Assistance with Antenna and General Questions

[BillC]

I've tried to find my old post where I was assisted here last year... I'm sorry to be a pest but we've taken the plunge and have gotten rid of DirectTV. Here is the link to my report: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...8e03c808ec5b62. If that link doesn't work our zip is 44082.

We did purchase a cheap antenna, just to see if we'd get any reception with it, and have located several channels, but we know we need to upgrade and don't want to buy something that is going to give us a lot of headaches. We are a senior couple and my better half won't even touch a computer so I'm doing the research; (lucky me).

Our antenna will be on the roof, about 30-35 feet. I think I remember from my original posting that we'd need two different types of antennas. We do have (not that we know how to work them) modern style tv's. One's a Samsung flat screen and the other is a Hisense Smart TV. In the summer's we generally operate another TV outdoors.

I currently have the Sumsung hooked up to the cheap antenna, it's a Smart Choice that I purchased on a whim from Amazon. It is mounted outdoors just temporary on the lawn.

I didn't mean to write a novel, but we really need expert help so we don't go completely crazy sitting all this up.

Any help given will be very much appreciated!

Thank you,

Ruthann Chapin

[rabbit73]

Welcome, Ruthann:

You're not a pest; it's what we are here for. Your TVFOOL report link works fine.

I've tried to find my old post where I was assisted here last year

Did you use a different username then?

we know we need to upgrade and don't want to buy something that is going to give us a lot of headaches.

I will try to honor that, but can't give a guarantee.

I can't find a link for the Smart Choice antenna on Amazon, but it's a good sign that you get some channels with it.

I think I remember from my original posting that we'd need two different types of antennas.

I don't think you need two antennas because your best signals are in the same direction. You do, however, need a combo antenna for VHF and UHF because you have WICU NBC on real channel 12 which is a VHF channel.

I suggest you try a Winegard HD7697P or 7698 antenna, aimed at 62 degrees magnetic, with a Channel Master 7778 preamp.

The coax shield should be grounded with a grounding block that is connected to the house electrical system ground with 10 gauge copper wire for electrical safety and to reject interference. For further compliance with the electrical code (NEC), the mast should also be grounded in a similar manner to drain any buildup of static charge, but the system will not survive a direct strike.

[BillC]

Rabbit73, Thank you so much for your quick response!
Yes, of course, I had another user name probably one I dreamed up on the spur of the moment and who knows where I wrote it down as it wasn't in my trusty little password book....

And I can't even remember signing up with a new user name in June. I think I was trying to assist my sister that lives in TX and shared with her the TVFool website.

Your recommendations are clear and understandable to my husband and we both appreciate it tremendously. We'll probably get this set up in a week or so and if we stumble, I will be back for your help!!!!!!!

Again, thank you for being available and willing to give help to others that are tired of the hassle of the major satellite and cable companies. This forum provides valuable help is very much appreciated!!!!!

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!