Antenna selection help in Orlando

[swampmatt]

I live in Oviedo, FL in a home owners association. I'm not able to put up a large outdoor antenna, but I can get away with something smaller. I'm looking for help on what to choose. I'm considering the Trek HDTVo, because a majority of the stations are clustered 10 miles away in a single location. Although there are a few other stations scattered around that I would like to access as well.

Is it possible to combine both a directional with an omni? What setup would you recommend for my location? Thanks!

Coordinates: (28.62, -81.23)

[tigerbangs]

You live close enough to the Orlando transmitters that an amplified antenna like a Terk HDTVo might actually be a liability because amplified antennas tend to overload in the face of very strong signals. In your situation, I would recommend an un-amplified antenna like a Winegard HD-7694P aimed at the transmitters which are located at 100 degrees by your compass. If you decide that you want to watch signals other than the ones in that direction, add a rotator like a Channel Master 9521a to turn your roof-mounted antenna: never use an omni-directional antenna along with a directional antenna.
http://www.winegard.com/kbase/upload/HD7694P.pdf

[swampmatt]

Thanks for the help, I didn't know that an amplified antenna would overload like that.

So I live in a Home Owners Association where outdoor antennas are technically not allowed, so I'm looking to go low profile. The Winegard HD-7694P looks pretty big (80 inches long), is there a smaller option I should consider?

What if I used the HDTVo in my attic? Would that dampen the power enough to make it acceptable at close range to the Orlando transmitters?

[tigerbangs]

Homeowner's associations cannot block you from installing an antenna on your own home! The HDTVo in your attic will fare badly, as will any antenna placed in an attic. Please read the following ruling from the FCC regarding the placement of antennas:

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

Your HOA is NOT ALLOWD to tell you that you may not place an antenna anywhere on your property. They may suggest locations, but cannot enforce those suggestions. They may not restrict the size or shape of the antenna that you choose to use, either. Please do not be intimidated by anyone who attempts to prevent you from installing an antenna to watch local TV stations. Many HOA rules were written before the FCC ban on antenna placement restrictions, and have not been updated.

Therefore, it is up to YOU alone where you choose to place your antenna. If aesthetic considerations outweigh your desire for good reception, you may, of course, try an attic installation, but most people, especially in Florida , fin that attic installations are especially difficult and unreliable.