Ditching the Dish

[Underdog]

Hello,
I am looking for some advice on setting up an antenna. I recently picked up a ROKU and looking to get the locals and whatever else is available. Here is the location info.. http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...0b86ead72694bf


Currently I have a satelite dish that is mounted on the roof of my garage. This was done because of tall trees to the south west of the house. It would be simple enough to just put an antenna in place of the dish and use the existing cable. But I am concerned about the length which I estimate about 100 feet.

Also it would be great if I could use something small and light enough to utilize the existing J mount for the dish.

So what would be a good setup or should I start from scratch and put it on the house? Any tips on an antenna type would be great also.

Thanks, Jim

[GroundUrMast]

If I were in your situation, reliable reception of the Pittsburgh stations would be my goal. To do that, I'd use a Winegard HD7698P and Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp. The preamp will easily provide the gain needed to drive a 100' coax run.

Unfortunately, that's a large antenna which is more than I would trust to an unbraced J-pole. Stronger tripod or eave bracket mounts would be my choice.

[Underdog]

Thanks, Yes that is my goal....the network channels. I'm glad the cable length can be overcome. It really is the best spot for the antenna. I also agree that big antenna is too much for the J mast. There is power in the garage so running an amp won't be a problem.

[Underdog]

So I have been shoping. I found a considerably better deal on a HD7696...cheaper price and shipping. Is there that much difference in the 7698? If it's worth it I'll go for it but just wondering.

Thanks again

[Electron]

I agree with GUM's recommendation. Aim the antenna at about 5 degree magnetic compass. Here is how to aim antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html. Here are some Strong and Sturdy antenna mounts. http://www.ronard.com/909911.html , http://www.ronard.com/34424560.html , http://www.ronard.com/ychim.html , http://www.ronard.com. Here are some places to buy antennas and etc. , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.antennasdirect.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.ramelectronics.net . Buy the antenna mounts at solidsignal by typing the word , ronard , in the solidsignal search box , or buy from ronard.

[Underdog]

I'm awaiting the equipment to arrive. I found my compass I used to aim the satelite on my camper. I'm a little confused on the aiming. According to the report, the Pittsburgh stations are mostly around 350deg mag but you are saying aim the antenna to 5 deg??
Thanks

[Electron]

You are aiming the -> satellite <- on your camper?? Or you are aiming the Broadcast Tv Antenna on your camper?? The 5 degree is in between the two groups of tv stations on either side of north. The in between aim point is for the best reception of the two groups of stations on either side of north. 99% of the time broadcast tv antenna aiming Is Not Critical , the aim point with the aiming direction and the examples of broadcast tv antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html , is to get you to aim the antenna in the direction to begin with , Then As Always , the broadcast tv antenna is turned to the left and right for the best reception of the broadcast tv channels that you will like to receive. If the digital tv has a signal strength meter you will use the signal strength meter to adj. the broadcast tv antenna for the best reception of the broadcast tv transmissions that you will like to receive.

[Underdog]

Sold the camper long time ago. Thanks for the explanation.