Ghosting - Why?

[Lorax]

In OTA antenna reception - What causes ghosting?

I recently set up an antenna, amplifier & RG6 coax runs for OTA reception. I can get a bunch of more channels than before, but the channels of the closest stations (ones you can pick up with standard rabbit ears) tend to ghost (double picture) is this from too strong a signal? Or is this due to some other adjustment that must be made, like a filter or something....

Thanks in advance...

Dave

[Mark Lamutt]

Ghosting is the result of multipath - ie your antenna is picking up reflected signals in addition to the main signal. The reflected signals are slightly offset in time from the main signal, so you get ghosting. The only solution (that I know of) is to use a more directional antenna. Filters wouldn't do you any good.

[Lorax]

So the fact this antenna is on a ground-based tripod near the house (within 15 or so feet) is a likely reason? Maybe moving it further from the proximity of the house could help?

But thanks for the response. That is really what I was looking for - the technical cause of ghosting.....that in itself helps figure out a solution.....

[scooper]

I would tend to suspect buildings and trees more than what you described.

[Lorax]

I would tend to suspect buildings and trees more than what you described

----------------------

Next to impossible.....I live "extremely" rural - not even a house within a 1/4 mile of mine....No buildings of any substance for miles. Town of 200 and 10 miles to anything remotely considered a city.....I have 2 acres, but the 100 acres surrounding me was a farm - the only tree is in my front yard, but that is the ONLY mature tree for the same 1/4 mile.....Other than some saplings I have planted....The only structure in proximity of less than 1/4 mile to my antenna is my house......

Dave

[Mark Lamutt]

Lorax - what about hills around you, or between you and the transmitting towers? Hills and mountains also can cause severe multipath problems. Your house most likely wouldn't be causing the problem - generally the problem lies in the miles away category rather than real close by. Elevation can also make a difference - if you are significantly below or above the elevation of the towers.

[Lorax]

Not anything obvious....I am up on high elevation compared to the area around me.....The hills between me and the stations doing the ghosting are pretty typical.....

The only thing that hit home in this discussion is this.....The stations NW of my antenna are fine, they are in a direct line to the antenna....The stations that ghost are NNE - and the antenna has to be pointed AT the house - in other words, the house is directly in the signal line - it actually points thru the window of one room.....

The only other thing that makes sense is cellular towers....there are a few of those around....

Dave

[MarkA]

Multipath. You can try reaiming your antenna, but you may need a more selective antenna.

[markh]

If the antenna is directional, then if it's not lined up with the station that can also cause ghosting. If you have a very powerful signal, that can also cause it.

The house is weakening the direct path signal, so the relative strength of the multipath signal becomes strong enough to be visible. Can you mount this antenna on your roof/chimney?

[Lorax]

Yeah, if I can get over my fear of heights.....But I have a big enough area and excess cable to move it significantly at first until I can find the nerve to get on the roof :(