Large Multidirectional Help/Opinion

[pickupman92]

hey people

I've narrowed down some of my choices to the following:
- Antennas Direct ClearStream4 HDTV Antenna
- Channel Master 4228HD
- Antennas Direct DB8

My zip code is 32763. I've been to TV fool and what not, but I'm looking more for opinions on which antenna is better. If you have another recommendation I'm all open. I'd just like to get as many channels as possible. With my current flat wall antenna I'm getting 31 Channels already, but I know there are a few more I can get.

Also should I mount this on the roof? If so, where can I buy a lightning rod and all that jazz?

Thanks for ANY information.
-Quentin

[pickupman92]

I don't think I understand your reply... I was asking which one do y'all recommend.

[pickupman92]

What do you mean "Thank you published articles"?

I can't say I appreciate the help, because you haven't helped me. I'll go look for another forum.

[Melvin63]

Please ignore the spammers on this forum. First to address the question of lightning protection, you will need to shop for the hardware and heavy gauge #6 copper conductor to bond your mast to the power company multi-grounded-neutral. This is the ground rod that is typically located below the power service entrance and connected by by a heavy gauge wire that goes down the wall into the ground, the electrode is buried probably within inches of the surface and is 8 or 10 feet long. Use a split bolt to bond your mast conductor to the conductor that attaches to the electrode.

As for the choice of antenna you list three different directional bow tie bays but your zip code analysis indicates green and yellow zone reception. I don't generally recommend indoor antennas, have you considered a rooftop omnidirectional such as the Winegard Metrostar? There are amplifed and non-amplified versions of this antenna, I don't think you need amplification unless you have multiple TVs to power. Otherwise the choise of which BowTie Bay is just a matter of preference base on your considerations such as cost/quality/manufacturer reputaion, etc.

[tigerbangs]

Since all the significant TV transmitters come from one direction in your area, I would recommend against using any kind of omnidirectional outdoor antenna like a Metrostar, since they have no ability to reject multipath interference, which is the bane of digital reception. I would recommend a smaller yagi-type UHF antenna, which has less face to the wind, and better directional characteristics than a multi-bay UHF antenna. Look at an AntennasDirect XG-43 or an AntennaCraft MXU-47 UHF antenna for your needs. Both are relatively inexpensive, well-made, and better able to stay vertical in strong winds and storms, as well as having a lower overall profile. Aim the antenna at 150 degrees by your compass, and you should get perfect reception on more than 20 channels, including all your national network stations. Good Luck.