NW Indiana (Greater Chicagoland Area)

[Gavilan]

Here's my Report

I'm right at 30 miles from Chicago in a 2 story quad level. The report shows green for all the major networks. I picked up an inexpensive antenna a few years back from monoprice and some channels 2.1, 9.1 and others were unavailable. I wasn't concerned then because I was just toying around and the antenna was on the ground floor.

Well now the family wants to cut the cable and this is a priority

I moved the antenna to a second floor bedroom closet (center of the house ) hoping for better results but reception is still hit and miss with some of the "Green" channels. I'm planning on taking that set top antenna to the attic near a northerly facing gable for a trial run in the next day or two.

I'm looking for suggestions and hoping I can get away with an attic mount antenna that I could do myself for (eventually) 3-4 TVs. If a roof mount is a must, then I'm hoping I can get referrals for an installer to do the job.

Thanks for your consideration,
~Frank


Here's the details on that set top antenna. It's connected to a SiliconDust Home Run unit at the moment, but I have a few TVs I can use if needed.

Digital TV Antenna
Specifications:

Frequency Range: 47 ~ 87 Mhz
Gain: 20dB
Noise Figure (Max) 4dB
RF output impedance: 75Ohm
RF output cable: 3C-2V/ F (or IEC) male, 180cm

Accessories-
Adapter AC120v (or 230v) / DC9V/ 100mA
Power Inserter: Insertion Loss: <2 dB
DC: Input 9~12
Output +5v (or IEC) Female
Output connector: F (or IEC) Male

Dimensions 195 x 195 x 21 mm

[elmo]

We like roof mounts here but that's not always possible. So consider that there will be a reduced signal as well as some multipath with the attic mount. The roof materials will matter too. Any metal, foil, etc will be a factor to contend with. If you can test the antenna in the attic, go for it. Worst thing is that it doesn't work and you have to look into the roof mount instead. Antennas like a clear view in the direction of the tower.

That said, I'd think that something like a Winegard 7694p would be fine on the roof, so I'd go bigger in the attic, with a 7696p instead. You'd aim just left of north based on your report. Channel 17 may come in on the backside since it's closer to you.

I'd test that out connected directly to one tuner. You can use the HDHR or a TV to test signal strengths. Once that looks good, then work on splitting it out. A splitter will create losses, which you may then need to install a pre-amp to make up for those losses.

Your reception location has receivable Digital Broadcast Tv stations/channels in All 3 Tv bands.

VHF Low band channels 2 thru 6.

VHF high band channels 7 thru 13.

UHF band channels , 14 thru 51.

I recommend a All channel antenna.

Install a Winegard HD7000R , All channel antenna aimed at about 346 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

Attic and indoor Tv reception Is Not a reception friendly location and Never Will Be a reception friendly location.

Signal attenuation , electric/electronic interference , multi-path/reflections-signals bouncing all around.

That said , the Tv transmissions reception is Very Strong Signal Strength at your location.

A antenna system amplifier is not required.

And Yes you can start with the HD7000R antenna installed in the attic.

For 1 Tv connected use No splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a simple common 2 way splitter.

For 3 Tv's connected use a simple common 3 way splitter.

For 4 Tv's connected use a simple common 4 way splitter.
_________________________________________________

As time goes by and you notice some reception issues that are not resolvable by adjusting the aim or location of the HD7000R antenna in the attic.

Then move the HD7000R antenna to above the Peak Of The Roof in such a manner that reception is not blocked by the roof or house in the directions of , north - north west , north east , east , south east.

The Winegard DS3000 , J type antenna mount , makes a good mount for the HD7000R antenna , inside or outside of the attic.

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. .

http://www.solidsignal.com.

http://www.amazon.com.

http://www.winegarddirect.com.

[GroundUrMast]

As already mentioned, the HD HomeRun makes a great test meter. Using the HDHomeRun Config Utility that was supplied with the box, you can tune to any real channel with out scanning. You then have real time readout of raw strength as well as signal quality... great for fine tuning antenna location and aim.

http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=820


I agree with the HD7000R recommendation offered by teleview, though I would not have any concern if you opted for a larger antenna, particularly if you are intent on making an attic install work well. Larger 7000 series antennas from Winegard are good choices, though they can be very challenging to re-fold if you need to remove them from the attic. Antennacraft C290 & C490 are much easier to refold as are the Channel Master CM3016 & CM-3018.

Besides reduction in signal level and quality, attic mounting puts your antenna closer to devices in your home that generate interference (computers, florescent and LED bulbs, motors, etc.) so outdoor mounting is almost always a superior choice.

[Gavilan]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the replies. I jumped the gun and ordered the 7696p. I mounted a 5 foot piece of 1 inch conduit with u-bolts in the attic in a northern gable in the attic. Reception is great & I get all the channels we needed. Now I just have to make time to run some coax to the other TVs in the home.

Thanks much for the advice from all.
~Frank

[elmo]

Well, if it works, it works! I see I missed Ch 4, which I am not sure the 7696 tunes for you. Which may not matter as you have a Fox channel already; a benefit of being in a decent market.

Would you be able to share a few of your signal strength #'s for various channels? Like the best, worst, PBS-56, etc. I am always curious on the results details.

As for the splits, get the right splitter based on the outputs needed. Cap any that are unused. Then compare your signal strengths again and see if you still get what you got. If not, you may have to add an amp between splitter and antenna.

Quote , "Which may not matter as you have a Fox channel already ; "

Implies , leads one to believe , that WOCK is Fox.

This is WOCK Real Digital channel 4.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WOCK-CD.

This is MundoFox , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MundoFox.

This is Fox , http://www.fox.com.