Need a good attic/medim size antenna.

[jwileyrr]

Hi All,

This is my first post here, and my first interaction with OTA TV in general so please forgive my initial ignorance of the subject.

I'm looking for a recommendation on a DIY setup for the following report location in Round Rock, TX:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...0b86ca4efbe7af

I initially was swayed by all the seemingly positive review of the HD stacker plastered all over the web, and went ahead in acquiring a winegard 8700 pre-amp (it has a single antenna input since I think that might matter later) I found on ebay (Amazon would have been the better place to buy BTW) to eventually mate with the HD Stacker.

What I liked about it was that it wasn't 900ft long like some of these things appear to be. I need it to fit in an attic (HOA and personal reasons) and ~6ft seems about the right size for that.

I would like to know from a group of people in the know if the HD stacker is a good choice for my location (even if it is overkill) or if I should go with something else. I'd like to spend ~$120 or less if possible and have it be small enough to manage - and the install has to be stupid simple for a novice like me. I'm looking to optimize the number of english speaking channels.

Additionally, I plan on hooking it up in my attic which is in a two-story home on a slight hill in the middle of a neighborhood. I plan on running the coax to the preamp, and then to an On-Q box in my master bedroom where it will be split a minimum of two ways and probably three - then all the wires run downstairs to the Samsung LCD TVs which I expect already have converters built in.

Does that sound about right? I'm not sure if the HD stacker is already ready to hook-up to coax (I hope it is because I wouldn't know what exactly to do otherwise) - but that would be a positive point of any other antenna selection too.

Help! What should I buy?

[Electron]

Here is the Federal Law that says Yes you can mount a Tv antenna outside and above the roof. http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html. Your location has receivable English speaking Tv stations/channels being transmitted from more directions ( 3 different directions ) then the one direction that the stacker is designed to receive. Install a Channel Master CM3000A antenna above the roof in a manner that the CM3000A has a good clear view of all directions. http://www.channelmasterstore.com. Here are some antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.com , http://www.ronard.com. Type the word , ronard , in the search box at http://www.solidsignal.com or buy from ronard.

[jwileyrr]

Thanks for the tips, it's appreciated! I'll make a trip to Fry's today on my way home to see if they have that antenna. I was initially under the impression that a directional antenna would receive signal from any direction so long as it was big enough - but now I've heard from two people I'd be better of with a much more tame omnidirectional setup for my location. Thanks!

[Tower Guy]

Originally Posted by jwileyrr

Help! What should I buy?

The stacker should work.

If KCWX is actually running a channel 8 LPTV repeater, other options are HBU-33 or HD-7694P.

If KCWX is only on channel 5 I'd suggest two antennas, a Y5-2-6 aimed at 242° plus one of the two 7-69 antennas listed above aimed at 204°. Combine them with a HLSJ.

Others have claimed that the HBU series unfold and refold well, which makes them a better choice for attic installations.

[Electron]

Attic installations reduce the signal strength of the Tv transmissions , A Known Fact , And Barrier Shield Metal Foil Backed Insulation is VERY POPULAR in Texas. This issue of Metal Foil back insulation in Texas has come up time after time here at Tvfool.

[jwileyrr]

Yep, I would bet I have foil backed insulation (hod not even thought about that), but where I plan to mount the antenna is just under the peak of the center portion of the roof, well above any insulation, by probably 5 feet or maybe more. Mounting to a pole or hammering something into my roof which as the potential to make it leak seems like a fallback option if reception is intolerable rather than a primary option. I'll give it a try and come back here crying when/if it doesn't work.

[Electron]

It is interesting the (point of view) or is it (misinformation) that people have. Mounting above the roof is the first choice for Tv antennas for a nice clear strong signal. Mounting in the attic is a lesser choice. Here are 2 antenna mounts that do not put holes in the roof. http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html

[Electron]

It is interesting the (point of view) or is it (misinformation) that people have. And I wonder , is - point of view - based on mostly facts or - opinion - ?? And what are opinions based mostly on?? And if you are in a situation where you will live or die and you have your choice of 3 courses of action , #1 point of view , #2 opinion , #3 facts. Which one will you choose??? . Mounting above the roof is the first choice for Tv antennas for a nice clear strong signal. Mounting in the attic is a lesser choice. Here are 3 antenna mounts that do not put holes in the roof. http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com/ventmnt.html.