Stealth antenna options

[StephanieS]

Attic installs are generally not viewed favorably for 1) you are forcing the signals to "punch" through your roof, thus weakening them considerably. 2) Punching through the roof often causes multipath and erratic signal behavior and 3) you antenna is closer to household interference.

All ability to predict reception in an attic goes out the window. You just have to put antenna in there and try. It may be satisfactory, it may not be.

Originally Posted by William P

In the attic each TV could have it's own antenna.

[William P]

Am I correct in assuming that an attic install won't require grounding?

[William P]

I'm sure a roof mount would be much better. But with a multitude of strong signals nearby, and my tinfoil sheetrock problem, an attic mount will probably be a good first step.
I have several major home improvement projects going on already just to stay in the good graces of the condo board. This would not be a good time to start a fight with them about an antenna even if I'm within my rights to have one.

[StephanieS]

This is where our members who dislike Homeowners Association Boards will share with you that your right to receive free TV supercedes any boards ability to restrict it.

In 3... 2... 1...

[GroundUrMast]

Originally Posted by William P

Am I correct in assuming that an attic install won't require grounding?

The National Electrical Code (Article 810) is usually the basis of local codes in most of the US.

810.15 Grounding. Masts and metal structures supporting
antennas shall be grounded in accordance with 810.21.

(note that no mention of indoor vs outdoor location is made)

810.20 Antenna Discharge Units — Receiving Stations.
(A) Where Required. Each conductor of a lead-in from an
outdoor antenna shall be provided with a listed antenna
discharge unit.
Exception: Where the lead-in conductors are enclosed in a
continuous metallic shield that either is grounded with a
conductor in accordance with 810.21 or is protected by an
antenna discharge unit.

(note that only outdoor antennas are covered by this particular requirement)

So my understanding is, grounding the antenna coax may not be required in the case of an attic mounted antenna, but the NEC appears to require that the metal parts of the antenna support be, regardless of where they are located.

You may also want to be aware of your insurance companies stance on the issue... I presume you want them on your side If you have concerns re. the condo association having a draconian mind-set or attitude.

It sounds like you are already aware of the FCC's OTARD rules, http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-r...n-devices-rule