Best Anntena for my situation

Chessi · 31-Oct-2010, 4:05 AM

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions. I am in Charleston SC and would like to purchase an antenna and place in the attic of my single story home. my tvfool report is
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...a5430965ded242

I will have to place this antenna inside due to HOA rules. I estimate it will be 12-15 feet above ground level. My house is wired with cable but is split in two sections, wired seperately. Therefore, I will have to split the signal from the antenna to go to the left side and right side of the house. since there are 4 TVs in the house, I would prefer not to buy individual antennas.

Thank you agian for your assistance, guidance and direction.

Chessi

GroundUrMast · 31-Oct-2010, 6:41 AM

If you have a metal roof or solar panels/collectors, attic mounting will almost always give poor results.

But, because you intend to mount in your attic, I'll suggest the Winegard HD 7694P http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp...0Antennas&sku=
This antenna enough gain to overcome the signal loss caused by wood and composite shingles. I have experience with attic mounted antennas... frustrating when it rains. Also this antenna is fairly big, if that's a problem then here is the next size smaller... http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp...0Antennas&sku= This antenna would be fine outside on the roof but may be less than ideal in the attic.

Regardless of which antenna you choose, aim at about 85° per your compass, then adjust for the best indication on you signal meter.

I would expect you to see digital ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, MyN, PBS as well as a few analog translators which may switch to digital in the future.

Regarding signal split: try running without an amplifier, just a passive splitter. If you need to add a distribution amplifier you can insert one later without much trouble. I own a PCT http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp...mplifiers&sku= and recommend it if you have a proven need. Adding an amplifier were one is not needed can actually cause problems.

John Candle · 31-Oct-2010, 8:50 AM

As has been stated time after time after time after time the FCC over ruled ALL hoa's , housing covenets , and every one else , since the year 1996. http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html , hoa's are well aware of this yet they still scam who ever they can

John Candle · 31-Oct-2010, 8:57 AM

This hate of Tv antennas and other antennas is a sickness.

Chessi · 31-Oct-2010, 3:10 PM

GroundUrMast: Thank you for the specific antenna recoomendations. I do not have a metal roof or solar panels. I'll try the reccomended antenna without amplication first.

John Candle: Thank you for the link to the FCC regulation. I was aware that the HOA could not limit small satellite antennas but not aware of the TV antenna. I think I will challenge the HOA on this.

Tigerbangs · 1-Nov-2010, 2:35 PM

There is plenty of case law to support you installation of an antenna: The OTARD is a 15 year-old rule and is now settled law. Your HOA should be aware of this, but might try to play dumb in order to discourage you. I suggest that you be willing to press your case, and, in any event, the burden of proof is now on the HOA to prove you wrong. if you are in an owner-occupied home where you have sole control of your roof, your HOA has no standing in the issue.