Thanks for replies.   Right now we rehooked up the older antenna in the attic.    We put on a metal roof this fall and it had caused problems sometimes.   We then went with the  outside antenna.   Right now we have mixed results.   Channel 6 is almost watchable.   We do have a signal amplifier  that is almost 10 years old...  we are going to try a new one later today.    Sounds like the quad cities  stations are getting ready to surrender to cable and internet TV.