Central Texas Recommendations

[lowmans1966]

Looking for suggestions on the best antenna/setup to receive at least the main network channels. From the results below it looks like trying to pick up the signals @181 degrees and 5 or so miles would be my best bet.

Here are my signal analysis results: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...46ae777c2960ed

I would like to use a smaller antenna and preferably attic mount for now. Would the ANT751R mounted in the 2nd floor attic (wood framed/asphalt shingles on the roof) be sufficient to pick up the main channels? Any other suggestions?

No tree, etc in the way.

Thanks for any help.

Install a Winegard HD7696P Antenna in the attic aimed at about 176 degree magnetic compass direction.

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

Use a Real and Actual magnetic compass to aim antenna.

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Install a Winegard , LNA-100 'Boost' antenna system amplifier.

Most attics have electric power outlet and light in the attic , install the LNA-100 'Boost' amplifier in the attic.

For 1 Tv connected use No splitter.

For 2 Tv's connected use a simple common 2 way splitter.

For 3 Tv's connected use a simple common 3 way splitter.


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If reception issues/problems happen that are not resolvable with aim and location adjustments in the attic.
And the weaker signal strength Tv stations/channels are not receivable.

Then move the HD7696P antenna to above the peak of the roof.

In such a manner that the roof and building are not , obstructing , impeding , blocking , reception in the directions of , south west , south , south east , east , north east.

Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. .

www.solidsignal.com

www.amazon.com

www.winegarddirect.com

[StephanieS]

Hi Lowmans1966,

For your signals at 181 degrees, the ANT751R is not the ideal antenna for your situation. The ANT751R while a great local and suburban antenna as long as it has line of sight, you are operating in a 1-edge situation outside of 30-40 miles. As such, you need an antenna such as Winegard HD7696P that'll work with the 1-edge conditions and provide full high VHF and UHF coverage.

A smaller antenna and attic installation may yield nothing but frustration for you. Normally, that configuration is successful in metropolitan areas and/or the suburbs with line of sight. Fifty miles out in 1-edge conditions, your chances of successful consistent drop-out free reception is in my view going to be lower than higher.

That said, you will see very few advocating attic installations. TV reception works best when the antenna has as a unobstructed view in the direction of the transmitters.

This is why many of us will recommend, especially in your situation going on your roof and finding a location that provides the clearest pathway to 181 degrees. The 1-edge conditions require you give your antenna the best possible chance of capturing the signal for steady reliable reception.

[ADTech]

Install a Winegard , LNA-100 'Boost' antenna system amplifier.

Once again, that amplifier is an indoor-only amplifier and is useless as a pre-amplifier. When used indoors, it may be used upstream of a splitter or long cable run or it may be put at the back of the set which is a generally useless location for an amp.

If you're putting it upstream of a splitter or long cable run, it's far more economical and effective to simply use a distribution amp.

www.winegard.com/offair/amplifiers.php

The LNA-100 will work Ok.

For more flexibility of use , install the LNA-200 'Boost' XT amplifier.

[GroundUrMast]

Originally Posted by teleview

www.winegard.com/offair/amplifiers.php

The LNA-100 will work Ok.

Not for long if exposed to the weather...

[ADTech]

The LNA-100 will work Ok.

You still cannot use it outdoors as a pre-amp.

For more flexibility of use , install the LNA-200 'Boost' XT amplifier.

There are far better choices.... The diplexing circuitry at the front end of the LNA200 severely damages its touted noise figure. They would have been far better off to simply use separate input connectors. Further, it's claims of power handling capability are mathematically impossible and border on ludicrous, obviously the work of someone who doesn't understand engineering specifications.

[No static at all]

Originally Posted by ADTech

There are far better choices....

Agree & for about half the price!!

If the HD7696P antenna is installed above the peak of the roof a amplifier will most likely not be required.

[StephanieS]

That is why I passed on it. The installation point at the back of the TV or at the end of the main drop came across to me much less effective than just buying a mast mount preamp and providing amplification where the signal is strongest instead of 150' later.

Originally Posted by ADTech

Once again, that amplifier is an indoor-only amplifier and is useless as a pre-amplifier. When used indoors, it may be used upstream of a splitter or long cable run or it may be put at the back of the set which is a generally useless location for an amp.

If you're putting it upstream of a splitter or long cable run, it's far more economical and effective to simply use a distribution amp.