Need antenna/hardware selection advice - Tri-Cities, TN

[tbradnc]

Can someone recommend a hardware setup for me?

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3df1f0ead0c2fd43

Kind regards,
Thomas

[Jake V]

You have a very challenging signal environment.

Your TV Fool Report is at 13.1 feet. Why? Please make one at rooftop + 5 feet, and again at 35 and 50 feet (the later two will provide useful information even if you don't intend to put an antenna at that level).

[tbradnc]

Thanks Jake!

Roof + 5' (guesstimated 16') : http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3df1f0cc194e9582

20': http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3df1f061c7baa409

35': http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3df1f023da4cad9d

50': http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3df1f0b7239be5cc

[ADTech]

Your plots indicate that you are most likely just below the crest of a hill (on its back side) to your NNE.

Do you have a view over the top of that hill or will you be limited to having your antenna below that crest (or any trees or man-made structures) that might be on it?

Generally, the Tri-Cities area requires an all-band antenna unless one can catch WYCB's channel 28 translator (which makes low-VHF reception unnecessary)

[tbradnc]

Thanks for the feedback.

Correct. There is a hill immediately behind us (NNE) that we will not be able to get over. We have a pretty good shot at N and NE.

[tbradnc]

If anyone knows of an installer in the Johnson City area I would be willing to pay for a site analysis and installation.

[ADTech]

How far below the crest are you and is the crest bare or obstructed?

Any chance you can place an antenna on that crest (if it's your property)?

[tbradnc]

It's heavily wooded with very tall mature hardwoods. There's no easy way to overcome that obstacle. Even if I could get to the top of the crest I would be surrounded by trees.

[ADTech]

Your odds of success just plummeted.

Try a very large all-channel antenna. It's going to be big (really BIG).

[timgr]

Perhaps the Antennacraft HD1850? http://www.antennacraft.net/Antennas/AntennasAllChannel.html

15' boom.

[ADTech]

Get anything Antennacraft while you can, it's unknown if they're still be in business next week.

[tbradnc]

I'm fairly handy but I think this is one of those times when I'd be money ahead to have input from a pro. I've located a reputable installer and made an appointment for a site analysis and estimate for hardware.

I'll let y'all know how it goes.

I guess a bonus question I might have is what price range should I expect for a good installation assuming a high end long range antenna, rotor, amp, and labor? $500-700?

[ADTech]

The trees will probably the killer. If that guy has been in business more than a week, he'll either walk away or take steps to ensure that he isn't responsible for tree and terrain induced reception faults.

[Jake V]

How big are the trees? How close to the house are they? Is there a good strong one that can be topped and which will support an antenna system?

[tbradnc]

Just an aside, I can get 1 channel with a Mofu Leaf (50 mile version) inside the house. The antenna has be be jussssssst right but the picture quality is as good as cable HD.

I'm a little hopeful. :)

[tbradnc]

How big are the trees? How close to the house are they? Is there a good strong one that can be topped and which will support an antenna system?

Big. tall. Not sort of tall - very tall. Probably 100+ years old.

There's no way to mount an antenna in a tree back there. Let me see if i can find a photo...

[tbradnc]

The house faces NNW.

[ADTech]

The antenna has be be jussssssst right but the picture quality is as good as cable HD.

That's the nature of digital reception. If the signal is just barely good enough, the picture is perfect.

However, if anything sneezes and a limb or tree moves in the wind or gets wet, the whole thing falls off the edge of the "digital cliff".