Hello,
I'd like some opinions on a new TV antenna. I have the antenna that came with my house, it looks like an old Winegard with preamp and a Channelmaster rotator. The old antenna has some bent and loose elements. I can't find the model number on it, but it's a combination VHF/UHF, and the UHF section is short.
I live in SE Wisconsin, so I need something that will stand up to wind and snow. And I need to be able to shoot through a big maple tree that is right in line with the NE azimuth I need to point toward to pick up Milwaukee channels.
When I use the antenna "wizards" on some of the manufacturer sites, I come up with Winegard HD7697 or HD7698, or AntennaCraft HBU 44 or 55. I e-mailed Solid Signal to ask their recommendation, and they came back with the Winegard HD8200U, which I question because I don't really need the low VHF stuff.
Link to my signal analysis:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e779de897c9811
I'd like to get the high VHF and UHF channels. And the only VHF channel I really need is RF 8. The old antenna works, but it's frustrating because stations that are only 40 miles away are hit and miss. I'm really having trouble with RF 24, 35, and 46. So I guess I'd like to reliable be able to receive everything within 50 miles. If I can pull in some of the 75 mile stations (Chicago), that would be a bonus, but not necessary.
I'm leaning towards the Winegard 7697, but the 7698 is only $20-30 more. And if I go this route, with an AP8700 preamp be enough? I don't know enough to know what part of the fringe I'm considered, and it looks like you guys know what you're doing, so I'd appreciate any advice I can get. I'm a DIY type, but I might have have an installer come out, and I at least want to know what'll work before he tries to sell me whatever's handy in the truck.
Thanks for any advice you can give.