Recommendations For Antenna - New Jersey

[ENIGMACODE]

Hi again Gang

Got another customer for you. My sister lives in Zip Code 07405:

She'd like some recommendations for an antenna, and a rotor, (if necessary).

Thanx again as always!

Best
Mike

 

[Fringe Reception]

Mike,

That survey is resolved at ground level. Can she install a rooftop antenna and if so, how high can she locate it? I'd like to see a survey at that potential height.

Jim

 

[ENIGMACODE]

Hello again Jim

She's got an old rusted antenna strapped to the chimney. It would have to be replaced, (old rusted), vintage 1960's-70's.

Here's another survey arbitrary height = 30' She'd have to do a new installation.

www.locationstudio.net/07045-30Feet.jpg

Thanx Jim
Mike

 

[Fringe Reception]

Mike,

Because she has Low-band VHF, High band VHF and UHF stations available to her and because someone from years ago mounted a successful (guess) antenna at that location, she might be a candidate to go for the gusto: a Winegard HD8200U. http://www.winegard.com/kbase/upload/HD8200U.pdf

Please consider that an antenna of that size will probably kill a modern antenna rotor with plastic gears, so I recommend an old-school Alliance Rotor with metal gears which can be purchased here: Alliance and Genie antenna rotator and rotor control boxes

I wonder how many States she could receive when Tropo flows? LOL!

I do mean the above as a serious antenna suggestion.

Jim

 

[Rickideemus]

It's probly just me, but I'd skip the rotor. She can get a whole heckovalotta stations with the HD8200U pointed at 128 degrees. NBC, ABC, CBS, two PBS stations, CW, and a raft of others.

Maybe if there were only three or four stations, I'd put up with all the upkeep hassles. I gotta cruise! Can't be waitin round fer no rotor. :whoo:

Rick

 

[ENIGMACODE]

Thanx Rick
Thanx Jim

BTW - That old antenna is one I probably helped my Dad put up in the late 60's when I was still living at home. I agree; a rotor, (my Dad and I were Ham Operators), could be another headache to maintain.

The HD8200U is a bit pricey compared to my $30 5884 - But I understand the necessity.

Hey Jim; what is Tropo?
Thank you
Mike

 

[nbound-au]

Tropospheric ducting is a special atmospheric condition that can bounce signals directly to you from over the radio horizon.

 

[Fringe Reception]

Mike,

Do you recall the CB radio days where you could contact your 'good buddy' across town as well as the Brown Bomber from across the Country? On 11 meters we called it 'skip' and a similar phenomenom happens to OTA HDTV signals and hopefully, you have a DVR to capture the events.

Yes, it is possible to watch Little Rock, Arkansas television from Medford, Oregon ... IF ... the sky works that way.

Tropospheric Ducting Forecast for VHF & UHF Radio & TV

Jim

 

[dkreichen1968]

Mike,

The AntennaCraft 5884 that you have been using is a very viable antenna even at your sister's. WNYW Fox 5.1 on RF 44 @ 13.2dB (NM)+9.9 dB = 23.1 dB That gives you 13.1 dB to play with as far as wiring is concerned. It shouldn't be a problem.

Dan

 

[Rickideemus]

what is Tropo?

Yeah, you can see some stations marked Tropo on sis' tvfool at about -22 NM. Whew. They don't call 'im "Fringe" fer nothin! :dizzy:

 

[dkreichen1968]

By the way, I don't see any real reason to have a rotor unless your sister wants to turn TV reception into a new hobby. Heading of 141 degrees magnetic should do it.

 

[ENIGMACODE]

Hey Guys

Thanx fer all the responses!

"Do you recall the CB radio days where you could contact your 'good buddy' across town?" Yes Jim, Dad and I used to look forward to that condition. The ionosphere?

Well, guess it's gonna be the HD8200U or the 5884? I suppose the HD8200U would be better for her situation?

And yes, I agree, we'll pass on the rotor.

Best
Mike

 

[Fringe Reception]

Hey Guys

Thanx fer all the responses!

"Do you recall the CB radio days where you could contact your 'good buddy' across town?"

Yes Jim, Dad and I used to look forward to that condition. The ionosphere? Mike

Yes, Ionesphere and Troposphere (called Tropo regarding DTV) So it's echo time:

Mercy me good buddy. You're coming in wall to wall and tree top tall. You're frying the leaves off of the neighbor's trees ...

 

[n2rj]

I live out in Wantage, Sussex County and this is sort of in my neck of the woods. Kinnelon? I know the area very well. I pass through there every day actually on Rt 23. I hope you guys made out well after Hurricane Sandy. I know that area was dark for well over a week.

You really don't need the rotor as others have said. Aim the antenna to NYC and that's all you need.

You could get the rotor to get philly stations as a backup, if for any reason the empire state building drops off the map (hey, you never know). If it were me I would spring for a rotor just because I can switch markets and watch out of area sports if I wanted to. But to get philly you also need a big antenna and a low VHF antenna to get ABC from WPVI.

Speaking of size, you don't need a very large antenna for this area at all. Quite honestly any VHF/UHF radio shack special will work, but a bigger antenna of course will let you lock the stations better. I don't mean to actually buy an antenna from radioshack of course.

And unless you're a fan of religious programming or mundofox (Spanish) you don't need low VHF either. High VHF and UHF will get you the big four, Pix 11 (CW), PBS and MyNetworkTV, as well as ion and some independents.