City Outdoor Antenna Help - Omni-directional?

[tally]

Please refer to the attached signal analysis report:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...8e03423e972845

As you can see, channels are relatively close by but with blocks of channels 180 degrees of one another. Also, there is a pole I can clamp on to on the NE side of the house about 15-20 feet high, which would be the easiest mounting location without going to the roof.

1) Please suggest an antenna.
2) Do I need to go with an omni-directional antenna? I want to avoid a rotating antenna.
3) Do I need to mount it on the roof (I would prefer not to if I can) but then will the house block out too much signal strength on the SW located channels.

Thanks for the input!

[rabbit73]

Hello, tally:

I think you should stick with the NE stations; the ones from the SW aren't major networks. If you go here and click on the callsigns you can see the networks:
http://www.rabbitears.info/market.ph...&callsign=wucw

An "Omni-directional" antenna is a description used by marketing departments that gives you false hope. For best results the antenna should be aimed at the transmitter.

It is possible to aim the antenna SW for the weaker signals and receive the strong signals off the back IF there are no trees or buildings in the signal paths.

As an alternative, you could remove the reflector screen from an Antennas Direct C2V to make the antenna bi-directional.

But, I still favor aiming an unmodified C2V or RCA ANT751 to 55 degrees magnetic. No preamp is needed with your very strong signals. They are so strong that they might overload your tuner.

The only odd channel is ION which you have a good chance of picking up from the side of the C2V.

How long will the coax run be from the antenna to the TV? How many TVs are you using?

With signals that strong, an attic installation might work.



Interpreting Noise Margin in the TV Fool Report
http://www.aa6g.org/DTV/Reception/tvfool_nm.html

If the antenna is outside, 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.

[ADTech]

Before expending energy on those stations listed towards downtown, you might want to look up the call letters and see if 1) they're on the air and 2) if their content is of interest to you.

All of your major TV stations transmit from Shoreview. ION comes from just north of Monticello and is generally a PITA because they're in an oddball location relative to everything else. You'll also have to decide if ION is also worth the additional effort.

[tally]

Thanks all. I have unused ANT751 that I could try.

I am only going to one TV and I would estimate the run to be about 50 feet from the point of the antenna. I do need to however introduce a signal splitter as I am connecting this to an internet streaming box as well.

An attic install is unfortunately not possible. I did try an indoor antenna at this location but the signal had some minor issues. I am looking for crystal clear HD reception. I am most interested in the network channels; so I will give the unused ANT751 a try and see what happens.