Help on antenna selection for attic

[rafulton1944]

Here is my info: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...cd3f738c58104b

Are there any set-top or attic anntena options for us at our location? We'd like to be able to receive the local channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.). We live in a 1-story house (attic is around 15' from the ground.

Your help is greatly appreciated!
Rich

[Tower Guy]

I doubt that you'll get all the major networks with an attic antenna. If you want to try it anyway, get an HBU-55 and a TVPRAMP-1R preamp. If you are not happy with the results, be prepared to mount it on the roof.

[rafulton1944]

What networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.) would you expect we would get with the above equipment in the attic?

Rich

[GroundUrMast]

You can probably get some reception from inside an attic. But the predicted signal levels and path profile of the major network affiliates such as WXIA (NBC) and WSB (ABC) call for an antenna system to be mounted outdoors, clear of obstructions such as buildings (including yours) and trees.

I'd opt for an Antennas Direct DB8E + Antennacraft Y10713 + a high input preamp such as the Antennas Direct 'Juice' + separate UHF/VHF combiner or an RCA TVPRAMP1R.

The Y10713 is needed for it's ability to receive real channels 7 through 13. In you application, it's needed for receiving real CH-10 and possibly real CH-8 (WXIA & WGTV). I'd point it toward 115° per a real compass as a starting aim point, then fine tune the aim from there.

The DB8E covers real channels 14 and higher. one panel should face 110° (compass) and the other panel adjusted to achieve the best overall reception, including the main group at 110° as well as the scattered signals to the NE.

[rafulton1944]

In my graph all major networks (abc nbc cbs fox. Pbs) are in green. Is it not likely that they would be viewable with a set-top antenna?

Rich

[Stereocraig]

Originally Posted by rafulton1944

In my graph all major networks (abc nbc cbs fox. Pbs) are in green. Is it not likely that they would be viewable with a set-top antenna?

Rich

Since TVF doesn't offer filters for calculating signal loss for attics, set tops, or bank vaults, the only option, is to try your preferred location and see if you're satisfied w/ the results. If not, keep trying.

You should probably expect to lose 7-13 db in the attic and even more set top, since it isn't as high.

You may be better off, just mounting it outside and be done w/ it.

[No static at all]

Originally Posted by rafulton1944

In my graph all major networks (abc nbc cbs fox. Pbs) are in green. Is it not likely that they would be viewable with a set-top antenna?

Rich

Very doubtful you will see any channels reliably with a set top antenna.

At the very minimum you will need a good attic mounted antenna. Hard to say how well it will work w/o trying. I would say you have a 50/50 chance at best.

I agree with the HBU 55 recommendation if you want to try the attic first. Check with your local Radio Shack(if they are still open). The HBU 55 is selling for $50.00.

[rafulton1944]

For those who responded to my cry for help, thank you! It will be a great adventure to start into this project. It would be wonderful to say goodbye to Directv!

Rich

[Galt]

I live 8 miles from most transmitters in my area. Picked up a HBU 55 at a closing Radioshack for $9. I put it in my attic. I have a clay tile roof. I am using that single antenna to feed 5 TVs in my house and I get 80 digital channels. I also use a Channel Vision powered distribution panel, works much better than a pre-amp. A note about the HBU 55 - it is HUGE! make sure you have room for it.

[rafulton1944]

Tv Fool graph: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...f1f0a303ec340f

I'm using a flat-mount hdtv antenna in our living room. Able to get 31 channels. Problem is, signal quality has significant fluctuation at various times and on various channels. A channel might go from signal strength 100 to 0 and back again off and on, so reception is inconsistent. Any suggestions?

Note: Signal quality on most channels is around 60.

Rich

[Stereocraig]

Not only are indoor antennas going to have roughly half of their signal blocked, but they may also be too low to "see" a reliable signal.
Electronic devices and people moving around, will also degrade the signal quality.

At very least, you should experiment w/ different antenna locations.
Don't bee too disappointed, if you need to place the antenna outside.

If you're using an amp, it may also be overloading.

[GroundUrMast]

For the sake of clarity, I've merged your posts into a single thread.

All I can suggest at this point would be a repeat of of my previous thought's and to agree with he comments made by No static at all & Stereocraig.