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View Full Version : Attic antenna choice - possible multipath issue


cl1ckcl4ck
14-Nov-2011, 5:29 AM
Hello all,
Another one here trying to cut out the cable company (and their annual raise-the-rate deals).
There's not much of a need for cable if we can get the 'local' channels free; with netflix, espn360, veetle, etc... you know the drill.

So, I live in a subdivision about 37mi from a decent number of transmitters (311/3 degrees), as seen here:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dec12e53d651e45

A directional antenna in the attic with ~50ft run of RG6 to the basement seemed like a no-brainer at first.
I was thinking of picking up something like the Winegard HD9095P, or RCA ANT751R.

Or possibly even a high-gain multidirectional (i.e. DB8, 4228HD) since those seemed to be rated for that kind of distance (albeit outside).

What I don't know is whether our neighbors' houses will be a problem...
They're close (as close as 20ft away) and directly in the line of sight of the tower(s) and with rooftops up to a couple feet higher because of grade.
All have vinyl siding, asphalt shingles... no mature trees within a few hundred feet.

What are the chances that we'll be able to get a decent attic signal with any of the mentioned unidirectional/multidirectional antennas?
Would an 8-bay multi work better in this case to deal with the mentioned possible multipath issues assuming they're a factor?

In either case, I'm heavily leaning towards attic over roof mounting due to installation practicality and available cable routes inside.

I'm probably just over-thinking this. Thanks in advance!

GroundUrMast
15-Nov-2011, 2:49 AM
I would expect the ANT-751 to be marginal at best in the attic. I think you'll need more gain as the roof gets wet. If you get snow on the roof expect to have trouble with the weaker signals.

A Winegard HD7694P or larger aimed at about 314° would be a better single antenna choice.

The 8-bay panel is easier to fit in most attics but it is a UHF only solution so you would need a high-VHF antenna off to the side somewhere in the attic if you want to see WHAS and WBNA, real channels 11 and 8.

cl1ckcl4ck
15-Nov-2011, 4:09 PM
Thank you!
I'm now looking into the HD7694P but will also consider the HD7696P. Available attic space is the primary factor at this point, followed by a distant factor in cost difference.
Also to note, this is not a finished attic - only blown insulation and some ground-hogged romex are visible (other than rafters of course).

I'll update once installation is complete.

cl1ckcl4ck
21-Nov-2011, 5:23 AM
Friendly update: Always one to consider myself frugal, I ended building a DIY 4-bay, knowing that it might not work.
I placed it in the attic and am pleased to say that it gets 28 channels (12 more than rabbit ears), with channels as far away as 55mi, 2Edge.
Again, I'm very pleased and consider myself fortunate for this $6 antenna to work.
I don't have a way of determining signal strength, so hopefully it'll serve well into the winter.

In case anyone is interested... I used this guide (sans reflector):
http://youtu.be/MlShMxSCZJ0

Thanks again for your help.

Dave Loudin
22-Nov-2011, 1:24 AM
You can do better with your antenna. That video is a continuation of the too-small, too close together design (7 in elements 7 in apart). Check out this (http://m4antenna.eastmasonvilleweather.com/index.html) site for more information.