Rain makes antenna pickup more channels?

My daughters digital antenna is on top of their trailer. She can only get a few channels, until it rains.

In addition if she spray's it with water all around on the trailer and antenna same effect. Better reception.

I'm thinking it just needs a better ground. On the other hand, I went to a site that someone said when the atmosphere changes it can effect reception?

Has anyone ever known of this, any idea's?

kv

It needs a ground plane.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_plane
The water can act like one, but a screen on the roof conected to a ground rod would be better.

So, is the trailer acting as the ground plane?

I just seen the Edit. I'll check into it. Let you know how it works.

I haven't been their yet, but I'm going over this weekend.

Thanks for the reply 4pyros

killivolt said:

So, is the trailer acting a the ground plane?

Click to expand...

No, It may have a non condutive roof and it is isolated from ground by the tires.

Happy reading.

4pyros said:

No, ............... and it is isolated from ground by the tires.

Click to expand...

if the roof is metal, then isolation from the ground doesnt stop it from being a ground plane for the antenna

@ killivolt .... just out of curiosity, how old is the antenna and coax feed ?
just wondering if its aged or damaged and needs a bit of an overhaul
even just redoing the coax terminations to the antenna may solve the issue if they have corroded a bit

D

if the roof is metal, then isolation from the ground doesnt stop it from being a ground plane for the antenna

Click to expand...

Thats only if the ground for the antenna is tied to the metal roof, if not its just a floating chunk of metal.

( Davenn, the antenna is about 6 months old. Brand new cable. )


4pyros, I went out last weekend and put some wire mesh under the antenna as best I could, but it's mounted on the "top side of the trailer" so, I could only get the back half of it, with no results.


I acquired additional info. She said, "I can also (just) spray the leading tip of the antenna to get the additional channels" The antenna is mounted with 2 "U" clamps to the side of the trailer.

I didn't have the time to experiment or the correct ladder (Lightning Storm was approaching). Next, I'll try running coax down from the tip of the "horizontal center" and dangle to the ground rod.

If that works, I'll cable tie it under the horizontal center of the antenna then down the mast.

The installation instructions should have read:

( After planting your new antenna, you need to add water )

kv