BrettD

I was looking in the coupons/promotions section of this forum and clicked on a link to Radio Shack. I am in the market for a better antenna installation, as my STB gets some DTV signals when one type antenna is connected to it and not others, but vice-versa when I connect my Terk 42, which is clamped to my 18" dish. I am wondering, given that I live within 3 miles of almost all of the urban transmission towers, if it is possible to buy "too much antenna" in such a situation!?
Right now, my UHF/VHF RS rabbit ears will pull in PBS DTV (VHF signals 10-1 thru 10-5), but not CBS (UHF signal). If I attach the TERK/DBS downfeed cable split with a diplexer, I no longer can view PBS 10-1 thru 10-5, but then I DO get Fox DT and CBS DT.
I'm looking for a rooftop installation with a rotator, because higher is generally "bettter," from what I've read on these here forums. If anyone has "urban suggestions" as far as antennae go, please post for all to see (especially me)! Thanks!

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alexis822

I live about 30 miles from my towers in Fl. I have a rooftop antenna with a radio shack antenna booster and have found that I get more channels with the gain on my booster set to the min. and by changing the FM trap switch.

Just a little info from my experience.
Hope it helps

aerialist

Chester electronics in Kenosha has an antenna for Vhf and UHF and they are seperate antennas, When you aim the antenna at Milwaukee the other half which is larger and cut for Channel two will pick up Chicago. The same for the UHF antenna as well . This set up works well in Kenosha and Racine locations and I have installed a few up in that area. I did use a Winegard pre-amp as well. You may have to use a single antenna just for Milwaukee I am not sure if Vhf digital signals are present. If they are than a good Winegard or Channel master is in order. And a rotor is also a good investment. Be safe working on antennas and roof tops. John L.

shinebox

Can anyone suggest a good antenna booster?

I just installed a R/S VU-120XR in the attic and need a little better signal to get all networks OTA

aerialist

carefully select a good pre-amp if needed. First determine how far the stations are and what is the strongest signal. This is because you must fit the pre-amp to the signal strength. If the pre-amp has a high input level than it can function well in a situation where the stations are close. If the levels are low than you can use a high gain model with a low noise feature. Wine gard has models that will accept many signal configurations. Some will amplify uhf and by pass vhf or just the opposite . I fit amplifiers by measuring signal levels with a field strength meter.

shinebox

Thanks for the advice!!

I'm not sure how a field strength meter works, I'm assuming it will tell you the strength of each channel?
So, what do you do, get a few different amplifiers and see which one gives you the highest strength levels for the desired channels?

Here's my current situation:

I am 29 miles from the transmitters in Philadelphia
Used antennaweb.org to get the exact compass orientation... what a great site

CBS ch. 26 (or 3-1) strength 88 Trans. power 770 kW
ABC ch. 64 (or 6-1) strength 40 Trans. power 500 kW
(desperately need to boost ABC signal for Super Bowl)

FOX (305kW) nothing
NBC (112 kW) nothing
UPN strength 88

Currently have antenna in attic, will the reception improve alot if put on roof?

Ratman

I couldn't find the spec's on the antenna you're using, but I'm approx 20 miles from the towers and get all (except WTXF) at 85+ with an attic mount(15-2160):
http://www.radioshack.com/category....02%5F000&Page=1


You may want to consider an outdoor roof mount or double check your direction (pointing). Also, check for any materials in your attic that may reject signals (foil backed insulation, roofing materials, aluminum gable vents, etc).

aerialist

First of all sorry for the mispelled words . I get so into posting I just send it as it is. Moving the antenna outdoors is a plus. Number one the signal in the attic reduces the penetration of the signal by 40 to 50 percent. Next you must consider if you are shooting through insulation with a foil backing . This will kill reception, nit to mention reflections. The Radio Shack antenna is another consideration. Please try to move the antenna on the roof. You may be surprised to find you do not need a pre-amp at all. If the radio shack does not perform well get a Channel master antenna . Possibly a 8 bay conical also known as a 8 bow tie. The cable or down lead should be a high quality rg6 type. Commscope, Belden , Times Wire. I always use for digital antennas rg11. This in most cases eleminates the use of a mild pre-amp . Eleminating a pre-amp is less of a service headache by not having a lightning spike in the area take out the amplifier. I am very happy that you have that new 2000 ft . tower to aim at. And yes a field strength meter has a dial tuner and a speaker to monitor audio as well. You spin the dial to the channels in the area you desire and then watch the needle move as you turn the aerial and peak the needle to the higest readings for all the channels.

shinebox

Thanks for your input...
I can't wait to put the antenna on the roof!!!

That should put me over the top and get in ABC and maybe FOX. NBC supposedly only has 112 kW so I'm not going to kill myself trying to get it.

I will post the results after I put it on the roof next week.

billw

what is rg11?
can it be used in place of rg6?

shinebox

I would assume that it can be used in place of RG6, but I'll let Aerialist confirm that for sure....

Can you suggest anywhere to buy RG11?
I haven't looked too hard yet, but after a quick search online only found it in 1000' quantities. I only need 50'

Ratman

You don't need to use RG11. It's is the best, but IMO overkill for 50'. RG6 will be just fine! Go to Home Depot and get 100' for $15 (it's nice to have extra).

billw

My house is pre-wired with quad shielded Rg6 down to the basement with a signal ampliflier that allows for a cable or anntenna input and a section for 4 satellite inputs.

Would it be a mistake to use RG11 from the roof to the box. Or should I stick with the RG6 (to match)?

aerialist

Short runs of good quality rg6 and quad shield cable is great. If you are in a high signal level area using rg11 will add a little bit more signal to your satellite receiver or your STB. If you examine diffrent brands of rg11 lets say from home depot or lowes or even the chep stuff that comes in a satellite self install kit try this. Press your thumb against the center conductor a see how easy it bends to the f fitting . try this with commscope or belden and times wire and cable brands and the center conductor wont move. There is a difference in the quality of cable and thus 100feet of radio shack wire and commscope wire measured with the same signal the commscope will have a higher level especially at the higher uhf frequencies. You need a field strength meter for this. Be careful on the rooftops and grab that signal.

billw

if it doesnt move - this is good?

Ratman

Bill,
It is good. The RG6 that you have should be more than adequate.
The only thing you need to be concerned with is that the F connectors are not old/corroded. If possible, replace with new connectors (if necessary) and make sure that the new connections are weatherproofed (if outdoors).

billw

My house is new construction....the wiring was installed a year ago. I have not run any wires outside of the house as I just signed up for Comcast. I am waiting to see what happens with the satelitte industry before I make that move.