Help with antenna selection N. Scottsdal AZ.

[cl320]

Hello all, I need some help (obviously). I am looking to install an antenna and really only want to do it once. I, like so many, am tired of paying "The Man" so I plan on dropping sat/cable and going to OTA HDTV and streaming for my entertainment choices. Since I live in a unique location I do not really trust all of the other "experts" and hope that someone can help me here. I am really only interested in grabbing the stations out of S. Phoenix. Here are the location parameters:

I live in north Scottsdale (Troon area) looking at the very NW edge of the McDowell Mtns. Single story house will have unobstructed (except for the mountains about 1.5-2 miles away) approx. 20' high chimney mount.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d3e4773204fdb16

Any help with antenna recommendations is appreciated.

[Tigerbangs]

Please post your exact TVFool.com reception report in order to get good help.

[John Candle]

As the other question askers do --> Do this , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=4. Make a radar report with the , exact address , and the antenna height at the height the antenna will be.

[cl320]

Bump...correct URL posted, had wrong one in copy

[John Candle]

I recommend a Winegard HD7697P antenna, Fry's Electronics is showing the antenna as being in stock at both stores in Phoenix Az. Fry's part number 5939584. Aim the antenna in the direction of South Mountain , about 196 degree magnetic compass. . How many Tv's are/will be connected?? I recommend new coax connected to the antenna and on the outside of the house. . Also --> How many Tv's are/will be connected?? Here is how to aim Tv antennas , http://kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html

[cl320]

Thank you for your help John, I will go look for it today. I plan on new coax from antenna to the connection into the house. I plan on using the coax that is currently in the house for distribution, there will be a total of 3 TV's. I will probablly go pick up all the parts today and install within the next week or two. Do you recommend and amp?

Do you have a second recommendation, one that may be a bit smaller?

[John Candle]

Half of your receivable channels the ones in the shaded red part of the list are very weak. I make my recommendation of Tv antenna , on signal strengths and what Will get the job done. . I recommend a Channel Master CM 3414 - four way distribution amplifier , Fry's electronics stock number 5770182. The Baseline store is showing one in stock. On the one output port of the four way distribution amplifier that is not being used , put a 75 ohm terminator on that port , here is a example of 75 ohm terminators , http://www.amazon.com/Ohm-Terminator-4-Pack-Cable-Connection/dp/B0016A986K , you will find 75 ohm terminators in Fry's. No splitters in the coax lines that go to the Tv's from the outputs of the distribution amplifier , each time a split takes place the signal is reduced.

[John Candle]

Read and understand about , REAL Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , Virtual Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , Analog Broadcast Tv Channels , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695

[cl320]

Thanks again John, I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out. I figured being in the shadow of the McDowells would cause some issues : ) I will hopefully get this done befor Labor Day and post my results.

[GroundUrMast]

...

Do you have a second recommendation, one that may be a bit smaller?

As you look at your TVFR, what is the call sign of the weakest station (lowest NM (dB) value) you would consider a 'must-have'?

[John Candle]

Yes I can recommend a different antenna , The Channel Master CM 4228HD

[John Candle]

Here are some but not all antenna mounts. http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/Tripod%200703/1011.html , http://www.ronard.com/Tripods%200703/4712.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html . Ronard has been making mounts and towers since the 1950's. Here are places to buy Tv antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.3starinc.com

[Tower Guy]

Do you have a second recommendation, one that may be a bit smaller?

The HD7697P that was suggested is ideal for your location. A smaller antenna may need a preamp, so a smaller antenna will actually cost more.

I would not consider using a UHF only HD4228 antenna on VHF.

[John Candle]

Here is one of the reasons I suggest the CM 4228HD antenna. These are actual facts of antenna measurements. Using a redesigned CM 4228HD That is redesigned for better reception of VHF high channels 7 thru 13. The closing statement of the Author is , For the author , the choice would be the CM4228HD. Since it fairs very well in the UHF Shoot out , as well as in this VHF Shoot out. It becomes a very clear choice. http://www.antennahacks.com/Comparisons/N-Bay_VHF_Shootout.htm . I know it is technical , thats why I present it , It proves a point. I present this information because you said you will like to have a smaller antenna. Will the CM4228HD do the job?? I say yes. However if it does not , ask Fry's if you can return the CM4228HD and get the HD7697P. You ask , so now you have some information and you can choose the road.

[cl320]

I can not say thank you enough for all of your help.