Antenna guidance in NC requested

jgrausa · 30-Aug-2014, 11:52 AM

Just joined up, used some of the mapping tools, made some channel choices and now looking for guidance on an antenna. I live in a subdivision that limits me to 40" diameter antenna, not to go above roof-line, not visible from the street. I can roof mount with a clear line of sight, meeting our local regs and hitting the 331 degree target that gets me the stations I need.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...d24342f55caeae

Any help is much appreciated

Joe

timgr · 30-Aug-2014, 1:10 PM

As I understand it, there is nothing your HOA can do to limit your choice of antenna - http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/...nna/54582432/1

If you search, there are many, many posts here on this topic.

Your local community can set a limit on height for antenna structures, so as not to impede aviation and such. But typically that's something reasonable like 200'.

So as the article above advises, tell your HOA to stuff it.

Stereocraig · 30-Aug-2014, 1:37 PM

Actually, you don't need to alert the HOA to this fact, because they are already aware of it.
They are just hoping that you don't.
Just mount the antenna and don't flinch, if anybody says anything.

This also puts the burden of proof on them, should they decide to take you to court, or otherwise attempt to enforce this ridiculous rule.
Which they will not do, since they know that it would be dismissed.

This is not meant to be legal advice, just my past observations.

Any problems, just contact the FCC, they're on our side on this one.

timgr · 30-Aug-2014, 3:02 PM

Not an antenna expert, but I've been listening for a while - maybe I can make some helpful suggestions.

Let's say you plan to put the antenna on your roof, and can ignore the stated restrictions.

Pick a reasonable rooftop height, say 25', and make another plot.

Look at the actual channels, not the virtual channels. As mentioned in an earlier post, the pink zone is about as far as you can reasonably expect to receive without extreme measures. There's VHF (2-13) and UHF (14-69). You could possibly get everything local except WTVD 11 with a UHF antenna.

Look at the directional distribution. Everything local is either at about 63 or 320 degrees magnetic, except for the relatively strong WUNC 25. So you could maybe pick up all those stations with an antenna aimed at 63 and 320, and then hope that WUNC is strong enough to come through anyway. Make that other plot at 25'.

So all that remains is to pick an antenna. Possibly the Antennas Direct DB8e would work for you, aiming one panel at 63 aiming one panel at 320. It's a UHF only antenna, and probably is small enough to meet the 40" fantasy of your HOA (it's about 48" across). But I'd mount it just as high as I could, above the roof line.

https://www.antennasdirect.com/store...V-Antenna.html - also available from Amazon, where I got mine.

ADTech · 30-Aug-2014, 3:57 PM

The one meter dimension comes from a mis-reading of the OTARD rule. That dimension applies ONLY to satellite antennas, there is no stated size limit that is permissible under the law for an antenna to receive your local stations.

jgrausa · 30-Aug-2014, 4:07 PM

Great advice. In regards to HOA v legal, I would rather work within their guidelines if I can get my target stations (principally on the 320). With the preferred UHF stations within 50 miles, I am hoping to be able to satisfy their criteria as well as mine. Even though the HOA requirements are not binding and ill-informed, it is the neighbor's perception that is the higher priority for me.

Keep the recommendations coming.

Thanks,
Joe

30-Aug-2014, 4:31 PM

+=>

The provided tvfool report says resolved to block level only and the antenna height is 10 feet above ground.

So that a better recommendation for reception can be made.

Please make and post a tvfool report with the exact address and make the antenna height 25 feet above ground.

25 feet antenna height above ground is a Reference Antenna Height that provides a good evaluation of what can be received.

If the Exact address does not work to make the tvfool report.

Then go to the tvfool home page and click on >>Start MAPS<< .

Enter the zipcode for your location.

Click on (Map this) button.

Move the pointer to your exact location.

Make the antenna height in the report 25 feet above ground.

Click on the (Make Radar Plot) button.

Post the tvfool report , So a better recommendation can be made.

Stereocraig · 30-Aug-2014, 4:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgrausa

Great advice. In regards to HOA v legal, I would rather work within their guidelines if I can get my target stations (principally on the 320). With the preferred UHF stations within 50 miles, I am hoping to be able to satisfy their criteria as well as mine. Even though the HOA requirements are not binding and ill-informed, it is the neighbor's perception that is the higher priority for me.

Keep the recommendations coming.

Thanks,
Joe

I had better not. Your neighbors, may not approve.

31-Aug-2014, 9:00 AM

+=>

More often then not.

When the , Neighbors , see that you have put up a Tv antenna , the neighbors

become very interested in what is being received and when you show them all

the Free Channels and how Clear the Digital Broadcast Tv Reception is.

The neighbors become even more interested and will Install Their Own Tv

Antennas.

And you can help them install.

You will be a Hero of the neighborhood.

--------------------

And when they discover the Streaming Internet Tv Services for a Small Price as

compared to cable and satellite.

You will be a Hero again.

Consumer Reports has a Practical and Useful article about streaming internet services and devices to receive them.

December 2013 issue , page 42.

Libraries have back issues of Consumer Reports. For check out like a book.

Can take it home and make color copies of the page.

Or can get the article from.

http://www.consumerreports.com.