Antenna Help

toad · 3-Apr-2014, 7:31 PM

A family member has passed along a Antennas Direct DB8e antenna. I'm guessing this will be overkill for my location. Without any experience in this matter, I was thinking I would point half of the antenna in the 164 degree direction where the majority of the stations reside and the other half in the 51 degree direction to pick up PBS. I would love to use this antenna (the price was right!) if it will work for my situation.

I am planning on installing an antenna in the attic space above my garage (12-15 ft above ground). The garage roof is wood truss and asphalt shingles. The only obstructions will be a few very tall trees (40 - 60 ft. tall). I should also note that there is a radio station antenna about 2-3 miles away if that is helpful information.

Below is the TV Signal Analysis Report:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...5b944e9df8f1f1

I appreciate any feedback and suggestions. Thank you for your time.

ADTech · 3-Apr-2014, 9:50 PM

Take half of the antenna and put it in the attic. Prop it up and face it southeast and it will likely do the job. Adjust as needed. If it does, give the other half of the antenna to a friend or neighbor and they can do likewise.

toad · 4-Apr-2014, 2:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADTech

Take half of the antenna and put it in the attic. Prop it up and face it southeast and it will likely do the job. Adjust as needed. If it does, give the other half of the antenna to a friend or neighbor and they can do likewise.

Thank you very much for the reply. To better understand, would using the full antenna provide "too much" gain? Would I risk damaging a TV tuner or increase the negative effects of multipathing? Any clarification to help build a better fundamental knowledge base would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for the neophyte questions, I am trying to learn more to help friends and family members that are considering "cutting the cord".

ADTech · 4-Apr-2014, 4:48 PM

"High gain" is achieved by making the antenna more directional (more focused). You won't damage anything by using the DB8e in its full configuration, you just likely don't need it.

Since you brought up the subject of multipath, one of the primary tools for fighting it does happen to be a more directional (higher gain) antenna. One of those ironies of your situation.