Advice on antenna for Willamette Valley

GLoads · 16-Feb-2011, 5:50 PM

Hi,

Here is my location: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...7ebb8f690fb8f4

I am new to the area and don't know any of the stations, however, I am interested in receiving digital signals for at least one of each major network. Looking at the map I think I need an antenna that will get Eugene, Oregon stations between 146 and 164 degrees, from 23-28 miles away.

Please correct that assumption if needed and recommend a good antenna for this. I have a metal roof so will roof mount the antenna at 35' from the ground. There are many trees between me and Eugene.

Thanks,

~GLoads

John Candle · 16-Feb-2011, 9:39 PM

The Tv transmissions in green are Strong , a Simple Non Amplified indoor antenna will receive them if the house is a wood frame house with wood/wood composite or vinal/plastic siding. . No metal siding and no metal roof. And no buildings that are close by and in the path of the Tv stations to the south/south east. Here are SIMPLE Non Amplified indoor Tv antennas , http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=233 . Here is how to aim Tv antennas , http://www.kyes.com/antenna/pointing/pointing.html . . . If you will like to reach out for the Tv stations in yellow in the same direction of south / south east then I recommend a Winegard HD7697P out door antenna , this is a big antenna and will supply signal to 2 maybe 3 Tv's. . How many Tv's will be connected?

GLoads · 17-Feb-2011, 5:11 AM

The house is ICF concrete with a metal roof, so I will go with an outside roof mount antenna. Great link on pointing, I did not know this. Is the Winegard HD7697P good in high gusts? Is it any good for FM?

I was planning to run the signal to a distrubution system for 3 TVs.

Thanks.

John Candle · 17-Feb-2011, 6:06 AM

The ICF concrete and metal roof will do a great job of Blocking Tv and Fm so yes you will be installing a outdoor antenna. Most large directional Tv antennas are not made for the reception of FM Radio , the antennas are detuned to reduce FM because FM interferes with Tv reception. The HD7697P antenna is not made for the reception of FM Radio. Will the HD7697 receive FM?? The answer is yes. If the FM signals are strong then yes the antenna will receive them. . . The truth is the best antennas for FM reception are FM antennas with separate coax to the FM receiver. Here is a Winegard FM antenna for local reception HD6010. Winegard also makes 2 more FM antennas that are directional FM antennas for weak and long distance reception. . The Winegard HD line of Tv antennas are Heavy Duty antennas that are built to with stand harsh weather. . . . If the signal distribution system has a low gain distribution amplifier then that should be Ok. . Also read and understand this about , Real Digital Tv Channels , Virtual digital Tv Channels , Analog Tv Channels. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=695. . Here are places to buy Tv antennas and etc.. http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://solidsignal.com , http://www.3starinc.com , http://www.amazon.com

GLoads · 22-Feb-2011, 1:13 AM

John,

Thanks so much for the info.

Do I need to the pre-amp for the stations under 30 miles (I will be pointing at them)?

Can I mount the FM antenna on the post (with a seperate coax)?

~Anthony

John Candle · 22-Feb-2011, 2:00 AM

The Tv antenna will be pointed at about 149 degree magnetic compass. Like I say , the Tv antenna will receive strong local FM radio stations , try the Tv antenna for FM reception first. If you decide to install a FM antenna , Do Not snuggle the Tv antenna and the FM antenna together like they just got married. Mount the two antennas a few feet apart like they have been married for awhile. If the antennas are mounted on the same mast then the FM antenna will go toward the top of the mast and the Tv antenna will be down lower. . Three questions , How many Tv's will be connected?? . How many Tv outlets the house has?? . Is the Tv coax wiring pulled to one location , a separate coax from the one location goes out to each Tv out let ??

GLoads · 22-Feb-2011, 2:35 AM

Okay I will try the TV Antenna first. Do I need the pre-amp?

The antenna wire will run 35' to a home run wire panel where it can be sent to any of the 10 outlets. I will install amp/spliiter if needed.

If I instead mount the antenna on my barn it will be a. lower and b. 240' from the panel. To do this what will I need?

Do I need to do anything for the signal to the FM Reciever?

Thanks.

John Candle · 22-Feb-2011, 5:57 AM

I do not recommend mounting the antenna 240 away. Mount the antenna at the house. Do not use a preamp. Use one of these distribution amplifiers , ChannelMaster CM3412 , CM3414 , CM3418. Use this Tv/Fm joiner/separator to connect a Tv and Fm radio. Winegard CA8800