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View Full Version : Antenna Suggestions - Southeast NH


Chundo
12-Aug-2013, 7:47 PM
Hello - I'm looking for some antenna suggestions to pick up the major networks around my area. Based on my location, there are some desirable transmissions just under 70 miles away at 192 & 193 degrees. At minimum, I would like to receive WCSH and all of the stronger signals so that I would get the major networks: ABC, NBC, CBS & FOX.

Here's my signal report @ 20':

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d46ae8f190545d5

My location is slightly elevated with relatively flat surrounding terrain, but the property is also surrounded by some very tall & leafy oak trees. I'm figuring an outdoor roof mounted antenna will be needed to have any chance at the far away signals. I'm mostly wondering if there are any simple (non-rotor & relatively small) roof mounted antenna options that would give me good results?

I've also considered first trying one of the 'paper thin' square style indoor window antennas just to see what kind of results I'd get. Would I have any chance at getting the yellow shaded channels with one of these or would this just be a waste of time?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions - much appreciated!

GroundUrMast
13-Aug-2013, 4:25 AM
Getting over or around the trees will do more for reliable reception than any other single component choice. Here in the Pacific NW, I'm working on mounting in a Western Red Cedar at about 90' AGL... and I'm still no over the 120' tall Douglas Fir trees in the neighborhood.

I've also considered first trying one of the 'paper thin' square style indoor window antennas just to see what kind of results I'd get. Would I have any chance at getting the yellow shaded channels with one of these or would this just be a waste of time?The UHF only capability together with little true antenna gain makes the 'leaf' style antenna one of the lowest on my list in your situation. I doubt you would get reliable reception of real channels 8, 9 or 11.

At minimum, I would like to receive WCSH and all of the stronger signals so that I would get the major networks: ABC, NBC, CBS & FOX.I think your best opportunity for that is to point an Antennas Direct 91XG at WHDH, real CH-42, azimuth 207° magnetic. Equip the antenna with an Antennas Direct PA-18 preamplifier.

To add WCSH to the lineup will require that you rotate the antenna (which is a source of conflict in multi-TV / viewer homes) or add a second 91XG dedicated to azimuth 31° magnetic. (Then you would need to consider your options on how to combine or switch antennas... http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=820 http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2882)

FWIW: An Antennacraft Y5713 pointed at azimuth 260° magnetic would add WENH & WMUR to your line-up. Combining these these VHF signals with the UHF signals from the 91XG is done easily and reliably with an inexpensive UVSJ. http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=UVSJ&d=Pico-Macom-UVSJ-UHF-VHF-Band-SeparatorCombiner-for-Antenna-%28UVSJ%29&c=Signal%20Combiners&sku=