Penn State tailgate equipment help needed

PSU fan · 30-Aug-2016, 10:36 PM

Ok guys. I need your help. The more I read, the more confused I get.
Here is what I am hoping to do. I want to set up a nice LED TV for Penn State home games. I would appreciate any and all advice you guys could lend.
Here is what I have so far.

Honda inverter/generator 2000u

Insignia 48" LED - 1080p - HDTV

Now here's where I need some help. What antenna to buy?
I plan on putting the antenna on a pole and raising it up about 8-10 feet.
My parking passes are in lot 12
Here is a map.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/...ing-map-16.pdf

I put in the corner of park ave and University ave,

The only channels I want to get are CBS, ABC, NBC. If I get more great, but all we want to do is watch the major games while not in the game.

I'm looking at Marathon antenna, but don't know if there is a better, easier, cheaper option. I was looking for something smaller and fairly simple to set up.

And and all advise would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Jack

Jake V · 31-Aug-2016, 10:49 AM

This is the TV Fool Report for Lot 12: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...e2cbb746f8bff9

Here's a translation for the first few stations in the report:
W42DG Channel 42 = WJAC NBC
WHVL Channel 27 = WHVL MYTV
WHVL Channel 29 = WHVL MYTV
W36BE Channel = WNEP ABC

The Marathon antenna is not exactly the best choice.

You don't have any VHF antennas. I'd probably start with a small UHF antenna and aim it at the direction of the channel you want.

tonyp063 · 31-Aug-2016, 1:02 PM

I would think that something like this
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=HDB4X&d

Pointed at roughly 220 degrees magnetic would give you a reasonable expectaion of getting the major networks.

rickbb · 31-Aug-2016, 1:53 PM

Since this is going to be a mobile setup I'd look at a telescoping mast. Mount it to your bumper or in the bed of a pickup truck.

I'd also use a rotor to help with aiming to dial it in every time you setup.

PSU fan · 31-Aug-2016, 3:44 PM

Thanks guys for the prompt replies already. Please forgive my ignorance.
Would there any antenna that I could just hoist it up and not have to fool around with aiming it?
Or a antenna that would give me the best reception for under $200 and be idiot proof?
Just curious.
Thanks in advance.
Jack

Stereocraig · 31-Aug-2016, 8:11 PM

While I must commend you on your enthusiasm on getting a portable rig set up, I think I'd be a bit nervous w/ all of the balls, bean bags and beer flying back and forth. Not to mention, the freezing temps.

If you don't care to get involved w/ a rotor, at least keep a compass and wrench handy for lining it up every time.

Good luck and have fun!

rickbb · 1-Sep-2016, 6:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSU fan

Thanks guys for the prompt replies already. Please forgive my ignorance.
Would there any antenna that I could just hoist it up and not have to fool around with aiming it?
Or a antenna that would give me the best reception for under $200 and be idiot proof?
Just curious.
Thanks in advance.
Jack

You can get really good antennas for under $200, some for as little as $50. You will have to aim it no matter what you buy/make, even if it's just grab the pole and twist it back and forth while watching the signal meter on the TV, (if it has one).

PSU fan · 1-Sep-2016, 7:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyp063

I would think that something like this
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=03&p=HDB4X&d

Pointed at roughly 220 degrees magnetic would give you a reasonable expectaion of getting the major networks.

Tony. Are you sure I should point it at roughly 220 degrees magnetic?
When I look at the chart, it seems to say 240ish. Am I missing something?

Thanks again for everyone's help. I'll let you know how I made out this weekend.

I ordered the Antenna that you recommend, but it's not in yet. I will use the marathon sat and then return it.
Jack

tonyp063 · 1-Sep-2016, 7:58 PM

You'll need to fudge a bit towards 193 because your NBC station is strongest there.
I don't think you'll get WJAC at 241 so I would go with W42DG

PSU fan · 2-Sep-2016, 2:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyp063

You'll need to fudge a bit towards 193 because your NBC station is strongest there.
I don't think you'll get WJAC at 241 so I would go with W42DG

Ok. Now I see why you gave me that coordinate.

Looks like the weather is going to be great in state college Saturday.
I'll post my results.
Thanks again,
Jack.

PSU fan · 6-Sep-2016, 12:27 AM

Well here is my report guys. We got to PSU at 9:30. It took me about 1 hour to set the tents, tables, and TV up. Grabbed my new compass and rotated the antenna to 220 degrees did a channel scan and got 25 channels. Well more then I could have ever expected. We watched the PSU pre game show until noon.
Virginia Tech game, LSU game, and USC game.
No problems. It was a perfect day.
Now I want to build a waterproof cabinet and mount my TV on my hitch.
Thanks again!!!

rickbb · 6-Sep-2016, 5:33 PM

So what antenna did you use? How high did you mount it? Enquiring minds want to know.

Jake V · 6-Sep-2016, 6:38 PM

Equally important, the Nittany Lions trounced Kent State 33-13 and a very young team played very well.

PSU fan · 7-Sep-2016, 12:50 AM

Sorry guys. I forgot you are very, very detail oriented people here. Which is a good thing.
Antenna: I used the marathon. Just because I already ordered it and the HDB4X was not delivered yet. I can see why the marathon is not a good portable choice. It big and fairly heavy.
Tripod: I put it in the back of my truck and raised it up about 18 feet.

I admit. I loved having live TV outside the stadium.
I am looking to pick up a cheap Dish network rig so I can really get any game we want.

Thanks again.