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1-Sep-2011, 12:22 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 3
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So many options!
I hope someone with more knowledge & experience is willing to help us out with the decisions we are facing.
Current situation - We have no cable option where we live, but have been using satellite for our TV reception. We get local station using an OLD antenna that has been in our attic for years. My husband is in the process of installing a TV tower that will result in having the TV antenna (not yet purchased) about 50' from the ground. We live in a relatively flat area with only gentle hills for miles and miles in all directions.
My question(s) -
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...9e74c659137e82 is a link to the report here. Which antenna would be best for us? We think we will need a rotor, but which one? A pre-amp? A amp? What about cable and connections needed?
My husband is very capable and willing to do the install, but we just don't have the knowledge/experience in which components to buy to put a good system together. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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1-Sep-2011, 11:58 PM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 3
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Thank YOU!
My husband is wondering if we will need a rotor to access the channels in the 38-40 degree direction? If so, do you have a recommendation?
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2-Sep-2011, 12:48 AM
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#4
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Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Posts: 4,773
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Reception of the stations NE of you will require the larger HD7698P.
Consumer grade rotators will be tested by the load that antenna will put on them. Compare the Channel Master CM9521 versus the heavy duty Hy-Gain AR-40. If you are in windy country, the heavy duty rotator may be worth the substantial difference in price.
Regarding preamplifiers, I lean slightly in favor of the Antennas Direct CPA-19. It's a bit better regarding both noise and resistance to ESD damage (nearby lighting activity).
__________________
If the well is dry and you don't see rain on the horizon, you'll need to dig the hole deeper. (If the antenna can't get the job done, an amp won't fix it.)
(Please direct account activation inquiries to 'admin')
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2-Sep-2011, 2:21 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,697
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Tv Antennas and Reception
The same network channels in both directions so there is no need to receive the stations to the north east. Also the stations to the north east are Very Weak - single digit NM(dB) numbers , and will need to use the HD7698P antenna to receive them. You can find out what networks are being transmitted by the Tv stations by typing the Tv station call signs like this --> kfdx tv , in the google search box.
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2-Sep-2011, 2:32 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,697
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Tv Antennas and Reception
Your location is a lightning and storm prone , I recommend a coax grounding block connected to electric service ground or if electric service ground is not doable the a cold water pipe ground or drive a 6 foot ground rod in the ground. Here is a picture of a coax ground block , http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master.../dp/B000BPEZKK
Last edited by John Candle; 2-Sep-2011 at 2:44 AM.
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2-Sep-2011, 12:18 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 381
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Candle
The same network channels in both directions so there is no need to receive the stations to the north east. Also the stations to the north east are Very Weak - single digit NM(dB) numbers , and will need to use the HD7698P antenna to receive them. You can find out what networks are being transmitted by the Tv stations by typing the Tv station call signs like this --> kfdx tv , in the google search box.
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Sometimes it is wise to obtain stations from a secondary market even if it means replicating the existing network lineup. Often times programming can be pre empted for a sporting event on the local network station and if the regular program is important to the viewer, having the option to watch it on a secondary market network station is important.
Also, sub channels vary from market to market. One network station in one market won't necessarily have the same sub channel lineup as the other.
To the OP. Go to Wikipedia and put in the call letters of each station in your primary and secondary markets and see which stations you really will watch and if their sub channels have stations that interest you. Then you can best decide if you need the bigger antenna to obtain the secondary market signals.
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2-Sep-2011, 7:30 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 3
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Thank you for the information!
The reason we want to access the stations NE of us is for the local weather information. Although they are further away from us (than other local stations), they have weathermen with years of experience and are the very best in weather (most especially tornado) predictions.
Strong winds and awesome lightning displays are just a way of life here on the plains, so the extra protection again that type of damage is definitely a must.
If i have followed along correctly, the final shopping list looks like -
Antenna = HD7698P
Pre-amp= Winegard HDP-269 or Antennas Direct CPA-19
Rotater = Channel Master CM9521 or Hy-Gain AR-40
coax grounding block - (husband put a 6' copper pipe in ground when he poured the concrete pad for the antenna tower)
Cable = not sure. 75' of 4-quad?
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2-Sep-2011, 10:43 PM
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#10
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Moderator
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Posts: 4,773
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Candle
Your location is a lightning and storm prone , I recommend a coax grounding block connected to electric service ground or if electric service ground is not doable the a cold water pipe ground or drive a 6 foot ground rod in the ground. Here is a picture of a coax ground block , http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master.../dp/B000BPEZKK |
I agree, grounding the tower, and coax shield is well worth the cost. Connecting to the existing electrical service ground is the the best choice, worth extra effort if needed.
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=901
__________________
If the well is dry and you don't see rain on the horizon, you'll need to dig the hole deeper. (If the antenna can't get the job done, an amp won't fix it.)
(Please direct account activation inquiries to 'admin')
Last edited by GroundUrMast; 3-Sep-2011 at 7:52 AM.
Reason: I was sounding too grim.
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2-Sep-2011, 10:55 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,697
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Tv Antennas and Reception
Yes the shopping list is correct. Yes RG-6 quad shield can be used , it is stronger and more durable. Always look inside of coax connector on the ends of the coax , see if the foil shied and shield wires are pushed in toward the center conductor that carries the signal , if so , push the foil shield and shield wires away from the center conductor.
Last edited by John Candle; 2-Sep-2011 at 11:18 PM.
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