Antenna Upgrade

kw52981 · 1-Dec-2011, 5:09 PM

TV Fool Results

Height was set to 35'.
Close to a downtown however all large structures are not in the direction of TV signals.
Interested in channels 2, 8, 12 26, 45. Anything else is a bonus.
Currently using a Weinguard MS200 mounted above the roof level. Ths was previously mounted in the attic. When it was moved outside little or no improvemet in signal. The signal is currently watchable. Signal drops out on a regular (once per 2 min or so) basis.

I have looked through forum topics but have yet to find someone in a similar situation , i.e. with major stations at or near 180 degrees of each other.

My ideal setup would be to have a attic mounted antenna(s). This will be serving three devices, HTPC and 2 TVS(one with DTV tuner and one currently still using a converter box).

Any help is greatly appreciated!

GroundUrMast · 1-Dec-2011, 5:51 PM

The location symptoms described make me suspect multipath. An omnidirectional antenna has the least capability of overcoming that difficulty.

A 4-bay panel antenna would be worth trying. It will have a bit more directivity which will reduce some multipath interference if it's arriving from the side of the antenna. With the antenna facing SE, you should still expect to receive WXII and WUNL.

I'm thinking of antennas such as the Antennacraft U4000, Antennas Direct DB-4, etc.

Electron · 1-Dec-2011, 5:53 PM

Please go to private message for reception information.

kw52981 · 1-Dec-2011, 6:24 PM

What if any amplifier would be needed for this type of setup? (DB4 or similar) Again it would be great if i could get away with mounting this in my large empty attic.

Also is the DB4E worth the extra money?

GroundUrMast · 1-Dec-2011, 6:40 PM

I'm not convinced you will need any amplifier... There should be enough power in the air to drive a passive 3-way splitter. If not, you would need to use a high input amplifier such as the Winegard HDP-269 or Antennas Direct CPA-19. Other amplifier designs are likely to be overloaded by the combination of strong local signals including FM stations.

I've not had the DB4e in hand. It comes from a manufacturer who has earned a good reputation. The published "Gain vs. Azimuth" http://www.antennasdirect.com/cmss_f...y/DB4E-TDS.pdf suggests it could work quite well for you. You want signal to make it in 'the back door' so you can receive WXII and WUNL.

@ Antennas Direct, Thanks for publishing more detailed information for your antenna products.
@ Channel Master, Can you take a hint?