Antenna Advice
 

Hi all,

We recently moved into a new place (Condo in Kemptville, Ontario, Canada - 45.00.448 -75.38.589)

Decided not to deal with the Cable rip-off - Only really watch PBS and sports anyways. The amplified rabbit ears I had picked up 5 or 6 Ottawa channels, so I decided to try something else. Bought a cheap clone 4 bay antenna that you assemble yourself (Kross). Built a stand for it and put an amp and the reception is much much better. However, stations like the PBS booster in Massina NY (18.1) BARELY flicker. It seems they are right on the edge of reception. These channels especially I would like to be able to pick up.

My questions are :

1- Is it worth my time to go buy a name brand 8 bay antenna? Will that help to push me over the edge of reception? If I receive a 40% signal strength with the 4 bay, how much would you expect the strength to increase with an 8 Bay. I don't mind investing if people think an 8 bay will help push me over the edge. Our deck is about 25 feet off the ground and its a clear path to both locations where the American stations broadcast (Watertown and Massina)

2- There are a few other channels (2-9) that I think should be coming in. Do I need to buy an additional VHF antenna and mount it as well? I have read that combining dissimilar antennas creates a problem.

If an 8 bay is the way to go, would you recommend I just buy another cheap 4 bay and link them up with same length cables? Will it matter if it is a different model of 4 bay antenna but of similar design? - OR is it best I just swallow the pill and buy a NEW 8 bay antenna that is of better quality?

Thanks for you help in advance.

Mike

Old tvfool report using provided coordinates.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...cc49db753d6690.
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The following recommendation is updated to reflect the new tvfool report below.

For reception of the Canada Digital Tv stations/channels and USA Digital PBS.

Install a Antennas Direct - Clear Stream 2 UHF/VHF , http://www.antennasdirect.com/store/...VHF-Combo.html , antenna with a Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp aimed at about 140 degree magnetic compass direction.

Remove the Reflector Screen from the CS2V antenna and the CS2V will receive 2 directions , the Canada and USA Digital Tv stations/channels.

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

The CS2V antenna will be installed above the roof in such a manner that the roof and building are not blocking reception to the , south east , north west.

Some common antenna mounts are , tripod antenna mount , eave antenna mount , chimney antenna mount.

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.saveandreplay.com , http://www.trentondistributors.com , http://www.amazon.ca , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.winegarddirect.com.

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For 1 Tv connected use no splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a , HFS-2D , 2 way splitter.

For 3 Tv's connected use a , HFS-3D , 3 way splitter.

Buy the HFS splitters at , http://www.solidsignal.com or http://www.hollandelectronics.com

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As always , trees and tree leaves do a real fine job of reducing or blocking Digital Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions including the Condo building.

It is best to install antenna/s at a location that has the least amount to no amount of obstructions of any type or kind in the directions of reception including the Condo building.

The Tv/s Must Channel Scan for the Digital Broadcast Tv Channels , sometimes named the 'Air Channels' or 'Antenna Channels' in the Tv setup nenu because the Tv transmissions travel through the air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

Not sure if I am supposed to post this as well, but here it is.

Thanks Again.
M


http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...cc490674488365

If the updated tvfool report is the correct location.

This changes the recommendation and makes the Canada and USA Digital Tv stations/channels easy to receive.

See the updated recommendation.