Antenna recommendation Indianapolis 46260

[ecomrt]

Best site found for antenna selection. I have a ChannelMaster CM2016 (UHF/VHF) with an amp in the attic pointed due west to capture majors at compass 232, 248, and 331. Samsung has a built-in tuner.

I am would like to add ION (WIPX-LP compass 177, 10 miles 6.49 power which is a repeater for Bloomington WIPX-TV compass 178, 35 miles, 1000 power), MyN (WNDY-TV compass 36, 21 miles, power 1000) and possibly the Bloomington PBS (WTIU compass 198, 56 miles, power 1000).

Would an external antenna grab these other stations and combine with the existing antenna? Does it make sense to go external completely with either a rotator or multiple antennas on the same mast? I am not sure how rotators work but imagine multiple antennas might be simpler and possibly more cost effective. Adding another TV might be desired in the future. The GeoSelector recommended the following: Winegard HD7698P (Read HD7698P reviews)* Preamp: Required* Rotator: Required. Thank you.

[tigerbangs]

Olease go to TVFool.com, enter your information, and post the link to the results in your reply. That information would be necessary to give you any kind of an educated answer to your questions. Thank you

[ecomrt]

Sorry link was not included to begin:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapp ... 22e66b56c6

Here are that stations that I would like to receive:
Call Network Digital Channel Band Power City Distance Compass
WIPX-LP ION - 51 (UHF) u 6.49 INDIANAPOLIS(IN) 10 miles 177°
WIPX-TV ION + 27 (UHF) u 165 BLOOMINGTON(IN) 35 miles 178°
WTIU PBS + 14 (UHF) u 1000 BLOOMINGTON(IN) 56 miles 198°
WNDY-TV MyN + 32 (UHF) u 1000 MARION(IN) 21 miles 36°
WIPB PBS + 23 (UHF) u 250 MUNCIE(IN) 43 miles 73°
WTTK CW + 29 (UHF) u 550 KOKOMO(IN) 2 miles 232°
WXIN FOX + 45 (UHF) u 700 INDIANAPOLIS(IN) 2 miles 232°
WIIH-CA UNI - 11 (VHF) V 14.5 INDIANAPOLIS(IN) 2 miles 236°
WIIH-LD UNI + 8 (VHF) V 0.3 INDIANAPOLIS(IN) 2 miles 236°
WISH-TV CBS/NBC + 9 (VHF) V 22.8 INDIANAPOLIS(IN) 2 miles 236°
WFYI PBS + 21 (UHF) u 225 INDIANAPOLIS(IN) 2 miles 248°
WRTV ABC + 25 (UHF) u 1000 INDIANAPOLIS(IN) 2 miles 248°
WTHR NBC + 13 (VHF) V 22 INDIANAPOLIS(IN) 2 miles 331°

The first five are stations that I don't receive. WTIU is Bloomington PBS may add some programming vsIndianapolis PBS (WFYI) which is currently received. I wasn't sure if an antenna could reach WTIU and pick-up WIPX-TV and its Indy relay WIPX-LP as well. All three are compass 177-198. The other wildcard is MyN at compass 36. Muncie PBS (WIPB) does not seem to offer much different programming than Indy PBS.

I am thinking of putting radiant heat barrier (basically metal foil) as part of the insulation project in the attic. I imagine that will thwart the current attic antenna unless the west gable is left open. I also have a gable oriented south that could be used for another attic antenna. However neither gable provides "LOS" to the other major compass direction: West or South. It looks like there is three main compass points to cover (225 for close Indy majors on UHF/VHF, 36 for MyN, and 180 for ION and possibly WTIU).

Thank you

[tigerbangs]

You need to get the antenna outside and on the roof, and add a rotator if you want to see all the stations that you are looking for. In your situation, you won't need to turn the antenna unless you want to watch those specific stations, as most of the Indy transmitters are in one location, and the antenna can remain aimed at that one location 99.9% of the time. I am loathe to recommend using an omni-directional antenna because of the other negative issues that they present, and a rotator will sove your reception issues with no more investment than will a new antenna.

Good rotators include the Channel Master 9521a and the AntennaCraft TDP-2

[ecomrt]

Great info.

Is it possible to get another antenna that could grab the 36 and 180 degree signals and combine with the existing antenna out on a single mast? Is it realistic to attempt to a 50 mile signal for the PBS in Bloomington (compass 178, 56 miles, 1000 power)? If not, then I am really trying to add a station at 36 compass at 21 miles 1000 power and another at 177 compass at 10 miles 6.5 power.

How clear of the roof do the antennas need to be. I have a flatter roof (4x12) and have an old electrical mast on one of the downslopes that might be usable without a new penetration.

If a rotator, then how do the rotator's work? How much time to adjust? Do they rotate based on what station you are trying to tune or is their a separate remote to control?
Thank you very much.

[tigerbangs]

Combining antennas is a dicey business, and i don't recommend that you try it: the rotator will zoom in on the signals within a half-minute of so. WTIU will be a stretch with all but the largest antennas, and you will need more than a couple of feet of height above the roof line to get it reliably. Because of the strength of the local Indy stations, I don't think that a preamplifier is a viable option for you, so you would have to do it solely with antenna size and strength. You could use a deep-fringe UHF antenna like an AntennasDirect XG-91, which would cover all of your local signals as well as the Bloomington PBS, but, again. you'll need a rotator,, and, remember that, as an antenna increases in gainand size, it becomes MORE directional, increasing the necessity for a rotator. You might also add a small VHF high-band yagi like an AntennaCraft Y-5-7-13 to the XG-91 using a Pico-Macom UVSJ antenna joiner, which will restore your VHF channels fore you, and you would have one hellatiously fine antenna system! LOL

[jpws]

tigerbangs-
I live in almost the same area and am wondering if you could elaborate (or point me to a resource) regarding the pros and cons of an omnidirectional antenna. According to antennaweb.org any "yellow" category antenna should get me what I want, and the CM 3000 omni fits that bill. I'm not against the rotator and mast, but the cost would be much less without the rotator. Also, based on your comments would you recommend a 30' mast or only 20' ?
Thanks

[geekboi8]

I am looking to purchase an indoor antenna for my 2 hdtv's. I live in an older apartment building made of brick near downtown Indy. Any recommendations? I was thinking of the Terk HDTVa...
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapp ... 5ff7165771

Thanks in advance for your help!