Fish House TV Antenna

[mediocrates67]

So I just got a basic Winegard TV antenna for the fish house, but it's signal is next to nothing. Does anyone else have a recommendation on what I should get to boost the signal? I've heard of preamplifiers, amplifiers, boosters, etc., but not sure what to get.

[mnorth]

Maybe try a new location.

I have a Ice Castle at the cabin that sits on lower ground, well I had to move it this past weekend to remove some trees and put it up the driveway on higher ground and now I get a much better reception. It's not great but maybe 75% better than what I was getting. Also maybe try and extend the antena up higher someway.

[mrklean]

how well does direct tv or one of those work on fish houses?

[mediocrates67]

they work great, i just didn't want to buy a $300 satellite dish.

obviously moving around is an option, but does anyone have a preamp/amp/booster for their antenna?

[ec30_06]

I have an antenna booster on mine. Not sure what brand it is, but it came from an RV store. It helps a lot with the TV an the radio reception. Mine is 12 volt.

[jerkbait]

If you already have satellite TV at home just buy another dish off of e-b-a-y or the c - list and take an extra reciever from home. You can buy dishes rather cheap on the auction sights.

[Grainbelt]

Antennas work on line of sight. If something is between your antenna and the broadcasting antenna the signal is diminished.

Dishes work great no matter what lake you are on or if you use it for a hunting shack as long as there is a clear view to the satellite. You can get a dish for $50 or less used if you look around.

[toughguy]

Do you have a digital receiver? There are very few analog stations left if any. Digital is basically an all or nothing signal. You can get a boxy or pixilated picture if the signal is marginal. Most digital stations broadcast about 70 miles. Analog stations used to go further.

[mrklean]

like he said i know guys that had bought an extra dish cheap and just moved them into the fish house and it worked great, but if you dont have a dish then its probably not worth it

[Mainehazmt]

I must agree the way to go is directv (well IMO) I have 4 recievers and one is dedicated to the garage / camper and it works great dont take a dvr reciever as it takes 5 min to start up! lol use a basic one and get a cheap round dish and signal finder you'll be up and running in no time!

[Acemac]

you guys really need to put your houses on some fish......

[Supercrew]

Ace, again you crack me up...

[JSK76]

I did the satellite thing last season but with fishing as slow as it was for me I was moving my house about ever 2 to 3 days and I thought it was a pain to realign, even with a signal meter. If you have a good go to spot that you leave your house most of the winter, I would do it then. I'm thinking of going to a TV with antenna next year.

[nytelyter]

just get the best uhf antennea that you can afford and get it as high as you can on a good pole. i run mine almost 9'up and get great signal. ... paul

[Grainbelt]

I have my dish mounted on a patio block. I set it up in my garage with a tv and dish box. I mounted the mast to the block, then leveled the patio block. I adjusted the mast plumb and tighten the bolts. Then set the degree of elevation on the back of the dish for my home location. The further north I am from my home I decrease the angle a degree or two and the further south increase the angle. I left the two bolts that tighten the dish to the mast a little loose so I can turn it on the mast.

Lake ice is usually level, I set the dish and patio block to face south and turn the dish on the mast to a little west of direct south. Dish boxes have a signal strength meter as part of the diagnostics. It takes me a couple minutes to set up.

[ben karas]

i also had a wineguard antanna, really didnt get good reception, went with dish, all channels in just a few minutes, usually fishing with a few guys, one doin holes, one setting lines , one on dish, quick!over 100 channels! $80.00 will cost ya on hsolist, for dish and receiver add $50 for a tripod, or $300 for one to mount atop your wheel house.

[vman11]

I second everybody's suggestion for satellite - I have DirecTV and it works great on the ice - nothing to block the signal and easy to set up. If it is hard to get a signal you have issues with your dish angle. Set it up before you get hit the ice, that will save you some time.

You don't need to buy a signal meter as the receiver will already have this built in. $100 will get you a RV dish and you'll be ready to go.