Antenna Assistance

[Psdstu]

Attached is my TV Fool data.

I am in the Florida Panhandle and currently have a Wineguard 7694P installed on a 35pole pointing to a sweetspot SW which allows me to get ABC, NBC, and FOX from Panama City, and also CBS from Dothan, AL.

I also have a Wineguard 4400 pointing SE which is having problems getting PBS around 45miles away.

I am looking at installing one of the following in place of the 4400.

1. CM4228HD
2. DB8
3. Wineguard 8800

I am looking for any assistance on which of the above antennas would be better suited to pick-up my PBS station about 45miles away.

Thanks!



http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...cc499c9e402e7d

[GroundUrMast]

Here's my list in order of preference:

1. Antennas Direct 91XG
2. Winegard HD9095P
3. Antennas Direct DB-8
4. Channel Master CM-4228
5. Antennacraft U8000
98. Winegard HD8800

My personal experience with the HD8800 may or may not not be typical, but I have yet to find a satisfactory application for it.

Antenna System # 2.

For reception of UHF Tv stations to the , east , south east.

WFSU-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 32 , virtual number (11.1-2-3) PBS and The Florida Channel and Create.

WTXL-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 27 , virtual number (27.1) ABC.

WCTV-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 46 , virtual number (6.1-2-3) CBS and MyTv and This Tv.

WTHL-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 50 , virtual number (49.1) FOX.

WTWC-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 40 , virtual number (40.1-2) NBC and Country Net.

WTLF-DT REAL UHF Digital channel 24 ,virtual number (24.1) The CW.

Above the roof instal a Winegard HD9095P antenna installed/mounted in such a manner that roof and house is not blocking reception to the , east , south east.

Install a Winegard HD9095P antenna aimed at about 110 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

Antenna Systems #2 and #1 , are Separate antenna systems and Will Not be connected on to one coax.

If antenna systems #2 and #1 are connected on to one coax , the antennas will cross talk and there will be reception problems.
____________________________________________

Antenna System #1.

Is the Winegard HD7696P antenna. I recommend aim the HD7696P antenna at about 242 degree magnetic compass direction for the best reception of WFSG REAL UHF Digital channel 38 , virtual number (56.1) PBS.

The other Digital Tv stations to the south west are strong.

With the HD7696P antenna aimed at about 242 degree magnetic compass direction , that will put WTVY CBS , WDHN ABC , at angles to the front and back of the HD7696P antenna for better reception.

The directions of the least amount of reception with a directional type Tv antenna is directly on the sides of the antenna.

Install/mount the HD7696P antenna in such a manner that the reception to the , south west , north - north west is not blocked by the roof or house.
___________________________________________

Install the HD9095P on top and the HD7696P on bottom if on the same mast and separate by about 3 feet.
___________________________________________

Antenna systems #2 and #1 will be separate coaxes and splitters all the way to the Tv or Tv's location/s.

And be connected to a Remote control A/B coax antenna switch at each location. http://www.radioshack.com , #15-1968 , or , http://www.mcmelectronics.com , 32-4425 .

______________________________________________________

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 buy typing the word ronard in the solidsignal search box.

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

[Psdstu]

Thanks for all the advice.

Is there any advantage to a Yagi style antenna versus a Bowtie style antenna for deep/long range UHF reception?

[GroundUrMast]

My personal experience with both panel and Yagi types of nearly equal gain has me giving a slight edge to the Yagi for it's ability to reject multipath interference from 'off-bore-sight' angles. (I'm not claiming to have done scrupulous scientific research... just my personal empirical observations.)

[Psdstu]

Just an update.....

I installed my DB8 antenna yesterday and was disappointed with the results...

Looks like I will returning it and looking at either the HD9095P or the 91XG.

From what I can find they have about the same results from the reviews I have read.

[GroundUrMast]

Keep in mind, small changes in mounting height can produce significant changes in performance. Also, don't be hesitant to sweep left and right of the starting aim point. Make changes in small steps, particularly when working with a directional antenna.

To prove reception connect a New loooong coax to the HD9095P antenna , run the New loooong coax through a open door or window direct to one Tv.

Do a Double Channel Rescan.

http://www.dtv.gov/rescan.html.
________________

Aim the antenna at about 110 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

As always the starting aim direction is the --> Starting aim direction.

The antenna can be turned to the left and right to find a sweet spot for reception.

The antenna can also be raised up and down to find a sweet spot for reception.

As always trees and tree leaves do a real fine job of reducing or blocking Tv reception and so do buildings and other obstructions including your own house.

It is best to locate the HD9095P 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 your own house.

Most Digital Tv's have a signal strength meter and some digital Tv's also have a signal quality meter.