Which antenna south of B'ham?

smheart · 15-Jan-2012, 6:18 PM

I don't mind doing an outdoor antenna. How high does it need to be and which is best for me? http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...67d9c0859d7eff

Thanks in advance!

GroundUrMast · 15-Jan-2012, 6:54 PM

You're starting out with a few advantages, strong direct signals and a significant number of them grouped together.

An Antennacraft C290 would be able to drive one to four sets with no amplifier needed. (An amplifier would be prone to overload given the strong local signals.)

Electron · 16-Jan-2012, 2:14 AM

WPXH-DT 45 ION Television , is a weak digital channel that is requiring the use of a large antenna. Install outdoor roof top antenna that is strong durable and long lasting outside in the weather. Install a Winegard HD7084P antenna aimed at about 35 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Install above the roof at about 25 feet above ground. Here are some antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com.909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html. For 1 tv connection no amplifier will be needed. For 2 tv connections use a Channel Master CM3412 distribution amplifier. For 3 or 4 tv connections use a CM3414 distribution amplifier. Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.channelmasterstore.com , http://www.solidsignal.com. http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.3starinc.com

Dave Loudin · 16-Jan-2012, 2:48 AM

You have two recommendations that differ only in size. Electron suggests using a large antenna to go for the ION station that's far weaker than others in that direction. I favor the smaller antenna for this technical reason: the sensitivity of your TVs will be greatly reduced by the multitude of strong signals to the point that they won't be able to lock on the distant station. There is no way to amplify the ION station only, as you have to look "through" the nearby transmitters to get to it. This is similar to trying to hear someone whispering 10 feet away when there are four people right in front of you talking loudly.

Electron · 16-Jan-2012, 4:51 AM

The HD7084P will receive the tv stations just like the C290. The HD7084P antenna will reach out for WPXH. It is better to have tried and Received WPXH , or not receive. Then to not have tried at all. The distribution amplifier is not a preamp. A preamp will not help receive WPXH. The distribution amplifier is to keep the signal strength up , through out the system with these weak channels , WPXH-DT Digital 45 ION http://www.iontelevision.com , W46DK Analog 46 TBN http://www.tbn.org , WBXA-CA Analog 2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WBXA-CA , the HD7084P antenna has the long metal receiving elements for reception of WBXA-CA Analog channel 2.

smheart · 17-Jan-2012, 12:56 AM

Thank you all for your responses. I am truly clueless and there is so much information out there it becomes confusing.

How high do I need to place the antenna? I live on the top of a hill on a wooded lot if it matters. My co-ax goes into the house by my garage on the Northeast side of my house and I was thinking of putting it there. Maybe try it there and go tot the peak of the roof if it isn't good there?

Thanks again for the help!

Electron · 17-Jan-2012, 3:05 AM

I do my best to move the confusion out of the way and give a clear easy to understand answer. 99% of the time higher is better with a tv antenna. Using a outdoor roof top antenna mount will get the antenna about 25 feet high with a single level house. You need to get the antenna up high.

smheart · 21-Jan-2012, 1:49 PM

Thanks for the the responses.

My dad had a little rabbit ear set he picked up at a yard sale I brought home and plugged in just for kicks. I am getting several stations very strong just with that little thing. And I am really impressed with the quality of the picture. Ion is weak with the rabbit ears however.

My plan is to put an antenna on a mast near where the coax comes into the house already.

Thanks again for all the responses. There is so much information out there it is hard to pick through it all!

Electron · 21-Jan-2012, 11:46 PM

ION is weak with rabbit ears antenna. That means that the HD7084P antenna will 'Lock In ' reception of ION and the HD7084P antenna with it's long metal receiving elements will receive WBXA.

Mounting the HD7084P antenna above the roof of a single story house will put the antenna about 25 feet high , that will be Ok for reception.

If you choose to install a outside antenna above the roof. Come back to this/your post and let us know about the reception. of ION and WBXA and reception of other channels.