Rain fade?

andy_horton

SatelliteGuys Pro

Original poster

Dec 28, 2010

901

158

Northwest Georgia

• Jul 4, 2015

• #1

Is it possible with very heavy rain to get rain fade on an outdoor antenna? The signal isn't the strongest but the absolute best I could get it at around 35% outdoors which is weak I know, but it's the sweet spot, trees and such. I didn't hear any lightning but definitely heard the rain. Other channels stronger stayed on. Thanks.

 

navychop

Member of the Month - July 2014!

Pub Member / Supporter

Lifetime Supporter

Jul 20, 2005

59,791

26,980

Northern VA

• Jul 4, 2015

• #2

Yes.

IOW, NSS.

 

Titanium

AI6US

Lifetime Supporter

May 23, 2013

7,648

9,064

Meadow Vista, Northern California

• Jul 5, 2015

• #3

Rain can defuse higher frequency signals, surfaces become more RF reflective when sheeted with water, objects such as leaves become less RF transparent and limbs droop.

 

boba

SatelliteGuys Master

Dec 12, 2003

11,350

1,035

Dorchester, TX.

• Jul 5, 2015

• #4

spongella said:

With Ku FTA, as the rain starts, signals might start to pixielate, as rain gets heavier picture locks up, then with heavy rain signal is gone. That's my experience with a 39 inch dish and no obstacles. A light rain or drizzle doesn't seem to interfere with Ku, at least at this location.

Click to expand...

Your posting in the OTA forum, Ku satellite isn't used for OTA broadcasts. VHF Lo, VHF HI & UHF are below microwave frequencies so they are much more resistant to rain fade. If you are only getting 35% in good weather you are barely locking onto the digital signal so a slight loss will show up.

 

spongella

SatelliteGuys Pro

May 12, 2012

1,625

1,236

Central NJ

• Jul 5, 2015

• #5

Sorry about that, it was an "old man" thing, I have deleted it. Thanks for catching that.

 

TNGTony

Unashamed Bengal Fan

Sep 7, 2003

10,041

803

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

• Jul 5, 2015

• #6

Wind and rain blowing trees around can cause UHF signals to ricochet all over the place. This causes multiphase which causes digital TVs to lose signal.

And yes, heavy rain will attenuate UHF signals especially. Not a lot, but enough that if you are on the border, you will lose signal in heavy rain.