Help on Attic Mounted antenna

[Ant_Newb]

I am looking to mount an antenna in our attic, sice mounting an external antenna is not allowed. We live in a 2 story townhouse in Roselle Illinois (60172). Not a forestes area and no tall buildings within 2 miles. Currently reception with internal antennas is spotty at best. Would mounting an External antenna in out attic improve reception for our TV's? We currently have 2 old TV with Converter boxes (going to to upgrade one to a 32" Samsung LCD). If an exterrnal antenna will work in the attic should it be direction with a remote rotary control. any suggestions will be appreiceted.

[smp375]

I personally have an attic mounted antenna, but I only chose this option because it cost me MUCH less than it would have to mount it on the roof. You need to be aware, It is NOT LEGAL to disallow aerial antennas! Regardless, if you want to mount the antenna in your attic, summitsource.com offers an attic mount for <$3. I live about 28 miles from the towers I need to receive and pointed my antenna directly at them with the aid of an orienteering compass, but I did choose an antenna good for up to 60 miles, figuring the extra gain would overcome the losses created by the roof. I get all the Milwaukee channels crystal clear, and still even receive WGN, so I can watch the Cubs.

[Ant_Newb]

ANy idea what qwould be the best antenna etc for my situation? http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapp ... e10776616c

[smp375]

I don't know specific models like some of the guys on this board; I don't even remember which model I bought. I would suggest first visiting antennaweb.org; this sight is very much like the tvfool site, except the channel data shows if the broadcast is UHF or VHF and they also show you a little pie color coded image that matches up to the industry standard color code system that you'll see on any antenna you look at. I think you need a yellow zone antenna. I'm not certain, but I think a couple of your channels are VHF. I bought my antenna at summitsource.com. They have a wide selection and amazing prices; my order also arrived in 48 hours. Decide if you need or want a UHF, or VHF and possibly FM antenna. I bought a UHF/VHF/FM for $40. Also, first determine how much space you have to mount an antenna because you may only have room for a small UHF unit. My attic is HUGE, so my 64x58" antenna fits fine.

P.S. I just checked my summitsource account; I bought an Antennacraft 5884. My geographic situation and mounting situation are much the same as yours.

[Ant_Newb]

Do you remember how big the antenna is shipped? My Attic access door is located in the Corner of the Attic. Plus the attic is only 4ft H x 15ft W x 23ft L. Thanks

[Ant_Newb]

Antenna web show my channels coming in from teh South East (approximatley where channels 18 & 24 show up on TVfool link. A majority of the Channels are Yellow (15), some green (3) and some Blue (6). Do you think I should use a Preamp for this antenna (any suggensions)? Will it suppport 2 TV's or will that require a splitter (S/n loss?). ANy insights you can provide will be appreciated.

[smp375]

My box was the length of the antenna, so roughly 60" long, and about 9" square. I would not suggest a preamp, if you intend to use the antenna for multiple televisions you should use a distribution amplifier.

[Ant_Newb]

Well no way I can fit a 60 Inch antenna thru the attic door in the Corner. The attic is only 3.3 to 4 ft tall and the door is like 2ft x 2ft. any suggestions?

[smp375]

It would fit... When you angle it in the rise wold likely be less than two feet. Otherwise you might have to go with a UHF only antenna; these mount vertically and would be 36" tall or less. Otherwise, you need to discuss, with the property owner, the federal mandate gives you the right to install an antenna outside.