New antenna 1/2way b/w Seattle & VanBC

tamitchell · 28-Jul-2012, 1:05 AM

Hey all, I've been using the signal analysis here for quite some time to aim and find channels for my area, especially immediately around the pre and post switch to digital. But now I think i'm needing to get a new antenna - current on has bend and broken vanes. I'm about 55 miles from Seattle and 71 miles from Vancouver BC but primarily point to Seattle (tho' the Canadian Olympics coverage is great).

My current system: an old antenna ~10' on long axis (no brand/model name on it) I picked up on freecycle years ago (see attached pix) that is about 30' from ground attached to chimney; CM7777 pre-amp, CM rotor, ~30' cable (rg6u) w/ good rg6 compression f-connectors to inside pre-amp box; then a 2way splitter (& 5' and 10' cable) to 2 Vizio HDTVs.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...990057be52e5b6

I'm most interested in getting Seattle Channel 9 (9.1) and the Seattle networks (38/4.1, 48/5.1, 39/7.1, 11/11.1, 13/13.1) which runs the gamut from mid-VHF to mid-UHF.

What might be the best antenna to get?

I was looking at Channel Master CM3671 Deepest Fringe Crossfire Series TV Antenna (CM-3671) from SolidSignal.com. Also, not sure if CM7777 is best, maybe a Winegard AP8275 Chromstar 2000 Series VHF/UHF Pre Amplifier (AP-8275).

Also, does the very close Bellingham stations (35,19,24) affect reception with a pre-amp? I do know that unplugging the pre-amp makes all my Seattle stations drop out.

Thanks, Todd

GroundUrMast · 28-Jul-2012, 1:36 AM

The analog signal from CBUT on CH-2 has been shut down. If you're seeing their digital signal of real channel 43, there is no current or known future plan for stations to operate on real channels 2 through 6. So, a somewhat smaller antenna covering real channels 7 and higher would put less stress on the mast and rotator.

I'm thinking the Winegard HD7968P paired with an Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp which can tolerate the strong signals from Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island.

I would also investigate the possible benefit of mounting higher.

tamitchell · 28-Jul-2012, 2:19 AM

Okay, is that 7698P, as that's what i could find at SolidSignal.

So, the biggest and longest vanes on a 'traditional' antenna are for the low VHF stations? As the 7698P appears quite streamlined - like eel-boned instead of flounder/herring-boned.

And, yes, i've been viewing the digital CBUT (as well as 8.1, 17.1, 26.1, 32.1 but not my favorite of 10.1 nor 6.1) for a little while as Canada did their switch not long ago (?) - the new TV's auto search picked it up easily when pointed that way.

What's are some options to mount higher (besides a free-standing mast which might be spendy for me)?

GroundUrMast · 28-Jul-2012, 4:26 AM

OOOPS! I transposed a couple of digits. Yes it's the HD7698P. http://www.winegarddirect.com/viewit...P%29&p=HD7698P

Take a look at push-up guyed masts... http://www.3starinc.com/telescoping_masts.html

(The lower the real channel number, the longer the element that is tuned to that frequency)

28-Jul-2012, 4:56 AM

A No rotor solution.

Install 2 Winegard HD7698P antennas with 2 Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamps.

One aimed at 320 degree magnetic compass and the other aimed at about 160 degree magnetic compass.
Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

The 2 Separate antenna systems and Separate coaxes will go to the location of the Tv and be connected to a remote control A/B antenna switch.

http://www.radioshack.com , #15-1968 , or , http://www.mcmelectronics.com , #32-4425.

The 2 separate antenna systems are channel surfing friendly press the buttons on the hand held remote control , change antennas and keep on channel surfing.