Antenna for Saint Peter, MN 56082

[uberpooch]

Hoping someone can help me confirm if receiving OTA/HD is an option for me based on where I live (Saint Peter, MN 56082). My goal is to receive the basic network channels (NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and PBS) and anything else would be a bonus.

I used the TV Antenna GeoSelector and if I understand the results correctly (but I don't think I do) it doesn't look like I'll be able to reach these stations since most are 65 miles away. I don't know if this helps but my house rests fairly high on a hill in the town where I live.

If someone is able to confirm my findings and offer advice on whether it would be wise to pursue an over-the-air reception for my TV that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[tigerbangs]

PM me with your street address, and I can make a much better estimate of what you can get,,,Zip codes usually don't give enough information when the signal is 65 miles away.

[uberpooch]

Thanks tigerbands, sent you the PM.

Cheers,

Kyle

[tigerbangs]

Thanks for your address via PM! it does help! based on what I can see from TVFOOL.com, the town of St. James has a series of TV translators about 33 miles from you that rebroadcast all of the Minneapolis-St. Paul TV stations: there appear to be about 12 translators in St James, and they should make reception pretty easy. The MSP stations are 65 miles from you, and are still available to you, but you will need a rotator and a deep-fringe VHF-high-band plus uhf antenna system to get MSP directly. I would use my deep-fringe solution; an AntennasDirect XG-91 UHF antenna mounted 4' above a Winegard YA-1713 VHF high-band yagi. Combine the two antenna using a Channel Master Titan 7777 preamplifier. Mount the two antennas on the same mast above a rotator, like a Channel Master 9521a automatic rotator, and run the signal from the preamplifier into your house. You didn't mention how many TV sets you plan to run, but you can use up to 4 TV sets from the output of the preamp power supply by using a 4-way high-quality 1 gHz or better splitter Once the antenna system is properly installed, you should see the major Minneapolis-ST Paul stations, as well as the translators fro St. James, and probably a handful of other stations, as well...

Here is a list of Minnesota TV stations and translators; You'll find lots of stations available to you from this list!

http://www.northpine.com/broadcast/mn/tv.html

[uberpooch]

Thanks tingerbangs, that's great news about the TV translators. In response to your question I only have one TV (a new 54" plasma as an early Xmas gift).

I'd like to take the next step and see how much the deep-fringe solution will cost. Is this information available here or do I need to look elsewhere?

Also, this is my first time setting up an antenna system so I'm a little nervous about being able to do it since this is way outside my comfort zone. For peace of mind if I have to hire someone to help me, are there resources to find out who in my area provides this service?

Again, thanks for your help!

[tigerbangs]

There are some good online resources that can help you. Look at Solidsignal.com and summitsounrce.com, as well as starkelectronic.com They will have good information about what you'll need for mounting equipment anc other advice.

[uberpooch]

Doing a quick check on components/prices here's what I got:

AntennasDirect XG-91 UHF antenna - $53
Winegard YA-1713 VHF high-band yagi - $39
Channel Master Titan 7777 preamplifier with power supply - $51
Channel Master 9521a automatic rotator and 100' wire - $80

I'm guessing there's some miscellaneous accessories but this is still reasonable for me. I know setting this up will be way outside my skill set so my next step will be to find someone to help with the set-up. I'm guessing there are companies that provide this service?

Thanks again.

[tigerbangs]

You got it right: you will also need mounting equipment, coaxial cable, grounding equipment, tie-wraps for the cable, etc.

[uberpooch]

You got it right: you will also need mounting equipment, coaxial cable, grounding equipment, tie-wraps for the cable, etc.

Thanks. Now I just have to find someone who does installation work. Have no idea what kind of rates they charge though.

[uberpooch]

Since I know nothing about antenna installation I found this service: http://www.zipinstallation.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=SKIPWCCO&CartID=1. Just wondering if anyone has heard anything about them or can recommend an alternative.

Thanks.