Antenna Suggestions for SoCal

[Artisan]

Hi,

I'm new to OTA and looking for antenna recommendations.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e6a4028bb24b57

Primarily interested in the major San Diego channels: CBS, ABC, NBC & Fox, though CW would be nice too.

Does this look doable with a single antenna?

[rabbit73]

Welcome, Artisan

Yes, it looks doable with a Winegard HD7694P antenna if it is outside and in the clear.

KFMB has CW as a subchannel:
http://www.rabbitears.info/market.ph...&callsign=kfmb

KNSD will move from channel 40 to 17 after repack of UHF channels is completed.

KPBS from 30 to 19.

KSWB from 19 to 26.

You will need to rescan.

[JoeAZ]

Being pretty familiar with Southern California, I would have
to ask: What is your immediate area look like?
Are you in a valley, a hilltop or a rare, flat area? This is
especially important to the South for San Diego market
stations and to the North for Los Angeles. There are areas
near Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, etc that get hotter signals
from L.A. than San Diego. Are there trees in your immediate
area? You might have to get some major elevation of your
antenna to receive stations from Mt. Helix....

[rabbit73]

His area probably looks something like this:

[rabbit73]

You have some strong FM signals that might interfere with reception of CBS and ABC.
http://www.fmfool.com/modeling/tmp/e...3/Radar-FM.png

You can install an FM filter if needed:
https://www.antennasdirect.com/store...on_filter.html

[Artisan]

Thanks for the prompt replies. I added a few photos. We're on a hilltop, with a mostly unobstructed view.

In the LookingSouth photo, 173 deg is pretty much dead center between the two windows. Their rooftop is at most 10ft higher than mine.

The antenna could also go in the corner up on the hill, but not sure due to WAF.

Do I need to be above the neighbors house? And what angle would be best to align the antenna to?

[rabbit73]

Thanks for the photos; they help a lot.



You have a problem. Your antenna will not be in the clear. The neighbor's house will block the direct signals.

The antenna could also go in the corner up on the hill, but not sure due to WAF.

The antenna needs to be located where the signals are strongest, not where your wife wants it.

Do I need to be above the neighbors house?

Yes, for best results.

And what angle would be best to align the antenna to?

Your signal report says 132 to 161 degrees magnetic. If your antenna was in the clear, I would favor more to 132, but since it isn't, the signals will come around the other houses in a way that is difficult to predict. I suggest you mount it in a temporary way without drilling holes to see what you can get.

The alternate location viewpoint looks a little more promising.

[Artisan]

Thanks. Looks like I'll be doing some testing. The LookingSouth photo was taken from inside, not the roof. Judging by the offset of our second story windows, I'd estimate the difference to be ~5ft, so it's possible I might get a direct signal on my roof with a six foot pole.

Time to order the antenna, some cable and cross my fingers. I really appreciate the help.

[JoeAZ]

Just a couple of thoughts....
Be sure to ground your system.
Use good quality RG6 cable and keep runs
as direct as possible. Runs over 50 feet can
reduce the signal and/or require amplification.
Keep it simple. Start with one tv and see
how it goes..... You can add additional tv's
later, once you've established a pattern of
reception. Higher is usually better. This is
particularly true in your area. Those hills
shred the tv and radio signals, causing
reception problems...
Good Luck!