Need help picking up the right antenna

[meazz12]

I like to get local channels and anything that is available in my area.
I have 3 tv sets so it will be helpful if I can split the signals from one antenna.
Any help is appreciated.

Here's my report

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...9038640f25e87f

[Tower Guy]

Antenna: Winegard HD-7698P aimed at 232 degrees true.

Distribution amp: ChannelMaster 3414

[jrgagne99]

I second that antenna selection.

Is there a reason he should go with a distribution amp instead of just a mast-mounted pre-amp (such as the Juice), and then 3-way splitter somewhere inside the house? Maybe his signals are strong enough he doesn't need the amplification to be at the mast.

[JoeAZ]

A couple of points to remember. With antennas, trees are NOT your friend. They block signals. Keep as far away from trees as possible. Any trees between your antenna and the transmitters will affect reception negatively.
Ground your system. It protects against nearby lightening strikes and can improve your reception. Otherwise, you have some good choices.

[Tower Guy]

Originally Posted by jrgagne99

Is there a reason he should go with a distribution amp instead of just a mast-mounted pre-amp.......? Maybe his signals are strong enough he doesn't need the amplification to be at the mast.

A preamp at the antenna would offer a few dB improvement in signal, but as you noted, as long as the antenna is not blocked by thick trees, or a nearby building, the signals are strong enough that it won’t matter.

[meazz12]

Thanks.
is 10 ft high good enough?

[Nascarken]

Originally Posted by meazz12

Thanks.
is 10 ft high good enough?

Yes ten ft hi over the roof linen
A Winegrud 8200U
A channel master 7777 mast mount amp
This is the best you can buy
And see all TV broadcasting tower's
And dount for get your tv Fool report
For best results.

[Tower Guy]

The HD 7698P is a 8200U but without the channel 2-6 extension. There are no signals available on channels 2-6, so I’d stick with the smaller antenna.

[ADTech]

I'd also HIGHLY recommend skipping the high-gain amplifier. According to the plot, you have broadcast towers only a few miles away and the 7777 is virtually guaranteed to cause overloading issues.

[jrgagne99]

I second the above. The 8200 and 7777 are not advisable for your location.

[meazz12]

The Winegard HD-7698P is a little big for my liking. Is there a smaller antenna I can get without compromising too many stations?
Can I get something like ClearStream 2V or 4V Outdoor HDTV Antenna?

This one looks easier to hoist than the Winegard HD-7698P.

[jrgagne99]

You could try the 4V or 4Max. Or maybe even the 2V or 2Max. But those Clearstreams only have a single dipole for VHF so you might or might not pull in up WXIA NBC on RF-10. I think both are available in the big-box-stores, so would be easy enough to try and return if don't work for you. The 7694 is smaller than the 7698 and will probably work for everything if you are reasonably clear of trees and other obstructions.

[meazz12]

Originally Posted by jrgagne99

You could try the 4V or 4Max. Or maybe even the 2V or 2Max. But those Clearstreams only have a single dipole for VHF so you might or might not pull in up WXIA NBC on RF-10. I think both are available in the big-box-stores, so would be easy enough to try and return if don't work for you. The 7694 is smaller than the 7698 and will probably work for everything if you are reasonably clear of trees and other obstructions.

Ok, the Winegard Platinum Series HD7694P is smaller and reasonably priced.
I already have a Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp on hand. can I use that? Or just get the ChannelMaster 3414?

[ADTech]

The CPA19 is fine as long as it's good. If you use it, no distribution amp is needed.