Need All The Help I Can Get

[lefty832]

Thanks for all the help that people get on here. We want to cut cable but I don't understand the language on here. I would like to reach out as far as I can to get at least the big 4 stations (abc,cbs,nbc and fox.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90ated

As far as money goes I will get what you suggest

Thanks

[rabbit73]

Welcome to the forum, lefty832

I edited this post for clarification to make it easier for you to do a signal report.

Before we can help you, we need to know about where you live, and what your signals look like.

The link you gave is not for your report, it is for the page where you enter the information for a report using the more complicated Interactive TV Coverage Browser. To generate a report using that, you have to click on Make Radar Plot >> above the right corner of the map.

This is where you should enter your information for a report:
http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?opti...pper&Itemid=29

And then you post the link to your report.

[rabbit73]

As a wild guess, does this look anything like your tvfool report, or am I way off?

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e6a419b495b2ed

[lefty832]

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e6a44e07746034

As I am a dunce when it comes to computer stuff I hope this is what you need. if not we live in Twin Falls, Idaho 83301

Thanks a bunch rabbit73

[JoeAZ]

Welcome Lefty!

You are fortunate to have very good signals for all the major networks
as well as independents and PBS. You have several antenna options at
the very least. My favorites would be the Winegard 7694P available
at Home Depot.com, Walmart.com and Amazon for around $40.00.
Another good option would be the GE 29884, also around $40.00
including the mount! Available at Amazon.com every few days at that
price. The Clearstream 2V, priced about $80.00 with the mount would
also be a good choice. Keep these things in mind. Use a good RG6 cable
using no more than 50 feet to one television at first. Avoid nearby trees
to your North. A roof mount should not be necessary. Before you drill
any holes, have someone hold the antenna about where you'd like to
mount it. Another person inside should do a scan for reception. It may
be necessary to move the antenna up, down, or otherwise to get all
your available channels. Be sure to properly ground your system. It
protects against lightening and can also enhance your reception as well.
Keep it simple, especially at first. Add more tv's later on........

[jrgagne99]

I wonder if an indoor antenna such as the Mohu Leaf would also work for most (if not all) of your green signals. My Leaf reliably picks up both of the yellow signals in my report. It is mounted to the same wall in the direction of the transmitters though.

[JoeAZ]

I suppose you could try an indoor antenna but some of those antennas
are more pricey than an outdoor antenna. Outdoor antennas will
virtually always provide more consistent reception. I always think of
an indoor antenna like a "doughnut" spare tire. They are for limited
use in an "emergency" situation. They cannot and should not be
used in lieu of proper equipment..........
If you have an HOA, they cannot prevent, impede, delay or prohibit
the installation of an outdoor tv antenna. This is per THE FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION.

[Tower Guy]

Originally Posted by jrgagne99

I wonder if an indoor antenna such as the Mohu Leaf would also work for most (if not all) of your green signals.

In this case there are low power stations 12.8 miles away. These stations are needed to get several of the major networks. The combination of distance and low power suggests a full sized antenna.

[lefty832]

I'm leaning towards the Winegard, should I get a preamplifier or anything else to get good reception, I've had some kind of cable, directv and such my whole life. I would like to get it right the first time. I can't thank you all enough for your expert advice.

[JoeAZ]

Lefty,

You should not need an amplification unless you are going to provide
signal to multiple tv sets. When you get your antenna and 50 feet
of RG6 cable, here is what I recommend you do. One person holds
the antenna and positions it to the NorthNorthEast. Run the cable
through an open window or door to ONE tv. If your set has a signal
meter, do use it. Start a scan and see which channels you receive
from the ones on your TV Fool list. You should be able to receive
all stations that are about 13 miles away. You will want to get a
"J" mount for your Winegard antenna. They are available from
MCM Electronics but if you can find an old, used DISH or Directv
mount, they will work just fine. You can insert a 5 foot mast
into the "J" mount to raise the height of your antenna. A couple
of nuts/bolts drilled through the mount/pole will make it secure in
the wind. Once you have a good, "SWEET" spot for reception be
sure to mark it or measure it. Only then should you start drilling
any holes for your mount. Keep the cable as short as possible.
If you desire more than one tv, try a signal splitter before trying
any distribution or other amplification. Don't forget to ground your
system. It protects against lightening strikes and can improve
your reception.

[lefty832]

Thanks JoeAZ, I will give it shot. Will give you a shout when I'm done. Should be done in about a week.

[lefty832]

I bought the winegard 7694p, so what type of mast and mounting should I use. I would prefer eave mount but we live in a manufactured house and the roof pitch is not the steepest,

[JoeAZ]

Originally Posted by lefty832

I bought the winegard 7694p, so what type of mast and mounting should I use. I would prefer eave mount but we live in a manufactured house and the roof pitch is not the steepest,

Hi Lefty,
As mentioned earlier, I would use either a used Dish/Directv mount or you
can buy new. MCM Electronics sells a 39 inch "J" mount for 10.99, part
number is 33-10915. You should be able to mount on your fascia and not
have to penetrate your roof. Before you drill any holes, have someone
hold the antenna in the proper direction, about where you think you may
mount and do a channel scan. If everything comes in well, great. If not,
the person will need to move the antenna up/down and around a few
feet to see if the reception improves. Hope this helps...... Joe

[rickbb]

That antenna is over 5 feet long and 3 feet wide. A J-pole screwed into the fascia board may not be sufficient under a high wind condition. Depends on what's behind the fascia, if it's a rafter beam might be ok, but I'm not a fan of the J pole mounts in general.

I'd go with an eave mount that has 2 brackets at least 2 vertical feet apart and screwed, (large lag bolts actually), into wall studs.

I'd use 10 feet of mast pole to get the antenna up at least 6 feet above your roof ridge. Signals can bounce off roofs creating multipath issues.

BUT, before you start drilling holes, either with a friend or a small TV get up on the roof with the antenna connected using a short piece of cable to the TV and walk around on the roof. Scan and rescan for the channels aiming the antenna in the direction you think will give you the best results.

You will look kind of silly and your neighbors will think you've gone nuts but you will be glad you did this before drilling holes in your house. As little as 5 feet left/right and up/down can mean good reliable reception or frustration with drop outs, pixilated distortion right in the middle of the best part of your show.

[Tower Guy]

I have used 12" wall mounts below the eaves with a mast sticking above the roof. In my case I installed three 2x6 supports horizontally between the vertical 2x4's used in the gable end roof truss. I used 1/2" plywood screwed to both the 2x6's and the 2x4's to hold the 2x6's in place. The wall brackets were mounted into the 2x6's using 2 1/2" long lag bolts.