New and Need help with Antenna

DougG · 7-Aug-2012, 8:10 PM

Hello, I am new to OTA and have no idea what type of antenna to get. I am trying to get some help or some input to point me in the right direction. I am not afraid to do some research, just looking for a place to start.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...99009c5fa396c9

From the report, I can see there are channel in a full 360 around me. I'm not sure if I should go with directional and aim to the north or will an omni-directional antenna be better. This is for my hunting camp and like anything the more channels the marry-er.

Some info about the location:

Metal Roof
Would like to mount on roof (if advisable) Approx 25' Tall
Location can be move as well as the height
No building or Tree in the way (on a hill in a clearing)
Will be used for 1 TV set

I hope that is enough information to get me started in the right direction. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you,
-Doug

GroundUrMast · 7-Aug-2012, 9:57 PM

In your case there are several 'right' ways to design an antenna system.

A simple system that would provide the major networks, while avoiding the expense and possible negative side effects of a rotator would be: A Winegard HD7694P facing about 350° compass. No preamp would be needed.

If you have a desire to receive all that's available, a Winegard HD7084P mounted on a rotator would be a good option. I would try this with no preamplifier given the strong local signals that may be too strong, especially given the high gain of the 7084.

8-Aug-2012, 1:25 AM

I recommend a Winegard HD7696P antenna , no amplifier , aimed at about 340 degree magnetic compass direction.

The group of Tv stations/channels north and north west will be received.

That is All of the network channels , NBC , CBS , ABC , FOX , The CW , MyNetwork , PBS , and Many more digital main channels and digital sub channels.

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

I know it looks like many Tv channels to receive in the other directions but it really is not.

Most are Very Weak signal strength and will require Extreme measures to receive like a Winegard HD8200U antenna on a antenna rotator.

Of the the few that are stronger in the other directions , they more of the same that will be received buy aiming the HD7696P antenna at 340 degree.

More , NBC , ABC , CBS , PBS , etc.

WACS-DT Real channel 8 , virtual number (25.1) PBS is a Very Strong transmission and will be received through the back side of the HD7696P antenna that is aimed at about 340 degree magnetic compass.

If you choose to take a look at some of the other Tv stations around the compass install a Channel Master CM9521A rotor with the HD7696P antenna.

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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.

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at solidsignal by typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box.

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.amazon.com.

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As Always , trees and tree leaves do a great job of reducing or blocking reception.

Locate the antenna where there is the Least amount of obstructions in the the direction of about 340 degree magnetic compass direction , north / north west.

The Tv Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels sometimes named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.