Penn State tailgate equipment help needed
 

Ok guys. I need your help. The more I read, the more confused I get.
Here is what I am hoping to do. I want to set up a nice LED TV for Penn State home games. I would appreciate any and all advice you guys could lend.
Here is what I have so far.

Honda inverter/generator 2000u

Insignia 48" LED - 1080p - HDTV

Now here's where I need some help. What antenna to buy?
I plan on putting the antenna on a pole and raising it up about 8-10 feet.
My parking passes are in lot 12
Here is a map.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/...ing-map-16.pdf

I put in the corner of park ave and University ave,

The only channels I want to get are CBS, ABC, NBC. If I get more great, but all we want to do is watch the major games while not in the game.

I'm looking at Marathon antenna, but don't know if there is a better, easier, cheaper option. I was looking for something smaller and fairly simple to set up.

And and all advise would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Jack

This is the TV Fool Report for Lot 12: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e2cbb746f8bff9

Here's a translation for the first few stations in the report:
W42DG Channel 42 = WJAC NBC
WHVL Channel 27 = WHVL MYTV
WHVL Channel 29 = WHVL MYTV
W36BE Channel = WNEP ABC

The Marathon antenna is not exactly the best choice.

You don't have any VHF antennas. I'd probably start with a small UHF antenna and aim it at the direction of the channel you want.

I would think that something like this
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=HDB4X&d

Pointed at roughly 220 degrees magnetic would give you a reasonable expectaion of getting the major networks.

Since this is going to be a mobile setup I'd look at a telescoping mast. Mount it to your bumper or in the bed of a pickup truck.

I'd also use a rotor to help with aiming to dial it in every time you setup.

Thanks guys for the prompt replies already. Please forgive my ignorance.
Would there any antenna that I could just hoist it up and not have to fool around with aiming it?
Or a antenna that would give me the best reception for under $200 and be idiot proof?
Just curious.
Thanks in advance.
Jack

While I must commend you on your enthusiasm on getting a portable rig set up, I think I'd be a bit nervous w/ all of the balls, bean bags and beer flying back and forth. Not to mention, the freezing temps.

If you don't care to get involved w/ a rotor, at least keep a compass and wrench handy for lining it up every time.

Good luck and have fun!

You can get really good antennas for under $200, some for as little as $50. You will have to aim it no matter what you buy/make, even if it's just grab the pole and twist it back and forth while watching the signal meter on the TV, (if it has one).

Tony. Are you sure I should point it at roughly 220 degrees magnetic?
When I look at the chart, it seems to say 240ish. Am I missing something?

Thanks again for everyone's help. I'll let you know how I made out this weekend.

I ordered the Antenna that you recommend, but it's not in yet. I will use the marathon sat and then return it.
Jack

You'll need to fudge a bit towards 193 because your NBC station is strongest there.
I don't think you'll get WJAC at 241 so I would go with W42DG

Ok. Now I see why you gave me that coordinate.

Looks like the weather is going to be great in state college Saturday.
I'll post my results.
Thanks again,
Jack.

Well here is my report guys. We got to PSU at 9:30. It took me about 1 hour to set the tents, tables, and TV up. Grabbed my new compass and rotated the antenna to 220 degrees did a channel scan and got 25 channels. Well more then I could have ever expected. We watched the PSU pre game show until noon.
Virginia Tech game, LSU game, and USC game.
No problems. It was a perfect day.
Now I want to build a waterproof cabinet and mount my TV on my hitch.
Thanks again!!!

So what antenna did you use? How high did you mount it? Enquiring minds want to know.

Equally important, the Nittany Lions trounced Kent State 33-13 and a very young team played very well.

Sorry guys. I forgot you are very, very detail oriented people here. Which is a good thing.
Antenna: I used the marathon. Just because I already ordered it and the HDB4X was not delivered yet. I can see why the marathon is not a good portable choice. It big and fairly heavy.
Tripod: I put it in the back of my truck and raised it up about 18 feet.

I admit. I loved having live TV outside the stadium.
I am looking to pick up a cheap Dish network rig so I can really get any game we want.

Thanks again.