New OTA Setup Help Needed in Phoenix

[thor620]

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3de779c201db4000

Trying to switch from Cable to OTA, looking to use the antenna signal to feed my Tivo Premier.

I originally, naively, started with a simple flat multi-directional antenna hung on the wall next to my tv. When that didn't pull in much I started doing some research and found tvfool. Learning that I was 30 miles from all the towers with some obstruction (pretty sure it is a hill/mountain south of me) I returned it and picked up an RCA ANT 751. Was hoping that this would be enough to pull in what I needed. If can get get the major networks and PBS from the tower cluster at 164 degrees I'd be a happy camper.

My preference is to install the antenna in the attic, I know I've read all the recommendations here suggesting otherwise, but my attic is pre-wired by the builder with a coax run already and to be honest I'm just not up for crawling on the roof to mount this thing. Roof construction is concrete tile.

I'm starting to play with the RCA in the attic now and wondering if it is not enough antenna or if my desire to have the setup in the attic is just never going to work because of my distance/obstruction between me and the tower.

I know the meter levels are subjective, but I can't get better than 66% on the unit's signal meter when I point the antenna to 164 degrees and bring it up as high as I can inside the attic space. Am I asking too much of the RCA unit I have? Do I need to upsize the antenna to get a bit stronger signal/consistency or do I need to re-think the whole attic plan?


Thanks for any help/wisdom you can share!

[teleview]

The following is a Teleview recommendation for broadcast Tv reception.

Concrete roof tiles do a real fine job of reducing or blocking reception.

Instal the ANT751 Above the roof in such a manner that the concrete tiles are not in the line of reception to the , south east , north west , north.

Trees and tree leaves do a real fine job of reducing or blocking Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions.

It is best to install the ANT751 antenna in such a manner that there is the Least Amount to No Amount of Obstructions of Any Type Or Kind in the directions of , south east , north west , north.

Aim the ANT751 antenna at about 137 degree magnetic compass direction , (148 true).

Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

----> How many Tv's are/will be connected?? <----

[thor620]

Thanks for the tips. At the moment I am only connecting 1 tv to the antenna. The wire feeds from the attic down into a structure wiring panel, from there I can connect it directly to the wire in the tv room.

Just curious why you recommend 138 instead of 164? Trying to learn as I read more here.


If I'm stuck on attic vs. roof installation do try the ANT model or do I need to think about moving up to a larger yagi?

[teleview]

The following is a Teleview recommendation for broadcast Tv reception.

Tvfool channel list , lists both the True direction and Magnetic compass direction.

The 137 degree magnetic compass direction , is to focus attention on the weaker tvfool listed digital Tv stations/channels at 137 degree magnetic compass direction.

As always , the starting aim direction is --> the starting aim direction.

The antenna can be turned to the left and right to find a aim that has the best reception.
________________________________

For 1 Tv connected use no splitter.

For 1 Tv connected a amplifier will most likely not be required.

For 2 Tv's connected use a Channel Master CM3412 distribution amplifier.

For 3 or 4 Tv's connected use a CM3414 distribution amplifier.

http://www.channelmasterstore.com
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The following is a incomplete list of substances and locations that do a real fine job of reducing or blocking Tv reception.

Concrete , concrete roof tile , concrete blocks , cinder blocks , bricks from ground to roof , big rocks for walls , stucko Wire , metal siding , metal roof , metal backed insulation , duct work in the attic , solar panels , Tv antenna in the basement.

[thor620]

thanks Teleview! Just an fyi that the aiming link you shared: http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html does not seem to be working at the moment.