Need help getting the right antenna

[Centralmn]

I live at zip 56304 and just got rid of cable I figured for 20 bucks a month now for the basic was to much. I am looking at trying to pull all the major networks out of the cities M-SP. I was told by the local tv place that they have the best luck with the hd-9032 with a amp in this area. I have noticed that you seen to like the 91XG in all the similar distances from the forums.The antenna will run 3-4 tv's 1 digital lcd and 2 with converter boxes that will be replaced with lcds soon.The antenna will be mounted on the roof about 25 feet up come spring when it will be safe to do so.

The 9032 vs 91xg for uhf?

There is also 2 vhf channels 9 and 11 but 9 is also sent on 29 I think, so 11 will be the only vhf only station what do you think for this?

AntennaCraft y5-7-13 or y10-7-13 or winegard ya1713 for vhf ?

and a Preamp?

Thank you for any help you can give

[tigerbangs]

Here's what I would use: An AntennasDirect XG-91 and an AntennaCraft Y-10-7-13 connected to a Winegard HDP-269 preamplifier and a Pico-Macom UVSJ antenna joiner, which will combine the signals from the two antennas and provide additional amplification, which will compensate for cable and splitter losses, and will allow for the use of multiple TV sets. Separate the two antenna on the same mast by a minimum of 4', and mount the XG-91 on top: aim the rig at 125 degrees by your compass, and you'll see all the MSP stations, including the 2 VHF stations, without a hitch.

http://www.winegard.com
http://www.antennasdirect.com
http://www.channelmaster.com
http://www.antennacraft.net
http://manuals.solidsignal.com/AntInstallGuide.pdf

[Centralmn]

Thank you for the info

I got a really good deal on a open box winegard YA-1713 and from reading in the forum here it has the same performance to the AntennaCraft Y-10-7-13. Otherwise I am going to follow your suggestions exactly. I will run all quad shield cable and ordered a good splitter to hook it all together. I will let you know how it turns out as soon as I get it all installed.

thank you again for the great suggestion

[tigerbangs]

Sounds good; the YA-1713 and the AntennaCraft Y-10-7-13 are pretty much interchangable...let me know how you make out.

[Centralmn]

I set the antenna up on my deck with a 10' mast until spring when I can get on the roof. The signals are very good for only being off the ground 15' and a tree in the way. I have all the major and a few other channels at 60% - 96% signal and the picture is better then I got with basic cable. I cant wait to get it on the roof because I'm sure the signals will only get better. Thank you so much for the help it really felt good to tell the cable company where to go. The cable installer even commented on how nice of a picture it was when they claimed there box.

What should I do to seal up the Pico-Macom UVSJ antenna joiner. I was thinking electrical tape till I move it to the roof but is there something better I could use?

[tigerbangs]

Glad to hear that it all worked for you! I wouldn't use electrical tape as it gets sticky and leaves a residue. Believe it or nor, the UVSJ is already sealed tightly, but if you want to protect the connector from corrosion, try using a liberal dollop or Vaseline on the connectors: it will keep the moisture aray, and it's easy to clean it off when you need to. When installing it permanently, I would find some rubber weather boots to put on the outside of the connectors, and put some silicone grease or Vaseline inside the weather boots to block out moisture. If you REALLY want to go to town, you can add some anti-sieze compound to the F-fitting threads, like the stuff that auto mechanics add to the wheel lugs of your car when changing a tire.
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... Id=2102876