OTA dropped signal

[GizmoGadget1040]

I've noticed that on a few OTA channels I get the "signal lost" screen every now and then. I do have a pretty cheapo antenna hooked up, but the signal strength hovers between 97 and 100. That seems pretty good since 100 is the top of the bar. Should I see signal loss with that kind of signal strength?

[Ken Green]

I've noticed that on a few OTA channels I get the "signal lost" screen every now and then. I do have a pretty cheapo antenna hooked up, but the signal strength hovers between 97 and 100. That seems pretty good since 100 is the top of the bar. Should I see signal loss with that kind of signal strength?
Gizzmo,
Any chance you're experiencing a Multipath issue? It's known for a random/sudden lock loss, and not necessarily a signal strength drop.

Near Airports, large metal structures (towers, high-tension wires), things like that?

[GizmoGadget1040]

Near Airports, large metal structures (towers, high-tension wires), things like that?

Nothing like that here. Someone said it might be a wireless router jumping temporarily to that frequency, but I didn't think they used the same frequencies at all. I'll have to check someplace if that information's available.

[Ken Green]

Nothing like that here. Someone said it might be a wireless router jumping temporarily to that frequency, but I didn't think they used the same frequencies at all. I'll have to check someplace if that information's available.
Unlikely a wireless router is effecting your OTA signal.
Is the issue new, or has it always been this way?
If new, when did it begin?
Does it effect all OTA STL channels...some more than others?
What area do you live in, in STL?

[GizmoGadget1040]

Is the issue new, or has it always been this way?

Always since I put the antenna on last week.

Does it effect all OTA STL channels...some more than others?

I've only seen it fully drop out on PBS (9) but have seen some pixelation and sound dropout on NBC - not much though.

What area do you live in, in STL?

Fenton area.

[Rob Glasser]

It definitely sounds like a multipathing issue, which can happen no matter how 'strong' your signal is. You might have better luck with a different antenna or a different location on your house. For example, I had a lot of issues with one station when I first put my antenna up, I then raised it up about 3 more feet and everything stabilized. If you haven't already I'd check out AVSForum and see if there is an OTA thread for your DMA. There is also a St. Louis OTA thread here but there isn't much in there at this time, http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=84640.

[Ken Green]

Always since I put the antenna on last week.

I've only seen it fully drop out on PBS (9) but have seen some pixelation and sound dropout on NBC - not much though.

Fenton area.
PBS does not do well in the STL DMA via OTA. In the Fenton/Crystal City area, you're around 20 miles from the towers, and there is also some topographical issues in that area....hills, higher elevations.
I'd suggest following Rob's recommendation, and try a different antenna, perhaps something you can get to a higher point in the home.

I'd be comfortable in saying, with a small attic or roof mount UHF antenna, you would be able to receive all the STL OTA signals in Fenton.