Question: A Decent Rooftop Antenna

[Fringe Reception]

Mike,

The largest (longest) chimney strap mount I have been able to find is this one @ 18 feet.

Channel Master CM9067 18' FT Chimney Mount Antenna Mast Y Type Stainless Steel Straps Y Type Heavy Duty Channel Master CM 9067 Install Kit, Complete Outdoor Off-Air Aerial, Part # CM-9067 Oak Entertainment Centers and Home Office Furniture, TV Antenn

Jim

 

[ENIGMACODE]

Hi Jim
Hey guys

I ordered the antenna and parts from Signal Strength. To save on package size, I picked up two sections of mast from Lowe's. I also picked up two splitters to help clean things up with the connections. Can you guys please tell me which one would be the correct one?

4-Way Surge Suppression Splitter

2 GHz Splitter, 4-way

Thank you
Mike

 

[dkreichen1968]

Hi Jim
Hey guys

I ordered the antenna and parts from Signal Strength. To save on package size, I picked up two sections of mast from Lowe's. I also picked up two splitters to help clean things up with the connections. Can you guys please tell me which one would be the correct one?

4-Way Surge Suppression Splitter

2 GHz Splitter, 4-way

Thank you
Mike

Either would work. The key being it must cover 54-700 MHz. The second one is made to be used with satellite systems also. I'm guessing the first one would be the best for your situation.

 

[nbound-au]

Ill note that the terrestrial splitter doesnt appear to have a power pass port.

 

[ENIGMACODE]

"doesn't appear to have a power pass port"

Power Pass? Not sure what you mean?

I checked with Signal Strength - they actually recommended the non-surge splitter since it doesn't degrade the signal with the surge component. I'll try firing up several TV's to see if there's any signal loss. If there is, they recommended this amplifier:
http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.as...TV-Antenna-Amplifier-(HDA-100)&sku=1579839664

Thanx

 

[nbound-au]

Power pass allows an preamp to be powered remotely from one of your outlets. (It passes the 14/18V power to the preamp). If you dont plan on using a pre-amp, ever, then its not an issue, or if you have a power outlet in your attic/roofspace that would allow the power to be injected before the signal hits the split.

 

[Fringe Reception]

Another option to get power to a mast mounted antenna pre-amplifier follows. This coax (or its equivilant) is available at Lowe's Home centers.

I certainly wish I had known about this option before I installed my 3-wire rotor setup: the 4th wire could be used for antenna pre-amp power as well.

 

[MrPogi]

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.

This is what I am doing to get two sets of transmitters at 180 degrees apart.

 

[MrPogi]

Weeeeeelllll, you're not going to see a DTT901 going for $22. Not new, with all accessories, including shipping and handling. I don't look at the bids, for this kind of comparison; I look at the Buy It Nows. The Insignias are always going to sell for less than the Zeniths, even though they're the exact same machine, made by LG.

You always have to include shipping and handling, because sellers diddle around with that. Many items go for $0.01 + some ridiculous figure for S&H. Many other items have "free" S&H.

Best I see right now for a Zenith DTT901 is $38.10, incl. S&H. Buy It Now, "as new" with box opened only for testing by a 100% rated seller. This is better than new, IMO, but some would disagree. I've seen the Insignias at $29 with exact same specs.

I love eBay. :drinks:

Rick

I got my second RCA DTA800b1 converter for $5 at the local thrift store - sans remote. A week later, I found the remote at the same thre=ift store for $1. If I never found the original remote, I would have bought a newer universal remote for about $5. I am waiting to find another DTVpal there for $5!

I think if you shop thrift stores and garage sales you may find some bargains. The problem with ebay, etc, is that people check the going prices online and try to get top dollar. The pimply face kid at the thrift store putting a price on it probably has no idea what a converter box is, let alone what it's worth.

 

[Rickideemus]

I think if you shop thrift stores and garage sales you may find some bargains. The problem with ebay, etc, is that people check the going prices online and try to get top dollar. The pimply face kid at the thrift store putting a price on it probably has no idea what a converter box is, let alone what it's worth.

Indubitably. Or you can take out the middle man (thrift store) and get it for free! My grampa showed me how to go "junking" half a century ago. (Always check for bugs.)

They got a search function for Goodwill? Thing about Thrift stores is they're a lot of (Maynard G. Krebs voice) WORK! Are you adding in the cost of gas, and your own time? The price I eventually paid for my converter was $14 (didn't get the analog pass through). Maybe I coulda saved $9, but who do I bill for MY TIME?? Minimum wage, at least? :eyes:

Rick

 

[ENIGMACODE]

"if you have a power outlet in your attic/roofspace that would allow the power to be injected before the signal hits the split."

If a preamp is needed, I can still power it from the basement, (where the splitter is), and make the connection before the distribution split.

Wouldn't this arrangement be acceptable?

And this is what Signal Strength recommended, (if it's needed).

Winegard HDA100 15 dB Distribution TV Antenna Amplifier (HDA-100) from Solid Signal

*I could also pick this amplifier up from Lowe's, (no need for another shipment from Signal).

 

[nbound-au]

Ah yes, sorry i forgot in america the splitter is usually in the basement. Basements are pretty much unheard of here, so everything goes in the roof, or occasionally under the floor.