Antenna Recommendation
 

I have a 19 year old antenna (see below), and am looking to upgrade for a better signal.
http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/z...im/Antenna.jpg
We live in the country, approx. 35 miles northeast of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The antenna is about 40 feet above ground level. Current reception (on a scale of 1-10) ranges from 7-8 for most channels, to 3-4 (or worse) for some channels. By the way, we also have a rotator, but it isn't in use (cable is trashed from UV exposure). It could, however, be resurrected.
Anyway, could you please do the following: (NOTE: The current antenna is also used for FM radio reception, so it would be nice - but not mandatory - if the new antenna also receives FM signals):
1) Recommend an antenna(s) that would work well for this application. I did get a recommendation from Channel Master (their CM5016, I believe). Is that a good unit?
2) Comment on what kind of difference I will notice from the current antenna.
3) Advise whether you would recommend any type of amplifier.
Here's the link to my Signal Analysis Report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...9900b2ad14d49d
Here's the link to the interactive map (I'm not sure how/if this is any different than the Signal Analysis Report, above):
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...9900a360e11e34
Thanks in advance.

Please read through the Guidelines when asking for help. Then post a link to your TV Fool report. We'll be able to be much more helpful with that information at hand.

Thanks

BTW, that's a good looking antenna :)

Based on the path profiles in your report (click on the call sign of a station listed in your report), it looks as if there may be some rise in the terrain near your location.

I suspect the greatest improvement in reception would come from mounting higher. Are you willing to consider a tower installation? If so, please run a couple more TV Fool reports, at 60' & 80', then post the link to those.

->ALL<- Questions and Answers about Broadcast Tv Reception and More.
 

A simple reception situation.

This recommendation is based on the , Current Plus Pending Applications Included , tvfool radar plot report for Digital Tv stations/channels.

Install a Winegard HD7698P antenna with a Winegard AP8275 preamp aimed at about 250 degree magnetic compass ,
(south west).

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

At the current antenna height of about 40 feet.

The Tv stations/channels list in the Yellow and Red reception zones to the west south/west down to at least.

KPXM-DT Real UHF channel 40 , Virtual channel (41.1) , ION will be received.

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

The Tv/s Must scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels sometimes named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

Do Not scan for cable tv channels.

I see no requirement for a antenna rotor at this time.

However keep the rotor , it might be used to fine tune the antenna direction to receive a weak Tv stations/channel.

->ALL<- Questions and Answers about Broadcast Tv Reception and More.
 

Going on down the list past KPXM.

This is what is on these Tv stations/channels.

K16HY-D Real UHF channel 16 , EWTN Catholic Television.

K25IA-D Real UHF channel 25 , TBN Trinity Broadcasting Network.

WDMI-LD Real UHF channel 31 , Virtual channel (62.1) , Daystar.

K33LN-D Real UHF channel 33 , 3ABN 3 Angles Broadcasting Network.

K43HB-D Real UHF channel 43 , HSN Home Shopping Network.

If the Tv stations/channels listed above are not received at the current antenna height , and you will like to receive them , then a higher antenna height is required.

Any Tv stations/channels below K43HB are un receivable with out going to a much higher antenna height.

->ALL<- Questions and Answers about Broadcast Tv Reception and More.
 

How many Tv's are/will be connected??

->ALL<- Questions and Answers about Broadcast Tv Reception and More.
 

Ok thanks , for one Tv connected use a Winegard AP8700 preamp.

Good for what - a boat anchor?:D

That antenna does look great for it's age. Haven't seen one in quite a while that isn't missing at least one of the longer elements.

This is the antenna I am using now for over 2 years with no problem.

http://dennysantennaservice.com/hd_s...v_antenna.html

This is the thread I started over 2 years ago

http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=239

DTV/cell phone reception advise and products
 

That antenna is in great shape..It's designed just like the old JFD, my all time favorite.

It does also have FM, kinda by default. FM falls between channel 6 and 7.

You could install an amplifier, but you would have to trap out the FM, or interference from amplified FM would destroy real channel 9.

If it was mine I would go over the coax and connectors and rewire the Channel Master rotor. Good as new!

I can't help but ask... You mentioned the cable serving the antenna rotor was in bad condition so I wonder what kind of shape the coax between the antenna and TV is in.
If it's old RG59 in poor condtion with iffy connectors you may see a lot of improvement in your existing antenna just by replacing your coax and all connectors. Also verify there are no old splitters or unused coax still connected. How far is it from your antenna to the TV?