Would welcome your antenna recommendations for 2 locations

[RickInNJ]

Hi,

This is a fantastic site compared to others (e.g. Antenna web). Thanks so much for all your tremendous work and help here!

Our location and specifics (in Central NJ):

• Antenna likely to be mounted on chimney or roof, ~25-30 feet above ground.
• Have tried an indoor amplified (Mohu), and gotten ~13-16 stations from Philadelphia if antenna is put on a glass door (inconvenient).
• Surrounded by trees close to the house, esp. to the north, but would like to pull in NYC channels if that's possible.
• Wondering if a good multi-directional would work for both NYC (NE from here) and Philadelphia (SW from here) channels, or whether a rotor would strictly be advisable.
• Your recommendations on a pre-amplifier would also be most welcome.
• Site Specifics: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...9900a6c709b466

My parents (in central VA) are also considering pulling the plug on cable:

• Attic install might be ideal (non-invasive).
• Roof mount or possibly cheap tower may be possible. What would you recommend for each?
• Some tall nearby trees to the South.
• Would mostly like to pickup (North) DC channels, but possibly some to the South if that's possible/easy.
• Would a good multi-directional work here, or would you suggest directional? (with rotor?)
• Your pre-amplifier thoughts here? [Would guess the same as above, but don't know.]
• Site Specifics: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...9900a6f6785d5f

Last question: We expect good results in NJ given that the Mohu mostly worked and an external antenna should provide better. Would you think a trial of the antenna recommended for NJ (e.g. by holding it up manually in a PVC pipe or similar before doing any mounting) at the VA location would provide a good estimate of what reception would be possible??


Thank you yet again for all, and for this peerless service!

[GroundUrMast]

What is the maximum number of TVs that will be connected at the same time during the life of this antenna system?

Both Philadelphia and NY are available to you. The trees sound as though they could pose some trouble though. Mounting high and in the clear is going to pay more than any other single factor.

You could attempt to go after the NY signals with a large high gain all channel antenna such as the Winegard HD7084P. The strong locals from Philly would be received through the back of the antenna.

If I were in this situation, I'd use two antennas. The Philly direction would be a Winegard HD7080P. I would cable the two as independent systems. One antenna terminated in the main TV tuner, the second in an HD set top box tuner attached to the HDMI input of the TV or Home Theater amp.

I would expect to use a preamp or distribution amplifier, but I need to know how many TVs.

[GroundUrMast]

This looks like a Winegard HD7698P and an Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp.

If a single TV is going to be connected, a rotator makes sense to me.

NTE U-106 and NTE TB-105

http://www.3starinc.com/

[signals unlimited]

For reception of both NYC and Philadelphia, there are two possible aproaches:

1. Use two Winegard HD7000R antennas ( a good subsitute Antennacraft AC9). Mount on a single mast with three feet between the antennas on your roof. Aim one antenna to 254 degrees and the other to 60 degrees magnetic. You must run seperate coax from both antennas and connect to an A/B switch to go from one location to the other. Radio Shack sells a remote A/B switch.

2. Use one HD7000R or eq. mounted on your roof in a rotor. I recommend the Eagel Aspen Roto 100. This rotor operates off of the signal coax eliminating the need for a rotor cable, available at www.solidsignals.com.

A good all around mount for either system is a 3' tripod, also available ae Solid Signals.

I will look at the other location and post later.

[RickInNJ]

Very much obliged, Ground. Great thoughts and starting to look at the antennas and accessories you suggest for a good think through.

Sorry, 1 main TV in each location; don't really need more.

To get a rough idea of what's possible for VA reception (before installing an antenna in NJ), holding up the HD 7084P (or even HD 7080P) high in a piece of PVC pipe should work, yes? Just want to know the rough situation there before spending the $$.

The Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp should also work in NJ if the HD 7084P was directed at NYC, and not risk flooding the signal for Philly, correct? [Could always turn it off for Philly stations, I guess.]

Please do not get my recommendations mixed up with other recommendations.

For reception of Philadelphia.

There is WPVI-DT VHF low band channel 6 ABC to receive so a Big All Channel antenna is required.

Above the roof install a Winegard HD7084P antenna aimed at about 230 degree magnetic compass for the the reception of the south west groups of Tv stations/channels.

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

For 1 Tv connected use no splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a common simple 2 way splitter.

