Which Antenna in Evergreen, CO ?

[ilawless]

I'm a noob on this stuff, but like most am looking to cut the cord, so I bought a GE Futura Antenna (24679) and hooked it up on my roof. I live in the foothills with a million trees around, but it's not all that obstructed on the roof.

Anyway, here's my TV Fool Report.

Based on the report, I pointed the antenna at 27 degrees.

I'm getting 2.1, 2.2 (CW) and 12.1/2/3 (KBDI PBS), and that's it.

Seems like I should be getting more, although I am most definitely in a mountainous area. Perhaps I need a different antenna, or is that all I'm gonna get no matter the hardware (????).

[Dave Loudin]

Your antenna is designed for higher-signal conditions. The preamplifier does not extend range. It prevents cable losses or poor receivers from ruining reception. Although you are only 10 miles or so from the transmitters, they are behind a mountain from you. Click on any of the stations in the yellow part of the table to open the path profile between transmitter and you.

You need a high gain hi-VHF/UHF antenna, like a Winegard 7698P or AntennaCraft HBU-55 to catch as much signal scattering over the mountain as possible. Tilting the antenna up by 10 to 15 degrees will also help.

[Electron]

Install a http://www.channelmasterstore.com , CM5020 antenna aimed at about 18 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas. http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Aim the front of the CM5020 at the top of the mountain for improved reception because some of the tv transmissions do bend a little down ward when passing over mountain and hill. Here are some antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html . . For 1 tv connection , no amplifier will be used , a coax cable will go from the antenna to the one tv. For 2 tv's connected , install a CM3412 Distribution amplifier. For 3 or 4 tv's connected , install a CM3414 Distribution amplifier. . Here are places to buy , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com

[GroundUrMast]

I agree with Dave's assessment. The GE 24679 is simply not up to the task. The HD7698P is right at the top of the list of excellent deep fringe antennas.

I have no objection to two or more antennas on my roof so if I was in your situation, I would be inclined to 'pull out all the stops'. I would lean toward separate UHF and VHF antennas. An Antennas Direct XG-91 and an Antennacraft Y10713. (Winegard offers a similar antenna, the YA1713, but it's equipped with an integral balun which can limit stacking / combining options which may be of benefit.)