Am I in range of being able to do an attic installed antenna? Any recommendations?

[sippinhenn]

I've been using a basic Radioshack OTA antenna setup, but want to do an attic install.


Here is my report: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...823016b1318656

I am considering this antenna: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I am thinking this one would be a good option but wanted to get some opinions. Thanks in advance!

[ADTech]

It depends:

1. What your roof/siding is made of - certain materials, especially ones with a metallic content, block signals.

2. What's outside the roof that is or might be in the signal path - buildings, trees, hills, other structures, etc.

3. What stations you want to receive reliably.

4. Your signal distribution requirements.

[sippinhenn]

1. Standard roof and siding. Not 100% sure of materials. Home is ~20 years old in central TX (if that helps).

2. Some trees and a couple hills, no large structures.

3. ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX. (PBS, ION, CW, etc would be nice but not absolute)

4. Probably just one TV, 2 MAX.

[ADTech]

1. Metal siding (if a gable), TechShield shingles, radiant barrier insulation are the worst offenders.

2. Trees or anything else directly in the signal path will reduce the reliability of any forecast as they can cause very severe effects to happen to the incoming signals. You will need to do a careful site survey to see how clear of a signal path you have available in the required direction(s) is available in order to estimate your odds.

3.
a. All of your major networks, including PBS which is on that heading, transmit from a tower farm on the other side of Calaveras Lake. That will be your primary aiming direction.
b. CW comes from the north-northwest and operates on VHF 5. I'd be surprised if you didn't need "special" measures" to get it.
c. ION comes from a non-standard direction and probably will require "special measures" to assure reception.

4. Good, probably won't be able to use an amp due to very strong locals (if they're on the air).

[sippinhenn]

No metal on the roof, just regular siding.

I do have some shorter oak trees in the front of the yard. I have been using this antenna http://comingsoon.radioshack.com/rad...l#.VYR3VRNVhBc on the ground pointing the same direction and it works pretty good.