1 day ago
5
TL;DR -- Is there anything I can do to improve UHF reception on a Radio Shack VU-190 antenna so that I can tune 4.1 WRC more reliably during inclement weather? I run an HDHR Flex 4K with a Channel Master LTE/5G Filter and in-line surge suppressor attached.
I recently relocated my Radio Shack VU-190 from the attic to the top of my one-story porch. Despite the drop in height, it greatly improved reception for most stations per the table below. (N.B. the last column is for current weather, which is overcast and drizzly.)
| 4.1 WRC (593) | 61% ss, 61% sq | 59% ss, 56% sq | 47% ss, 0% sq (57% ss/sq when clement) |
| 5.1 WTTG (605) | -- | -- | 62% ss, 94% sq |
| 7.1 WJLA (177) | 62% ss, 61% sq | 68% ss, 67% sq | 82% ss, 100% sq |
| 9.1 WUSA (189) | 75% ss, 83% sq | 64% ss, 58% sq | 79% ss, 100% sq |
Moving the antenna outdoors was a big win except for 4.1 WRC, although it receives sufficient signal during clement weather. All stations are within 6° and I'm optimizing for 4.1.
What vexes me is the proximity of 4.1 and 5.1 frequencies, but the 4.1 signal is much lower.
What can I do to improve my UHF reception without sacrificing VHF reception? Can I add some DIY VHF bow-tie elements to the VU-190? I'd prefer not to replace this antenna, although that's always an option. The azimuth is as optimal as I can get it, unless wind has blown it off angle by a degree or two. I've experimented with opening and closing the VHF elements at the front, and that's about optimal, too.
- Antenna run is ~60' RG-6 quad-shield coax with grounding block installed near entry into the home.
- Antenna ground runs from near the base of the mount all the way to the grounding rod by my electrical box.
- UHF signal dropped sporadically until I added an LTE/5G filter, which wasn't present in the attic install.
- Antenna photo attached. (Yes, there is a tree hind it, but it's not in the direction of reception.)
- ETA: DIY Bow-Tie that's still in the attic
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