For 3 or 4 Tv's connected use Channel Master CM3414 distribution amplifier.

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For reception of NYC there is also VHF low band channel to receive , WKOB-LD channel 2 , http://www.hottvchannel.com.

For reception install a second antenna system that is Exactly the same as the first antenna system.

Aim the antenna at about 40 degree magnetic compass.

The 2 antenna systems Will Not be connected together on to one coax.

The 2 antenna systems Will Be Separate all the way to the Tv/s where the 2 separate antenna systems will connect to a Remote control A/B antenna switch , http://www.radioshack.com , # 15-1968 , or , http://www.mcmelectronics.com , # 32-4425.


Using A/B antenna switches Is Channel Surfing Friendly press the button on the hand held remote control , change antennas and keep on channel surfing.


Using one antenna and a antenna rotator Is Not channel surfing friendly , must wait for antenna to rotate , and not every one in the house will agree on where the antenna is pointed.


I recommend install one antenna system first , the Philadelphia antenna system , and later install the NYC system if you choose.


Here are some Strong and Sturdy antenna mounts , http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com.

Buy the ronard antenna mounts at solidsignal by typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box.

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

[RickInNJ]

Signals Unlimited, that's a very interesting thought, thanks! Two low-cost antennas, one in each direction, is intriguing. The risk is sure low.

Teleview, many thanks as well for your suggestions. If going with the HD7084P, will likely try the two different orientations manually to see what comes in, then see if opting for a 2nd antenna is worth it or install a rotor.

Do either of you see an issue with going with a good pre-amp like the Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp as GroundURMast suggests?

If either of you also have thoughts about the 2nd VA location, I'd be curious to hear them too if you have time.

Much obliged to all, thanks for your time and help!

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

Do Not channel scan for cable tv channels.

[signals unlimited]

The Virginia location has many channels from many directions. The best antenna set up for there is the Winegard HD7697 in a rotor. I like the Eagel Aspen Roto 100
due to the ease of installation and tuning accuracy. The recommended rotor NTE is rock solid.

Use a Winegard AP 8700 pre-amplifier. This will allow for reception of the weaker stations and provide enough signal to drive four or more sets using a splitter.

[GroundUrMast]

Originally Posted by RickInNJ

...
To get a rough idea of what's possible for VA reception (before installing an antenna in NJ), holding up the HD 7084P (or even HD 7080P) high in a piece of PVC pipe should work, yes? Just want to know the rough situation there before spending the $$.

The Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp should also work in NJ if the HD 7084P was directed at NYC, and not risk flooding the signal for Philly, correct? [Could always turn it off for Philly stations, I guess.]

The 7084 can be a challenge to refold... but if you have a way to transport it, it will be a good test antenna in VA.

The problem with virtually all preamps is they don't pass any signal with the power disconnected. You could inquire at www.tinlee.com regarding a pair of coaxial relays that would switch the amplifier in or out of the circuit on demand. http://www.jfwindustries.com/product...es-364-75.html is another possible source.

Please do not get my recommendations mixed up with other recommendations.
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For the first antenna system I recommended do not use a preamp , the Tv transmissions are strong.
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For testing the second antenna systems direction , use the first antenna system as a test antenna.

The VHF low band channels are not as strong at NYC.

Try reception of the VHF low band channels as the first system is set up.

If reception is poor on the weaker channels with , 3 , 4 , Tv's connected.

Remove the CM3414 distribution amplifier.

Or if reception is poor on the weaker channels with 1 or 2 Tv's connected.

And connect the CPA-19 preamp in the system.

When the CPA-19 is used for NYC reception.

For one Tv connection use No splitter.

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

For 3 Tv's connected use a , HFS-3D , 3 way splitter.

For 4 tv's connected use a , HFS-4D , 4 way splitter.

The HFS splitters pass power from the power supply/power injector in the house out to the actual preamp mounted close to the antenna.

http://www.hollandelectronics.com , also at , http://www.solidsignal.com.

[RickInNJ]

Thanks all.

Looking more closely at the sizes of most of the Winegard units above, refolding and transport for any of them does look like a challenge.

The HD7084P, HD7697, HD7080P, and HD7698 all seem pretty similar in size. Some differences in reception, but all sound pretty good. If going rotor, is the HD7697 easier for some reason, or would any of these do well? As a novice in this area (but someone who can usually think things through reasonably in the end), I'm not sure what the "turning radius" specification really means, and whether there's some sort of restriction or impediment to using any of these with a rotor.

