Can I put an antenna in the basement? (3 mile distance from towers)

sofakng · 30-Jan-2013, 11:17 AM

Here is my TV Fool link: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...1dda15919747a1

I'm only 3 miles from my local HDTV towers, so I'm wondering if it would be possible to put an antenna in my basement (which is 80% underground).

If so, does anybody have an antenna suggestion for me? Something small and highly directional I'm guessing?

EDIT: What if I mount a small antenna below the floor joists (in the basement) which is just above ground level (so it's not underground). Might that work?

Thanks!

30-Jan-2013, 2:29 PM

The --> Only Way <-- to find out.

Is install a Terk HDTVi (not HDTVa) antenna aimed at about 60 degree magnetic compass direction.

Here is how to aim indoor antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

middleofnowhere · 30-Jan-2013, 4:20 PM

it probably won't work. You are only 3 mi from transmitters but the ground will block ALL transmissions. putting it in the joists may work, but with such heavy construction in floors i don't guarentee anything.
Not to mention all sorts of random distortion and diffraction everytime someone walks by upstairs.
Assuming that you only want the big-name transmitters from your 3 mi towers a small directional antenna (upstairs a set-top would be more than enough) sounds like the best bet to me. You can always mount it higher in your house (if possible). You'll need one with UHF/high-VHF capabilities, if you want NBC and CBS.

P.S don't buy too big of an antenna, you're pretty close to your transmitter(s) and you could overload something with a huge antenna.

No static at all · 30-Jan-2013, 5:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by middleofnowhere

P.S don't buy too big of an antenna, you're pretty close to your transmitter(s) and you could overload something with a huge antenna.

Over a mile away, overload is very unlikely. At 3 miles, nearly impossible even with a large antenna, unless of course some type of amplification is used.

sofakng · 30-Jan-2013, 7:25 PM

I have a Winegard HD7082P at my old house that I still need to move into my new house...

I'm hesitant about putting it up in the attic (because it's a crawl space) but I might just do it and get it over with. However, it does seem like overkill for these local channels, doesn't it?

Should I just buy a Mohu Leaf or something and put that in the attic instead? (I'll still need to drill/run wire into the basement, but what can you do...)

GroundUrMast · 30-Jan-2013, 9:24 PM

If you already own an HD7082P, try it. It's more antenna than I would spec. in this application but it won't break anything. It would certainly provide enough signal power to drive an 8-way splitter if you had the need.

31-Jan-2013, 2:02 AM

Install the HD7082P antenna above the roof , with no preamplifier , aimed at about 40 degree magnetic compass direction , and also receive .

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WQPX-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 32 , virtual number (64.1-2-3) ION and Qubo and ION Life.

Here are some above the roof antenna mounts.

http://www.ronard.com/909911.html if using a tripod antenna mount use a 5 foot antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html if using a eave antenna mount use the #4560.

http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html.

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