAHAHAHAHAHA" after that comment....I wish you NOTHING but the BEST of health !!!!

Later....Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

ignoramus
New User

Jun 27, 2009, 7:02 PM

Post #22 of 32 (2890 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

It did get hot after what I would estimate as an hour or two. The heat is all
around the back panel around the RF input connector. It is hot, but not
painfully hot, i.e. just very warm. The weather has been very hot also lately,
and that is probably adding to it.

I think all the DTV channels in this area are UHF, but I wouldn't swear to it.

The antenna is located on top of the TV.

The 24 Db booster didn't help at all, but another 10 Db booster did, so I
conclude that the 24 Db booster is either lousy or broken. I returned it.

I don't remember if I mentioned this before: I have a similar set-up in
me bedroom, with a nearly identical antenna, converter boxes, amp, VCR,
and TV. The antenna goes into the 10 Db booster, then to a a splitter, with
one branch going to a DTV converter and thence via A/V cables to a VCR,
and the other branch going to another DTV converter and thence via A/V
cables to the TV. This antenna is also indoors. This arrangement is working
very well for me, with nice strong signals. It is only in the living room, with
the HDTV directly connected to the TV, that there is any signal problem.

I hope this info sheds some light on the situation. Worse comes to worst,
I can just use the antenna to converter box to TV arrangement, and skip
the HD.

Thanks much,

Ig.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 27, 2009, 9:03 PM

Post #23 of 32 (2881 views)
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ignoramus;...

Quote

I think all the DTV channels in this area are UHF, but I wouldn't swear to it.

Go to this link,enter you zip code (your address is better) etc & follow website info...
When you get to the page that says "View Street Level Map" before you click there ,scroll down & you will see a list of your channels etc...
When you click on "V.S.L.M." you will get a map showing the location of your home & the direction to the channel's transmitter antenna...
Please note , they do NOT give info for indoor antennas...
But it's still helpful for using your indoor antenna....
It will tell you not only what channels you have available , but also the direction from your home,what band they're on etc...
Lots of helpful info...
Check it our here;==>

http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

Quote

It did get hot after what I would estimate as an hour or two. The heat is all around the back panel around the RF input connector. It is hot, but not painfully hot, i.e. just very warm.

That sounds like it's normal to me...NO worries... Sly

....

Quote

The antenna is located on top of the TV.

WHOOOA!!!!...You have a "Hoverman" type antenna on TOP of your TV ???....I'll bet the "lady" of the house loves looking at that!!!... Crazy

...

Quote

The 24 Db booster didn't help at all, but another 10 Db booster did, so I conclude that the 24 Db booster is either lousy or broken. I returned it

Sorry to hear that....I thought that might have done it for you...But for $20.00???...It's probably lousy...

Let's discuss location here a bit,specifically , living room versus bedroom...(In a sec)
This "new" DTV thing IS a PAIN in the a$$....
At my home here in the Las Vegas Valley, the transmitters are south of me about 20 miles away up on a mountain...
My 2 TV's are on a southern wall that faces the transmitters...The TV's are faceing north...
NO close obstructions...
JUST WALKING around the room causes a signal disturbence...
Intermittent pixelation etc....
Turning "off" or "on" a light switch in ANOTHER area close to the TV's or in the SAME room causes a "blip" (for lack of a better word) in the sound....
I am using an old pair of rabbit ear antenna that "may" have been hand made by Thomas Alva Edison... Sly

....
They worked JUST FINE til DTV came along...
Some of the so-called "experts" say that there's NO such thing as DTV OR HDTV antennas...
I believe them...
I recently bought an Amplied UHF/VHF, HDTV/DTV antenna....
It was "rated" at 50 miles...
Did NOT work worth a flip!!!...It's going back...
Haveing said that now brings me to your situation.... Laugh

...

Living Room Versus Bedroom!!!!

Not knowing the layout of you home, I can only say this;...==>
I suspect that the bedroom is on the side of your home closest to the stations....Also , I think that your VCR also has a "RF" amp built in it...Giving you a further amplified signal...
I suspect that the living room is in line with your bedroom (your bedroom is in between the living room & the TV stations) causing a reduction of signal strength....
Try this from Paulpablo: ==>

Quote

PM him for more info on the amp he used...I think he's a nice enough person & he may help you get a better amp...Couldn't hurt to try...
I may have to do the same...
I REALLY hope I've helped you....Good Luck..... Sly

.....

Please reply when you get some results/info etc....

Later...Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

Paulpablo
Enthusiast

Jun 28, 2009, 11:51 AM

Post #24 of 32 (2875 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

I bought the amp from MCM Electronics for $17.50 plus S&H. Their part # is 33-8715.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 28, 2009, 4:42 PM

Post #25 of 32 (2870 views)
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Re: [Paulpablo] Zenith C32V37 tuner can't hold a signal [In reply to]	Can't Post

Paulpablo;....

Quote

I think he's a nice enough person & he may help you get a better amp..

I'm glad to see you are a nice enough person.... Laugh

....

Now about that amp....

Quote

Their part # is 33-8715

We have a little confusion here....From one of your earlier posts:==>

Quote

I installed a 4 bay antenna in my shop with an amp with a 30db gain and it works great as I am 20 miles from all transmitters,

According to MCM , 33-8715 , is NOT 30DB....See below==>

"""Low noise VHF/UHF/FM signal amplifiers. Variable gain control �10dB. Built�in FM trap (-20dB). Specifications: Frequency range: 40~862MHz. Noise figure: <7dB. Power: 120VAC."""

It appears to me that this is the same as what he has now...
UNLESS you are adding:
Variable gain control �10dB. + FM trap (-20dB). to get the 30DB

He just returned a 20DB unit that turned out to be a piece of crap...
I'm NOT saying this is....Please do NOT misread me....

Here's the link to MCM's data on the amp:==>

http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/33-8715

THANKS for your help....I , for one , REALLY APPRECIATE it...

Later....Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

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