A Decent Rooftop Antenna

Hello

I'm a competent home owner, career Licensed Electrical Inspector. When I was younger, I used to install TV antennas on my roof, (before cable).

I went to TV Fool, and got the data for my neighborhood. I'm also researching TV Antennas, and distribution amplfiiers.

From what I've read, old Dish Antennas are basically useless for actually trying to use them to bring in TV stations, (reception). The mounting brackets might come in handy, but other than that, it's best to install a TV antenna.

Currently I have one TV in my house which brings in a limited number of stations; (some loose reception continually). That's why I'd like to install a rooftop Antenna.

Anyone have any ideas for Antennas?

Thanx
Mike

I like the 4 and 8 bay types. The 91xg is suppose to be about the best yagi style uhf antenna. Far as preamps go the old style CM7777 was a goody.

We'll need to see your TVfool report to help you.

Enigmacode,

Tim is spot-on, we need to see your TV Fool report to help you select an appropriate antenna. Be sure to run the survey at the maximum height above ground where you could mount it.

Jim

Thanks guys for the quick replies! Appreciate it!

Here's my report:

http://www.locationstudio.net/Report.jpg

BTW - I've having trouble getting the activation email - it won't come thru - I have NO filters - can the admin help me please?

It's frustrating

Thank you
Mike

Nice report and I envy you. You have one low band channel (6) which is close enough and strong enough that any antenna should pull it in. As for the rest of the channels listed in the green, I do believe a 4-bay with no preamp should do. Jim or someone else would be better suited to suggest some type of high band/uhf antenna combo which could work just as good if not better than a 4-bay.

I'd recommend a Channel Master 2016 HDTV VHF High/UHF pointed at 318 degrees magnetic (northwest). ABC on real channel 6 will be the tricky one.

Enigmacode, (et al):

I wonder if a 4-Bay like a Channel Master 4221 with the reflector removed would grab most of your NW and SE channels? If RF-6 doesn't come in, an 8-Bay Channel Master 4228 with its reflector removed would give you a better chance. Neither antenna is designed for low-band VHF, but the 4228 is pretty good on high-band VHF and its cross bars act as a VHF reflector element.

Both of those antennas are discontinued, but they come along pretty often on Craigslist: in fact, I sold a 4228 to a chap using CL two weeks ago.

Jim

Originally Posted by Fringe Reception

Enigmacode, (et al):

I wonder if a 4-Bay like a Channel Master 4221 with the reflector removed would grab most of your NW and SE channels? If RF-6 doesn't come in, an 8-Bay Channel Master 4228 with its reflector removed would give you a better chance. Neither antenna is designed for low-band VHF, but the 4228 is pretty good on high-band VHF and its cross bars act as a VHF reflector element.

Both of those antennas are discontinued, but they come along pretty often on Craigslist: in fact, I sold a 4228 to a chap using CL two weeks ago.

Jim

The reason I made the suggestion I did is that there are about a bazillion channels at 318 degrees magnetic. If anything comes in on the back of the antenna (which it should) it will be simply bonus.

I'd actually try pointing it in the opposite direction to grab the stations further away. The stations that are just over 3 miles away should come in fine no matter which direction the antenna is pointed.

I recommend the Antennacraft 5884. Since you are so close to the Philly stations, multipath is a potentional issue. I would go with an antenna that resists signals from the sides & is designed for all 3 bands. This will help reduce / eliminate signal interruptions.

Thanks again for ALL your input! I'm gradually finding out that many other folks are also using Antenna TV, as a viable affordable means to cope with HIGH cable bills ... if there is an admin reading this, can you please confirm my membership here? I've mentioned that no matter what, I cannot get the required email that confirms/processes your forum registration. Do you need an alternate an email address?

Originally Posted by ENIGMACODE

Thanks guys for the quick replies! Appreciate it!

Here's my report:

http://www.locationstudio.net/Report.jpg

BTW - I've having trouble getting the activation email - it won't come thru - I have NO filters - can the admin help me please?

It's frustrating

Thank you
Mike

Hey Mike, I'm typing this from my phone so bare with me...anyway, wanted to let you know that we do not send registration emails here. Basically you're able to post from the moment you create an account. The only restrictions we have are that new members can't use private messaging until their 5th post. Let us know if you have any questions or problems.

Hi Jason - Thank you - yeah I think I'm ok now ... only other glitch with signing in is a warning from my virus program that this site is harmful - obviously it's an error.

"Since you are so close to the Philly stations, multipath is a potentional issue. I would go with an antenna that resists signals from the sides & is designed for all 3 bands. This will help reduce / eliminate signal interruptions."

This makes most sense to me - thank you - I do have frequent signal interruptions with my current internal antenna. Should I get a rotor as well? Or, which way should I point the antenna?

Originally Posted by ENIGMACODE

Hi Jason - Thank you - yeah I think I'm ok now ... only other glitch with signing in is a warning from my virus program that this site is harmful - obviously it's an error.

You're the 3rd member to report that. If you get a chance, can you PM me the message you're receiving?

Point the antenna to the northwest around 317° magnetic.

Unless you want the NJ stations, a rotor won't be needed. You could try pointing the antenna to the southeast around 149° magnetic & see if the Philly stations remain reliable coming off the back of the antenna. If you have trees around, you may experience dropouts with signals coming off the back of the antenna on windy days. (Multipath caused by the moving branches)Some tuners will handle this better than others, so you just have to try it & see what happens.

Hi Jason, as soon as I see the warning again, I'll take a screen shot. Thanx for your concern. Mike

Hi again No Static

Thanx again for all the great information. Yes unfortunately I have trees in my neighborhood. Perhaps the fall, (with less leaves), will be a better time.

You mentioned Tuners? I suppose you were referring to the tuners inside TV's? Different than the digital converter box that will still be necessary. Correct?

BTW - are all digital converter boxes created equal?

Recap:
No rotor needed - turn the antenna to NW - got it - hey maybe I'll bring a portable TV up on my roof to fine tune things? I constructed a fold up ladder in my bathroom skylite which goes up to my flatroof, (Philadelphia row home).

Thank you
Best
Mike

Originally Posted by ENIGMACODE

You mentioned Tuners? I suppose you were referring to the tuners inside TV's? Different than the digital converter box that will still be necessary. Correct?

Yes, different, but you don't necessarily need a converter, if you have a digital TV. Any TV made after 2007 is required to have a modern tuner.

Originally Posted by ENIGMACODE

BTW - are all digital converter boxes created equal?

Nooo, no way. Lots of different features and options. And some tuners (TV or converter) are better than others at piecing together a weak signal.

Rick

Actually on second look I'd get a RCA ANT111 or ANT112 (less than $10 at Walmart or Best Buy) and see what that did before I spent a lot of money on a bigger antenna. Being that close to the broadcast towers, even that may overload.