Help getting started, antennas and such

vkeks · 4-Jul-2012, 3:42 AM

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...13492937460f35

HI, thanks in advance for any help. I currently have a digital tv, an antenna mounted on top of my house 20+ feet, with a hook up to rotate the antenna. Also have a signal booster on the antenna. This was all in place (except the digital tv) prior to the switch from analog to digital. I can pick up a small number of channels including 24, 27, 33, 66. Any help on what equip, etc. to pick up additional channels would be appreciated. Would like to pick up channels, if possible in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Erie.

Thanks,
Vince

GroundUrMast · 4-Jul-2012, 3:45 AM

It looks as if you have a great selection of signals to choose from. With the correct antenna and preamplifier you should be receiving a couple of dozen signals or more.

Do you have the make and model of the existing antenna and amplifier?

vkeks · 4-Jul-2012, 4:57 AM

Thanks for your reply. Antenna is approx. 20 years old...no idea on make. signal booster is from Radio Shack...cat no. 15-1108, if that helps. suppose I could climb up on the roof and take a pic if that would help re: the antenna.

GroundUrMast · 4-Jul-2012, 5:57 AM

At 20 years most antennas are getting a bit worn.

If I were starting fresh, with a desire to get as many signals as possible, I'd opt for a Winegard HD7694P or any of it's larger variations (7695 through 7698). The Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp has a much better performance specs than any of the competing Radio Shack products.

vkeks · 4-Jul-2012, 6:15 AM

Yep. Figured I would need to do an upgrade on the antenna. Appreciate the recommendation on " Winegard HD7694P or any of it's larger variations (7695 through 7698). " I'm assuming that bigger is better... meaning further range of receiving signal?

Regarding "The Antennas Direct CPA-19 preamp... " is this a separate component that I would need to purchase...or is it built into the antenna?

Thanks again.

GroundUrMast · 4-Jul-2012, 6:22 AM

The larger versions of the HD769x series have more gain, therefor more range, and additional fade margin for closer signals.

The CPA-19 is a separate part, from a competing vendor. It handles stronger local signals without overloading and adds less noise to the signal (as compared to the other name brand preamplifiers).

If your existing rotator is still serviceable, I'd recommend keeping it. Most of the new rotator product on the market has gathered a less than stellar mass of review. It seems that for a while at least, quality control was a problem.

vkeks · 4-Jul-2012, 6:28 AM

Thank you for your help. I truly appreciate it.

Electron · 4-Jul-2012, 7:46 AM

Tv transmissions from Many directions around the compass at your location.

Install a Winegard MS2002 antenna above the roof.

No antenna rotor required , the MS2002 antenna receives all directions.

http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.amazon.com.

vkeks · 4-Jul-2012, 12:54 PM

I found the information below interesting on one of the websites above. Seems I could potentially spend a lot of extra money and have no benefit due to the limitations of nature. Wonder which equipment provides the proverbial 'sweet spot' in terms of equipment purchased and the gains received?

This is from the website regarding receiving over long distances:
"Theoretically, it would be possible if you lived on top of a mountain and the broadcast towers were also on a mountain. At normal elevations, however, the curvature of the earth pretty much limits effectiveness to about 70 miles for UHF band signals. Low VHF band (2-6) can bounce further than this, but currently only about 7% of digital TV channels are on the VHF band. Most Digital TV channels are on the UHF band - which is line-of-sight transmission. "

vkeks · 4-Jul-2012, 2:18 PM

Could u suggest which equipment combo provides the proverbial 'sweet spot' in terms of equipment purchased and the gains received?

Assuming I would need an antenna and some type of signal booter/signal amplifier.

I am less interested in local channels and more interested in distance - reason being - to be perfectly candid -- football season is coming -- and can often get the games on OTA channels vs. on directv. Also would be nice to not pay that Directv bill each month.

GroundUrMast · 4-Jul-2012, 3:29 PM

The MS2002 would be a solution of reception of strong local signals that have little or no interference to overcome.

Your TV Fool report shows no low-VHF (real channel 2 through 6) signals except for analog WBPA-LP real channel 6 at the very bottom of the list, which is likely not even on the air. The predicted signal strength is well below that needed for reliable reception. from what I can tell, if built, it's a translator re-broadcasting WPCW, a CW affiliate. The WPCW signal is quite weak and may have problems with co-channel interference, but it would be easier to receive than the weaker WBPA.

My earlier suggestions stand. Given your interest in DX (reception of distant signals) go with the HD7698P and CPA-19.

Though I'm not recommending it; If you want to try receiving low-VHF intermittently, as atmospheric conditions vary, your can opt for the Winegard HD8200u... their largest all channel antenna. If you want to rotate such a large antenna reliably, consider a HyGain AR-40 rotator.

vkeks · 4-Jul-2012, 3:42 PM

Done deal, thanks again. HD7698P and CPA-19 it is. Will follow up with a post once set up. Any tips/suggestions on best place to purchase based upon ur experience?

GroundUrMast · 4-Jul-2012, 3:53 PM

Shop around. I often end up at Amazon. SolidSignal.com, 3Starinc.com and the Manufacturers web stores are worth looking at.

vkeks · 4-Jul-2012, 4:06 PM

Wow. What an awesome website and forum here. I'm impressed.