Retrofitting existing antenna and wiring

[morrison0880]

Hello all! I am helping a coworker cut the cord and have a few questions. First some background. His home has an antenna tower that is approx 40-45 feet high with a large antenna atop. Not sure the brand or model, but it appears to be rather old, yet in good shape. The cable from the antenna runs to the ground and enters the house. This setup existed when he bought the home 2 years ago.

He currently has cable and his house is wired for three tv's. Each of which is about 50-60 feet from where the cable enters the home. So he would like to utilize the existing coax to transmit the signal.

Here is his radar map: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...5b94828b0ceffb

He does have a rotor on the antenna, so could take advantage of both Milwaukee and Chicago stations.

His main concern is how to set it up. He wants the ability to hook possibly 4 tv's to the antenna if possible. I suggested purchasing a preamp for the antenna, running coax from the antenna to where the cable company put the entry coax for their signal, locating it inside the house, plugging it into the power supply, connecting to wherever the cable splitter is, and calling it a day. However, I don't know what type of amp he would need, and if it needs to be grounded (or how to even do so). Also, he is concerned that the antenna may not operate correctly and is contemplating purchasing a new one.

So, my question is threefold. First, what would be the best antenna for his location and the height of the tower? Second, what would be the best preamp for the amount of coax and tv's from his location? Finally, has anyone used existing coax from a cable set up for their antenna?

Thanks for any help and advice!

+=>
-----
Signal strengths are strong and LOS=Line Of Sight.

No antenna rotator required to receive Digital Broadcast Tv Stations/Channels from both directions

Install a , http://www.antennacraft.net , HBU11 aimed at about 170 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

Use a Real and Actual magnetic compass to aim antenna.

-------------

Use No preamplifier.

Use a , 4 way distribution amplifier.
http://www.channelmasterstore.com , CM3414 , distribution amplifier.

Each output of the distribution amplifier goes to a Tv location.

------------

Install All New RG-6 coax outside. Use the coax that has the Compression type connectors on the ends of the coax.

Install a New coax ground coupler/block.


After all is set up and working correctly.

To make double sure that weather and water does not get into outside connections.

Wrap with , http://www.coaxseal.com.

Can also wrap the matching transformer (balun) that connects the coax to the HBU11 antenna with coax seal.

-----------------

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. .

http://www.antennacraft.net.

http://www.amazon.com.

http://www.channelmasterstore.com.

http://www.coaxseal.com.

---------

As always , trees and tree leaves , plants and plant leaves , have a Negative Effect on Broadcast Tv Reception and so do buildings and other obstructions including your own building.

Some and not all Negative Effects are.

Absorbing and Blocking Reception.

Multi-Path Reflecting Tv Signals Bouncing All Around.

The Best Practice is to install the 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 building.

40 feet up on a tower , should place the antenna away from obstructions in the directions of reception , North and South.

---------

The Tv's Must Channel Scan for the , OTA=Over The Air , ATSC-Digital Broadcast Tv Stations/Channels , often named the ~ DTV Channels ~ Antenna Channels ~ Air Channels ~ in the Tv Setup Menu because the Tv transmissions travel through the Air from the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna.

Some Digital Tv's will Automatic channel scan for cable tv channels.

DO NOT channel scan for cable tv channels.

Go into the Tv setup menu and select ~ DTV Channels ~ Antenna Channels ~ Air Channels.

Scan for , ATSC-Digital Broadcast Tv Channels.

[GroundUrMast]

I agree, there is no need for a rotator. Antennas such as the HBU-11 have a fair bit of useful capability in the rearward direction. This is a great example of a situation that can make use of that characteristic.