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Old 6-Feb-2012, 6:50 PM   #1
oakleyhoma
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Location: Asheville, NC
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What type do I need?

My TV signal analysis result: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...0b862fdf1c93ff
I'm new to digital antenna reception and to antennas in general - have been learning "just barely enough to be dangerous". Thought it was time to ask for some guidance before going any further. I'm about 15 miles north of Asheville, western NC in the clear (ridgetop in old pasture) with no immediate obstructions but ... there are mountains here. Wood frame, asphalt roof. Underground utilities. I know I'm LOS to Mt. Pisgah (WLOS-ABC). My goal is to get a good stable connection for PBS, ABC, NBC?, FOX?, CBS?. If one or another weren't possible that would be fine, but I'd like good, stable reception for 4 of those 5. I suspect an attic or roof mount would be required. I need to run to HDTV on first floor and also to one in my basement. If it's advisable, I'd like to split the signal from the antenna to each of the TVs. My analysis was for 35 feet (assumes rooftop antenna) but it would be better if I could stay at about 22 feet above ground level. The runs to TV's: 62 feet to first floor TV (could shorten that by about 20 feet, need to check with my wife though!). To basement TV maybe 42 feet. What type/model and amplification might I need, assuming a split to both TVs (due to my construction, the split would need to occur between 0-20 feet from base of antenna, best to split close to the antenna, right?). How likely that an attic antenna might work well? (we get occasional strong winds on this ridgetop, full force). I'll stop there.
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Old 7-Feb-2012, 12:56 AM   #2
Electron
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Tv antennas and Tv reception

A simple reception situation. MANY/ A LOT of digital tv stations/channels will be received. Install a Winegard HD7698P antenna aimed at about 180 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Here are some Strong and Sturdy antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com. Here are places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.channelmasterstore.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.3starinc.com. Use a common simple 2 way splitter. WSPA-TV digital channel 7 is weak signal strength at 2.7 NM (dB). If WSPA is not received on both tv's then install a Channel Master CM3412 , 2 way distribution amplifier.
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Old 7-Feb-2012, 1:02 AM   #3
Electron
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Tv antennas and Tv reception

Put the 2 way splitter at a location where there is electric power so if the CM3412 needs to be installed.
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Old 7-Feb-2012, 12:45 PM   #4
oakleyhoma
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Location: Asheville, NC
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I thought you might respond! I see how much you help with these questions. One other question: I've read scrimping on coaxial is not a good idea. Can you provide specs and tips where to buy inexpensively? I'm thinking 100-foot roll of RG 6-quad shield? (not RG59 or RG11, right?). F-connector differences, where to get them? Solid copper core (SCC) or copper clad steel core (CCS)? I'll be running separate coaxial for FM radio reception through the same chases at the same time, and split to the same receivers - thoughts? Thank a bunch for the help you've already given.
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Old 7-Feb-2012, 9:52 PM   #5
Electron
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Tv antennas and Tv reception

The coax outer jacket needs to have a snug fit. I have seen coax outer jackets that are so loose that the inside part of the coax slips and slides inside the jacket. If installing new coax , solid copper center conductor is the best to use. RG-6 Quad is good in reception areas with high interference , like close to , FM transmitters , tv transmitter . 2 way radio communications transmitters and etc. . For 'normal' background interference areas , and 'normal' in home wiring systems , RG-6 Quad will neither help nor hurt. Yes it is Ok to use RG-6 Quad as a extra measure of signal quality. If using standard RG-6 try and find and use the RG-6 that has 60 % or more shield wire coverage. Lowes has the IDEAL brand of compression type coax connectors and tools to use with coax. And also IDEAL brand of splitters and etc. . And IDEAL brand of phone connection hardware and tools. The quality of the IDEAL product is high. The displays in the store are well laid out and make sense. Home Depot is a hoge poge of coax and phone hardware products jammed on the shelves. Lowes or Home Depot may have the best coax , you will have to look at the cable.
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Old 7-Feb-2012, 10:04 PM   #6
Electron
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Tv antennas and Tv reception

It is better to use a separate coax system for FM radio. And a separate FM antenna. And when doing coax wiring it is good to install one even two extra runs of coax to each outlet location. The extra coaxes will come in handy later on for routing signals to other locations. The way to wire is , the home run also known as star system. Do not wire with Old loop system method.
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