Do you have to ground any antenna to the power line as shown here for the HD700R? http://www.winegard.com/kbase/upload/1451001.pdf

Thanks again.

Please do not get my recommendations mixed up with other recommendations.
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Your location has receivable Tv channels in all three Tv bands.

VHF low band channels 2 thru 6.

VHF high band channels 7 thru 13.

UHF band 14 thru 51.

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The HD7084P and HD7080P antennas are designed to receive All 3 Tv Bands.
The HD7084P antenna has more gain on low band channel 2 thru 6 and that is important for your reception situation.


_________________________________________

The HD7697P and HD7698P antennas are not designed for VHF low band reception.

The HD7697P and HD7698P antennas are designed for VHF high band 7 thru 13 and UHF band 14 thru 51.

Please do not get my recommendations mixed up with other recommendations.

Ok , for Central VA. at your parents location.

NO ROTOR Required.

When folowing my recommendations , wipe the word rotor from your mind.

There are currently No Digital VHf low band channels 2 thru 6 to receive , at your parents house.

There for can use a antenna that does not receive the VHF low band , a HD7697P antenna.

However Yes you can still use a All channel antenna , HD7084P antenna.

The HD7084P antenna is a All channel antenna and as such will be ready for what ever Tv stations/channels are transmitted now or in the future.

The antenna mounts that I recommended for your location can also be used here at your parents location.

The North East Group of Tv stations/channels has a Full Line Up of Network Channels and many more will be received. NBC , CBS , ABC , PBS , FOX , The CW , MyNetwork , ION , and , many , many , more will be received.

So install a Winegard HD7697P antenna , (or HD7084P antenna) , with a Channel Master CM 7778 preamp aimed at about 50 degree magnetic compass direction.

For 1 Tv connection use no splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use , HFS-2D.

3 Tv's , HFS-3D.

4 Tv's , HFS-4D.


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


DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.


The south east group and south west group of Tv stations/channels Do Not look like a full line up of channels.

You can spend a weekend experimenting with the HD7697P antenna and see if the south east and south west groups of Tv stations/channels are worth installing a second antenna for.


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This is how I find out what programing / channels / digital main channel and sub channels are being broadcast by Tv stations.

In the google search box type in varations of the Tv stations call sign , Example ,

wrc , wrc tv , wrc-tv , wrc 48 , wrc-tv 48 , and etc.


wpxw , wpxw tv , wpxw dt , wpxw-dt , wpxw 34 and etc.


The 2 main information sites that will pop up are , wikipedia.org and rabbitears.info

[signals unlimited]

The turning radias is the dimension from the antenna mounting point to the longest end of the antenna. The rotor would only be needed if you want to receive channels more than 30 degrees from your point of aim. The all channel antenna should be used if you want to receive any of the receivable channels on report that fall below channel 7. Otherwise you could use the lower profile 7697 antenna.

[RickInNJ]

Ok, thanks again gents. I think I'm finally getting the picture (pun intended), and how you made your good suggestions.

Am thinking that the grounding needs may change the location of the antenna from chimney to the other side of the house where the power lines come in. It's true that there are lots of taller (~50-60 ft. oak) trees around that might make more inviting lightening targets, but it's hard to imagine an antenna that size being continually missed forever.

I greatly appreciate all the help.

Tv antennas Are Not a Special Case.

Lightning Does Not seek out antennas.

There are also metal vent pipes that stick up out of the roof , lightning does not seek those out.

There are also Big air conditioners that are on roofs , lightning does not seek those out.

That said it is a good idea to ground the antenna mount and use a coax grounding block.

This grounding directs the build up of atmospheric electric static to ground.

Yes I know it is a lot of information coming at you , looks like a big wall of information and behind the wall is a big forest of information.

I am doing my best to give clear step by step information.

It will all make sense when you get your hands on the antennas and coax and connections.

Remember , the more the trees and tree leaves and other objects are in the direction of reception , the more the reception will be reduced or blocked.

[RickInNJ]

Much obliged, Teleview.

Looked at a few locations on the house yesterday evening using a compass with the station location, trees, and leaves in mind. Given all the latter two I'm not expecting that much, but it's worth a shot and will order soon. Interior antennas sure don't cut it, as we've found.

Take good care and thanks again.