Antenna suggestions for chicago.
 

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e2cb1d2c56b32f

The major Chicago TV networks that are at true 140 degrees are the most important to me including WBBM VHF Hi real channel 12 (2.1).
I would be fine with using a yagi antenna if it would work the best.
I can mount the antenna 25-30 feet up on my chimney or higher if needed, I do have a lot of trees surrounding my yard.
The cable run to the TV would only be about 10-15 feet longer than the recommended antenna height.

Any suggestions for what products would work the best for me would be appreciated.

Welcome, kev23:

I suggest a Winegard HD7698P antenna and a preamp like the Channel Master 7778 or 7777. The 7778 is a medium gain preamp for most locations; the 7777 is a high gain preamp only for weak signal locations because it overloads with strong signals. I'm on the fence deciding which is best for you. You might be able to get away with the 7777 because of the trees.

I see only one strong FM signal that the FM filter in the preamp will probably take care of. I did an FM report based on my estimate of your location.
http://www.fmfool.com/modeling/tmp/7...5/Radar-FM.png

You can do your own report here to see how close I came. They don't link like the TVFOOL reports:
http://www.fmfool.com/index.php?opti...pper&Itemid=29

If the antenna is outside, the coax shield should be grounded with a grounding block that is connected to the house electrical system ground with 10 gauge copper wire for electrical safety and to reject interference. For further compliance with the electrical code (NEC), the mast should also be grounded in a similar manner to drain any buildup of static charge, but the system will not survive a direct strike.

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...9&d=1441917363

More height would help. Try running your tvfool report at different heights to see where the signals become LOS.

This is what I got at 50 feet:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e2cbed21f2da27

You can see how the signal grazes the terrain just before it reaches your antenna.

http://forum.tvfool.com/attachment.p...1&d=1472415803

Thanks very much for the detailed reply, this helps a lot. I was looking at the 7698 antenna but I didn't know if I should do a preamp. I think I'll try the 7777 since I will eventually split to 3 TVs total.

Would a passive splitter work or should that be a distribution amp?

What would the recommended maximum height be for a mast?

My house is a pretty tall 2 story but I don't have an exact height. The chimney is the tallest point but I can't imagine it's over 30 feet.

Is there a more stable option other than just a pipe mast?

I wouldn't think a 20' mast would be stable enough.

Thanks again

Try a passive 4-way splitter first. If one of the lines is very long, use two 2-way splitters in cascade for a 3-way split. If you need more gain, replace it with a CM3414, which is a distribution amp and splitter in one case.

With that big antenna, anything more than 5 feet above the upper bracket should have guy wires. You can buy a tripod mount for the roof, but it would require roof penetration for the fasteners done by a roofer to reduce the chance of leaks.

Try the easiest height you can do now and see how it does. You can always go higher later if needed.

I'm not sure what type of mount is best for your house because I can't see it from here. Maybe a mast coming up from ground level would be best.

http://manuals.solidsignal.com/AntInstallGuide.pdf

While I concur with the choice of the Winegard HD7698 for you, I would also strongly suggest that you consider the use of a rotator, since you have the Milwaukee and Madison stations available to you when you rotate the antenna. Look at the Channel Master 9521a rotator as a possibility, since it offers presets and a remote control for facilitate rotating the antenna.