New to OTA - Help in Boulder, CO (Denver stations)

jnothwang · 27-Jan-2013, 7:49 PM

I am new to OTA and just installed my antenna yesterday.

Channel Master CM3010: http://www.channelmasterstore.com/Di..._p/cm-3010.htm

It's in the attic, aimed at the Denver stations, but unfortunately I only get one major network (NBC - channel 9) and that only sporadically.

Any ideas as to how I pick up CBS and ABC in addition to NBC? I have not yet installed a signal amplifier - currently the antenna is running on RG-6 from the attic to a junction box, then throughout the house using existing in-wall cabling. It's a long run with a few splices so that may be the issue, but before installing amps for each TV (or getting a different antenna) I want to make sure I can get the three networks in the first place (or may have to go back to Comcast!).

TV Fool report is at http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...1dda869fd07abd

Any guidance on next steps, including recommendations on a different antenna (that will fit in the attic) - this one was recommended by the folks at Crutchfield - is appreciated!

Josh

jnothwang · 27-Jan-2013, 8:04 PM

I should add that I'll have two TVs connected, and unfortunately an attic installation is my only option. My HOA doesn't allow exterior antennas.

Thanks!

GroundUrMast · 27-Jan-2013, 8:24 PM

A small antenna in an attic is not going to be up to the task. That you see a signal from KUSA is quite remarkable, the conditions shown on your TV Fool report are 'deep fringe'.

For what it's worth, the FCC is on your side. Their OTARD rules supersede the HOA and any zoning rules. http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-r...n-devices-rule The FCC has put rules in place which protect your right to use an antenna large enough to receive the signals you want.

Having said that, the mountainous terrain around you is quite challenging. I'm not willing to say you have no hope of receiving the UHF signals from Denver, but to have any chance at it, you need to mount outside, in the clear, as high as practical. You'll need to use the largest available UHF antenna, Antennas Direct 91XG or Winegard HD9095P. I can't guaranty success.

The VHF signals are a bit easier, an Antennacraft Y10713 or YA1713 from Winegard would be my choice.

You can combine the UHF and VHF signals with a UVSJ. I would use a separate preamp on each antenna, then combine the signals. The Kitztech KT-200-COAX or Antennas Direct PA-18 would be good options for preamps.

jnothwang · 27-Jan-2013, 8:45 PM

GroundUrMast, thanks.

I don't own my roof so cannot mount outside, unfortunately. Have to do an attic installation.

A few more details: the antenna is currently mounted 22 feet above grade. Also, I'm interested only in NBC, CBS, and ABC. Right now with the CM3010 I get about 20 stations, but only NBC of the big three. Great reception for NBC when it's on, but it doesn't seem to hold a signal. When positioning the antenna I could get either NBC and CBS (at different orientations) but never both.

And a few questions: knowing that I'm only interested in NBC, CBS, and ABC, will I need both a UHF and VHF antenna, or VHF only? Also, the RG-6 from the antenna to the cable box is 100 ft, though I only need about 30 ft of that; would swapping for a shorter cable help at all? (I bought my cable before knowing where the cable run was in the attic.)

Thanks again.

28-Jan-2013, 3:02 AM

Is this a , house , town home , condo , apartment , mobile home , motor home , or etc. ??
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Attics are not a reception friendly environment because of the attenuation and signal reflections , multipath.

In the attic install a Winegard YA1713 antenna with a Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp.

Aimed at about 165 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

For 1 tv connected use No splitter.

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

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

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Here is another way.

If there are any of those small satellite dishes (dish network or direct tv or FTA dishes) on the Outside of the building.

Then.

Here is a Broadcast Tv Antenna that is made to look like a (small dish) on purpose.

The http://www.antennacraft.net , http://www.antennacraft.net/pdfs/HDX1000.pdf , http://www.antennacraft.net/Manuals/HDX1000_manual.pdf.

-->Do Not<--> put the HDX1000 in the attic.

The reason is the HDX1000 will not receive any better then the CM3010 in the attic.

The point and purpose of the HDX1000 is to be on the Outside of the building for reception because it looks like a small satellite dish.

Install the HDX1000 UP HIGH on the Outside of the building.

So the HDX1000 clears the high point of the roof in the directions of , north and south / south west.

Aim the HDX1000 at about 165 degree magnetic compass direction.

Your location has Tv stations to the south / south west.

KBDI-TV REAL VHF Digital channel 13 , virtual number (12.1-2-3) PBS.

KMGH-TV REAL VHF Digital channel 7 , virtual number (7.1-2-3-4) ABC and Azteca America and Cool Tv and 24/7 News.

KUSA-DT REAL VHF Digital channel 09 , virtual number (9.1) NBC and AccuWeather.

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And to the north.

KQCK REAL VHF Digital channel 11 , virtual number (33.1) MundoFox.

And it is a real stretch that ,

KZDE-LD REAL UHF Digital channel 14 , virtual number (x.1) Religion. Might be received.

KFCT-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 21 , virtual number (22.1-2) FOX and Antenna Tv , might be received.

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As always , trees and tree leaves do a real good job of , reflecting , reducing , blocking , Digital Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions including your own roof and building.

It is best to install the antenna 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 roof and building the antenna is installed in on.

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

Some Digital Tv's will automatic channel scan for cable tv channels.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

Go into the Tv setup menu and select , Digital , 'Air Channels / 'Antenna Channels'.

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