Antenna suggestion.

[magtag12345@yahoo.com]

Hi,
Please advice me on what kind of antenna do I need to get the free HDTV signals. I am located at the GPS co-ordinate 37°32'32.67"N,121°59'21.53"W. I'm going to install myself, I would prefer something that is simple and easier to mount. Don't mind a complex system if there is a significant advantage. There seems to be so many choices, I am clueless, please help.

I read someone referring to the "recommended antennas list" in this forum itself that I couldn't find, can I get the link please?
Thanks
Mag.

[brg88tx]

here's your plot at 25 feet from those coordinates:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e1c68c576c7645

+=>

The different formats of GPS means that mistakes are Common.

Common mistakes copying the coordinates.

Common mistakes converting coordinates.

Common mistakes when others are copying converting coordinates.

---------

You are providing a exact location.

---------

So

---------

To reduce mistakes to zero , please provide the Actual Street and Street Address , City , State , Zip code .

---------

Another way is to provide a tvfool report.

Go to the tvfool home page.

Click on , >>Start MAPS<< .

Enter a zip code.

Move the pointer the Exact location.

Make the antenna height above ground 25 feet.

Click on the (Make Radar Plot>>) button.

Post the tvfool report.

[magtag12345@yahoo.com]

Originally Posted by brg88tx

here's your plot at 25 feet from those coordinates:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e1c68c576c7645

Thanks, which antenna should I use? Any suggestion?

[StephanieS]

It seems brg88tx and I are getting very different coordinate results from TV fool. Matag, could you please rerun the TVfool map at 25' and 50' from your physical street address?

Fresno may be possible.

My results for your coordinates at 500' are:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e1c6ae93d6b775

They are very unfavorable with Sacramento ABC and PBS along with Fresno NBC just becoming possible at this height.

[stvcmty]

Originally Posted by magtag12345@yahoo.com

located at the GPS co-ordinate 37°32'32.67"N,121°59'21.53"W

I think that is 37.54241, -121.98931 in decimal. http://www.satsig.net/degrees-minute...calculator.htm
The plot at 25’ is then:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e1c60320490b1b

If that is the correct plot, I would put a HBU11 up and start with it pointed at 116 degrees true. The HBU 11 should get the stations from 292 and 300 from the back, and it should have enough beam width to get channel 8. There are so many strong signals I would not use a preamp. Instead I would use a distribution amp if more than a 2 way split was needed. If KBKF-LP (RF6) is desired, a FM6 or Y5-2-6 pointed at 165 degrees true could be added with a HLSJ.

[magtag12345@yahoo.com]

Sorry for the confusion. The GPS co-ordinates 37°32'32.67"N,121°59'21.53"W are from google earth (37.5424083333, -121.989313889).

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e1c64f724645e8

+=>

---->Many<--Digital Broadcast Tv Stations/Channels will be received.

Above the Peak of the Roof install a

http://www.antennacraft.net.

AC9 antenna.

Aimed at about 280 degree magnetic compass direction.

Here is how to aim antennas

http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html.

Use a Real and Actual magnetic compass to aim antenna , do not trust a , cell phone , tablet or etc. compass.

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

A antenna system amplifier is not required.

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

Here are some roof top antenna mounts.

http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html. Use the , ronard(4560) eave antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com/909911.html. Use the , ronard(911) , 5 foot tripod antenna mount.

http://www.ronard.com.

[magtag12345@yahoo.com]

Hello,
I didn't the chance to install the antenna as per your advice.
Can you please clarify what is the AC9 antenna? As I know nothing about the antennas, a link to specific antenna would be very helpful.

Here is the tvfool report for my location http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e1c64f724645e8
Thanks
Mg

[rabbit73]

Hello, mg:

The AC9 is no longer available, the manufacturer Antennacraft folded.

http://www.antennacraft.net/Antennas...llChannel.html

It was designed to cover all three TV bands:
VHF-Low, real channels 2-6 (not virtual channels)
VHF-High, real channels 7-13
UHF, real channels 14-51

It is the real channel listed on your TVFOOL report that determines the antenna needed.

teleview picked that antenna because he saw some channels on your report that were in the 2-6 range, but I'm not convinced you need them. You could probably use a combo antenna for VHF-High/UHF. He also suggested to aim between the two major directions in hopes that you would pick up both, but that doesn't always work. You might have to make a choice to aim at 101 or 286 magnetic.

If both directions are important, you might need two antennas or a rotor with all its disadvantages.

I read someone referring to the "recommended antennas list" in this forum itself that I couldn't find, can I get the link please?

This is the list, but it is a little out of date. Stick with our current suggestions.
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=11

I think you should try the Winegard HD7694P or the RCA ANT751 aimed at 286 magnetic, no amplifier needed.
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp...enna-(hd7694p)
http://www.skywalker.com/catalog/Manuals/WIN1051.pdf
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=ant751

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.

I hope there are no trees in the signal path, they really mess with TV signals.

[magtag12345@yahoo.com]

Thanks rabbit73

The antenna's you suggested seem to be very different from each other in terms of size ( I don't know about their specs though). Since the RCA model seems smaller and smaller, I would want to try it. Will I be losing something because it is small? Thanks.

[magtag12345@yahoo.com]

Is ANT751 and ANT751R are same?
If yes can I get http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Compact-Ou.../dp/B0024R4B5C ?

[StephanieS]

The ANT751 is very capable. I have one in service. In line of sight conditions with moderate to good signals it does well. I am even able to reliably receive a signal in the teens in terms of db strength.

That said, if you chose the ANT751 make sure you have it in an environment that is obstruction free of buildings and trees. With proper signals and line of sight it will do very well. If in your immediate area there are more obstructions, the Winegard might be a better choice. The ANT751 is designed for reasonably close installation to towers (they say less than 40 miles) and unobstructed situations.

I can't tell you how many product reviews on amazon.com blast the ANT751. Upon reading the critique it is either a misapplication or improper set up. I am 15 miles from my main cluster with line of sight and I use it as a backup antenna behind 100' of coax through an A/B switch and another 20' and 50' run. Stable signal, reliable and performs better than a couple of larger antennas I've tested.

If you do go with the ANT751 a problem in the past has been reported with the 300/75ohm adapter. You might just want to replace it out the gate with a better unit.

Cheers.

Originally Posted by magtag12345@yahoo.com

Thanks rabbit73

The antenna's you suggested seem to be very different from each other in terms of size ( I don't know about their specs though). Since the RCA model seems smaller and smaller, I would want to try it. Will I be losing something because it is small? Thanks.

The difference used to mean one was "revised." This translates to a slight revision in the antenna element length to focus more on channels 7-51 instead of 7-69 as former channels 52 and up are no longer being used for television broadcasting.

Originally Posted by magtag12345@yahoo.com

Is ANT751 and ANT751R are same?
If yes can I get http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Compact-Ou.../dp/B0024R4B5C ?

[magtag12345@yahoo.com]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Ordered a ANT751R. I will keep you updated on its performance.