Help in 61938

[iceman2658]

Hi, I live in Mattoon, IL 61938 and I'm debating ditching my cable and installing an antenna. I have 1 32" Sony Bravia LCD HDTV (has a tuner) and 2 analog TV's with digital converter boxes (freebies with govt. coupon https://secure.freetvsignal.com/viewAll.php ) I would prefer to put the antenna in my attic (walls not insulated) and not have to rotate it, but I do want to get the major networks ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX. Antennaweb shows the nearest stations as ABC 47.5mi @33deg, NBC 40.9 mi @ 326deg, CBS 43.6 mi @ 357deg, FOX 54.7 @ 110deg. I was wondering what the best antenna/preamp setup would be in my situation. Thanks for your your time.

[tigerbangs]

At the distances that you are from the transmitters, you aren't a candidate for good reception with an attic installation. Also, the spread of channels available PLUS the distance to the transmitters dictates a high-gain antenna array with a preamplifier and a rotator. if you are willing to consider such a route, I will make some suggestions to you...

[iceman2658]

Thanks for your response, I had a feeling that would be the case. I would be very interested to see what kind of setup would be necessary, and would appreciate any assistance you can offer. I wouldn't want to buy equipment only to find that it doesn't work for what I want to do.

[tigerbangs]

OK, if you want to do it RIGHT...LOL... Use my deep-fringe prescription: A Winegard YA-1713 VHF-high-band yagi plus an AntennasDirect XG-91 UHF antenna mounted on the same mast , but separated by at least 4' with the XG-91 on top. Use a Channel Master 9521a automatic rotator to turn the array. Combine the signals from the two antennas using a Pico-Macom UFSJ splitter-joiner, and run the output of the joiner to a Winegard HDP-269 high-input preamplifier. Use high-quality RG-6u coaxial cable throughout the system: do not mix older cable with new cable, and use one type and brand throughout.. Mount the preamplifier power supply indoors, near an AC outlet, and, if you intend to power more than one TV set from the antenna, place your high-quality 1 ghz or better splitter AFTER the preamplifir power supply, then make your runs to your TV sets.

This antenna array will pull pretty much any full-power TV station from within 65 miles of your house reliably, and you will also find that may other stations will pop in that you haven't seen before. Please find the links below to the equipment manufacturers, and a photo of that the array looks like when installed on your roof: good luck!

http://www.winegard.com
http://www.antennasdirect.com
http://www.channelmaster.com
http://www.picomacom.com
http://www.pctinternational.com/channel ... lation.pdf

[iceman2658]

Excellent info, thanks. Had a couple questions. On the 9521A rotator, I'm assuming I would need the complete system and not just the replacement motor. Is that correct? On the separator-combiner, I couldn't find any solid hits on the UFSJ but I did find a UVSJ on their website here http://yhst-18278607509093.stores.yahoo ... -0389.html I know typos happen, I'm just making sure. And finally, I found a couple of websites http://www.summitsource.com and wwww.solidsignal.com that had some decent prices on the products you listed. Has anyone ordered from them? Are they reputable? Thanks again for your help, have a good one.

[tigerbangs]

I made a TYPO on the Pico-Macom UVSJ: such is creeping middle age: sorry! Yes, the Channel Master 9521a is the entire rotator system, with the motor and control box. You will also need to purchase enough 3 conductor rotor control wire to run from your TV position to the roof. I understand that SolidSignal.com is a good place to do business, but compare their prices: most places get you on the shipping, so be sure to compare delivered costs. This equipment is widely available, so it does pay to shop around. Good luck.

[iceman2658]

Outstanding, thank you for your help. Now I just have to sell my wife on the monstrosity sticking out of the top of our house.

[tigerbangs]

A hint here: it is better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission! Show her what you get for reception FIRST, then discuss the antenna. LOL