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Old 5-Sep-2014, 1:05 AM   #1
nicholas1956
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Cool HDTV Antenna

Hi, I'm thinking of dropping cable tv. I would like to know what type of antenna to buy. Here are my signal analysis results. Does anyone think I can get a indoor antenna to receive the major networks: CBS,ABC,NBC,and FOX?

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...d243048a257284
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Old 5-Sep-2014, 1:36 AM   #2
GroundUrMast
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Given that report and the low cost of a non-amplified indoor antenna, I'd certainly give it a try, expecting pretty good results... Provided there is little if any metal foil in your wall insulation and you don't have wire reinforced stucco or masonry on the exterior.

For an indoor antenna, there are few if any VHF signals strong enough to receive reliably, so I'd consider using an Antennas Direct SR-8 which will provide a bit of directionality and gain in the direction it's pointed. Factors that will improve your received signal quality.

https://www.antennasdirect.com/store...door_yagi.html
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If the well is dry and you don't see rain on the horizon, you'll need to dig the hole deeper. (If the antenna can't get the job done, an amp won't fix it.)

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Old 5-Sep-2014, 2:31 AM   #3
nicholas1956
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I do have foil insulated walls, and I ordered a flat indoor Omni-directional antenna from ebay with 5dBi gain so i'll give that a try. If that doesn't work maybe I'll try the sr-8.
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Old 5-Sep-2014, 6:37 PM   #4
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Above the Peak of the Roof.

Install a.

http://www.channelmasterstore.com.

CM4228HD antenna aimed at about 230 degree magnetic compass direction.

A antenna system amplifier will most likely not be required.

And Yes can also Test reception with a.

http://www.winegarddirect.com.

LNA-100 Boost antenna system amplifier , connected before any splitters.

-----------------------------------

http://www.amazon.com.


------------------------------------

Here are some above the roof antenna mounts.

http://www.ronard.com/909911.html. Install the , ronard 3 foot or 5 foot tripod antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html. Install the , Ronard(4560) , eave antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html. Measure around the chimney and install a , ronhard(2212) , ronard(2218) , ronard(2224) .

http://www.ronard.com.

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Home Depot and Lowes have , 10 foot 6 inch - 1 and 3/8 inch diameter , TOP RAIL , chain link fence , PIPE , that makes excellent antenna mast/pipe.
The price is low at about 12 dollars.
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Old 5-Sep-2014, 6:50 PM   #5
GroundUrMast
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nicholas1956 View Post
I do have foil insulated walls, and I ordered a flat indoor Omni-directional antenna from ebay with 5dBi gain so i'll give that a try. If that doesn't work maybe I'll try the sr-8.
Be prepared to use an outdoor antenna if the ebay antenna fails to do well. The SR-8 is not going to have much difference in gain.

The CM4228 is too directional for me to consider it in this application, I'd use an ANT-751R or HBU-22 or 33.
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Old 8-Sep-2014, 9:05 PM   #6
nicholas1956
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Hi, I ordered the ant751r. I also ordered a 100 ft. of RG6 18 gauge quad shielded coax cable and some outdoor f-connectors crimp type and a crimp tool and compression tool. I will also be connecting 2 TV's and a FM receiver. So what kind of splitter will I be needing? Also will I need an amplifier? PS. Thanks for your help, It is appreciated.
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Old 9-Sep-2014, 8:31 PM   #7
stvcmty
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The ant751r will be better than no antenna on FM, but a separate FM antenna would be better, such as the Antenna Craft FM6 for stations from a specific direction or a FMSS for stations from all directions.


The linked TV fool plot shows UHF stations from 197 to 266 degrees true. Most have a high noise margin. The linked TV fool plot shows 3 VHF-high stations all close together in a group.

If the OP had not bought anything yet, I think a 2 antenna solution would provide reliable reception of the most channels.
The VHF stations are easy, they all are within 20 degrees of each other, so they all fit in the half power beam width of an Antenna craft Y10-7-13. It is long, but the extra gain would help the 1 or 2 edge path’s for the VHF signals. An Antenna craft Y5-7-13 would probably work, but if it is going on the roof, better to install more antenna than needed the first time.

The large spread of the UHF stations with a tight bunch in the center make me think 4-bay antenna”. I would look at an Antenna craft U4000 a Solid Signal Xtreme Signal HDB4X or a Channel Master 4221HD. The 4 bay would be aimed at the main group around 234 degrees true.

Then the UHF and VHF antennas could be combined by a UVSJ.
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Old 17-Sep-2014, 11:29 PM   #8
nicholas1956
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I'm going to install the RCA ant751r antenna this weekend, which is the optimal direction? And do I need to ground the tiny mast that comes with it?
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Old 19-Sep-2014, 1:26 PM   #9
stvcmty
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You should aim the antenna so it reliably gets the stations you want. From your TV fool plot, 246 degrees magnetic would be a good place to start (west south west). If you have a TV you can safely setup to watch signal strength as you move the antenna that would be helpful.

Proper grounding is important, when in doubt bring in a professional to make sure it is done right. To tell you how you should ground your coax and mast we need to know where the antenna is going, where the ground for your electrical service is, and where you plan to bring the coax into the house.

As a quick summary:
Attach a ground clamp to the mast, making sure it has solid electrical contact with the mast. (If the mast has a ground screw provided, a clamp is not needed).
Run a heavy wire (10 gauge or bigger) from the mast to the buildings electrical service ground. Bond it with a UL approved device such as a split bolt or ground rod-wire clamp.
Install a coax ground block as close to the electrical service entrance as possible. Bond it with a heavy wire to the electrical service ground. Bond it with a UL approved device such as a split bolt or ground rod-wire clamp.
Run coax from the antenna to the coax ground block, make a drip loop.
Run coax from the ground block, making a drip loop, into the house.
If the mast/antenna are very far from the house electrical service ground, you can install a ground rod near the mast/antenna, but it must be bonded to the house electrical service ground with heavy wire.
In my opinion, it is best for the mast ground and the coax ground to be kept separate until the coax is entering the house.
(If an antenna is on a separate structure with a sub panel it is advisable to bring in a professional.)
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Old 23-Sep-2014, 6:59 PM   #10
nicholas1956
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Hi, I installed the RCA 751R antenna this weekend and am getting all the channels I wanted. I grounded the coax to the electrical box using the ground installed by the cable company. I just had to change the grounding block to a dual 75 ohm coax grounding box. I also called tech support for the antenna and they said the mast that comes with that antenna doesn't need to be grounded, only the coax. As far as FM goes, I'm not gettind the station I had hoped for. So I'm just going to use the inside antenna I was using. Thanks for all your help. It was appreciated.
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