Antennas Direct DB8e HDTV Antenna: Quick Start Guide and Troubleshooting

About the Antennas Direct DB8e Antenna

This document provides quick start assembly and installation instructions, along with troubleshooting tips for the Antennas Direct DB8e multi-directional bowtie HDTV antenna. It is designed for optimal reception of over-the-air digital television signals.

Quick Start Assembly/Installation Instructions

Before attaching the antenna to any surface, TEST RECEPTION in that area. Connect the antenna to the TV or converter box and run a full channel scan. If reception is not as desired, move the antenna and rescan TV/converter box.

Required tools: 10 mm wrench and #2 Phillips screwdriver.

Components:

• (2) Reflector Panels
• (2) Bowtie Elements
• (1) Combiner
• (1) Cross Bar Mount
• (1) Mast Mounting Hardware (U-Bolt Set, Bolt Set, Clamp, 4 Wing Nuts)
• (2) Swing Bracket Hardware (Swing Brackets, Bolts, Nuts, Flange Nuts)
• (4) Element and Reflector Panel Hardware (5 1/2" Bolts with Aluminum Sleeves, Washers, Nuts)
• (2) Coaxial Cables with Pre-installed Weather Boots
• (5) Zip Ties (Large and Small)

Assembly Steps:

1. Attach Elements to Reflector Panels: Use the Element and Reflector Panel Hardware. Ensure arrows on the Swing Brackets point upward. Attach to Reflector Panels and tighten nuts with a wrench.
2. Attach Combiner and Mast Clamp: Mount the Combiner and Mast Clamp to the Cross Bar Mount using factory-installed screws pointing upward. Install as shown in the drawing.
3. Attach Coaxial Cables: Connect coaxial cables to the Combiner. Use F-connector ends for the Combiner; the Weather Boot connects to the Bowtie Element.
4. Attach Reflector Panels to Cross Bar: With arrows pointing upward on the Cross Bar, attach one panel at a time using nuts with the flange side down. Adjust so Reflector Panels are parallel to the Cross Bar. Tighten nuts with a wrench.
5. Route Cables and Secure: Route left and right coaxial cables through respective Reflector Panels and attach to the F-connector on each panel. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. Slide up Weather Boots. Verify both panels are aligned parallel to the Cross Bar Mount and the assembly is aimed at the desired direction. Tighten all hardware. Secure Zip Ties as shown. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN SMALL ZIP TIES.
6. Attach Antenna to Mast: Secure the assembled antenna to a mast (mast sold separately).

Important: You MUST RESCAN your converter box or TV for reception each time you reposition the antenna.

For Tower Locations: Visit antennapoint.com or use the Antenna Point app.

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: I'm not getting any signals at all.

Possible Causes:

• 1. Rescan Required: You MUST RESCAN your converter box or TV. Ensure the TV is set to the proper input source (e.g., "antenna", "air", "broadcast", "cable off"). Refer to your TV user's manual for channel setup/scan directions.
  • Double Rescan Procedure: If the initial rescan fails, disconnect the antenna, rescan the box/TV, unplug the box/TV for at least one minute, reconnect the antenna, plug in the unit, and rescan one more time.
• 2. Line of Sight: Ensure a clear line of sight to broadcast towers. You may need to elevate or move the antenna. Using a taller mast can be helpful. Rescan at every location tried.
• 3. Range Limitations: You might be outside the antenna's effective range. Consider a longer-range antenna model from Antennas Direct.
• 4. Amplifier Needed: If multiple TVs are connected or the cable line is long (50+ feet), an amplifier might be necessary. Contact Antennas Direct for advice, as unnecessary amplification can cause problems.
• 5. Loose Connections: Check ALL connections for tightness. Inspect outdoor connections for moisture or corrosion.
• 6. Building Materials: Materials like brick, metal, or stucco can inhibit signals. Try moving the antenna near a window facing the broadcast towers.

Problem: I'm receiving every channel except for one.

Possible Causes:

• 1. Rescan Required: Rescan your TV tuner or converter box (see Troubleshooting item 1 above).
• 2. Blocked Transmitter: The missing channel's transmitter might be lower on the broadcast tower and its line of sight is blocked. Try elevating the antenna or moving it.

Problem: Signal breakups, but I'm only two miles from the transmitter.

Possible Causes:

• 1. Interfering Signals: Your TV may be receiving interfering signals. A stronger antenna might not solve this. Try moving the antenna away from metal objects or other antennas. If the signal is too strong, contact Antennas Direct for assistance.

Lifetime Limited Warranty

Antennas Direct® Inc. warrants this product against any defects in materials or workmanship for as long as you own the product. Proof of purchase from an authorized Antennas Direct Inc. dealer is required for warranty claims.

Antennas Direct Inc. will repair or replace the defective product at no charge. This warranty covers parts but not removal or reinstallation costs. It does not apply if the product is damaged or fails due to misuse, improper installation, abuse, or modification.

Antennas Direct Inc. disclaims other expressed or implied warranties. This shall be the sole and exclusive remedy. Antennas Direct Inc. is not liable for incidental, consequential, or commercial damages.

Contact Information

Helpline: 1-877-825-5572

Technical Assistance Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Central Time
• Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Central Time

Address: 16388 Westwoods Business Park, St. Louis, MO 63021

Website: antennasdirect.com

Find TV Channels App: Search "Antenna Point" on Google Play or the App Store, or visit antennapoint.com.