OTA indoor antenna Chicago area apartment

[ncsercs]

I live in the Chicago area (Hinsdale) at these coordinates which are slightly Southwest of the city: 41.822022, -87.920108

The dwelling is an apartment building 20 stories tall.

My apartment is 15 stories up on the West side of the building, the exact opposite direction as the towers in Downtown Chicago.

I can only have an indoor antenna. Any suggestions (other than move)?

I asked Solid Signal this question several times and never got a reply. Is this too difficult to do?

Thanks!

[MisterMe]

Whenever you ask for help on this forum, you should create a TV Fool Radar (TVFR) plot with your exact address or coordinate location. Then post a link to it. The link looks like this: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...0b86e73b5673a6.

[GroundUrMast]

You have plenty of strong signals available. The challenge may be from the building construction if you are forced to 'shoot' through concrete or masonry to 'view' the Eastern horizon.

The upside is, an indoor antenna is not very expensive. I'd suggest the Terk HDTVi.

http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=2828

[ncsercs]

OK, thanks. The link looks like you already created one with my coordinates.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...0b86868dcb421c

[Electron]

Usually reflected tv signals are something to avoid , however of your situation , a reflected tv signal is your best friend. If you have a balcony , Put a Winegard HD7210P antenna on the balcony and aim the HD7210P at other buildings in your area. The idea is get a high quality/stable reflected signal off of an other buildings. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Open the balcony door and run a coax to the tv. If successful of reception , A flat cable can be used at a door or window , A , fc-300lx flat cable.

[Electron]

The HD7210P antenna 'sees' straight ahead and not much else. This 'seeing' straight ahead is what is needed in your situation to pick out a good stable reflected signal from many other reflected signals.

[Electron]

Here is the Federal Law that says Yes you can install a antenna on your balcony. http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html.

[ncsercs]

I gave up on the OTA experiment because I didn't have the time or money to mess with it.

I've recently moved to Westmont.

The dwelling is an apartment building 2 stories tall with my apartment on the ground floor with my outer wall on the South side of the building, the exact opposite direction (again) as the towers in Downtown Chicago. No patio.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...dfaf47764f56bb

I would like to think technology has improved a little with these 'flat' antennas.

Any suggestions (keeping price under $50)?

Once again, thanks!

[rabbit73]

Another difficult location. You will need to do some testing to see what will work.

I have had good luck with a GE34792 Attic Antenna that was on sale (assembly required).



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qYucg3JXzA

WBBM CBS will probably be too weak because it is on VHF channel 12; that antenna and mud flap antennas are better for UHF than VHF.

Sometimes the best indoor antenna is an outdoor antenna. This is in your price range:
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=hdb4x
the 2-bay model is cheaper, but has less gain:
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=hdb2x

But they don't cover CBS very well either.

No guarantee because indoor results are difficult to predict.

[ncsercs]

If I had my way I would try the GE but need something more conventional like a rabbit ears or mudflap antenna.

Are signal amps for trying to get a signal OR improving a signal that's weak?

Thanks!

[rabbit73]

If I had my way I would try the GE but need something more conventional like a rabbit ears or mudflap antenna.

Who or what is keeping you from having your way?

Why don't you try the rabbit ears and flat antenna to see if they will work. If not, then return them and upgrade to an antenna with more gain.

Are signal amps for trying to get a signal OR improving a signal that's weak?

They can do either or both, according to the location.

[rickbb]

Stick something like this in your window, if you don't like the results, send it back.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7ZE6LI?psc=1