Inobtrusive Outdoor Antenna

[ugyvel]

Okay, so I read from Earl and others that my attic antenna may getting from only 1/10 to 1/2 of the signal (even so, I get all but 6 without problems).  So, I remember that my house is already wired for a rooftop antenna and an old bracket is already installed.  Easy to get to and not viewable from the street.  So, if I wanted to experiment with a very small, easy to install, but reasonably effective, outdoor antenna,(something about the size of the bowtie, but outdoor-proof), what would you'all recommend?  

[ReesR]

An oval satellite dish?

sowwy, couldn't resist that one.

[Gregg Lengling]

A double bow tie aimed at Capitol and Holton would put you in line with all the major sites (except 6 while they are on their studio tower).   Just make sure you're not shooting through your roof if you are trying to keep it below the roof line...you'll have the twice the house to go through.  Also make sure it is a good RG-6 cable going up there otherwise you are wasting your time.

[Pat]

If all you want is a temporary solution, I'd head over to Radio Shack and get the smallest outdoor UIF-only antenna they have.  Its what I have, and I seem to recall its in the range of $20.  Even though its called UIF-only, PBS (channel comes in just fine.  If you need analog reception, then you should get a VHF-UHF antenna to get the lower numbered channels.

The smaller and cheaper, the better, in your location.  Even the smallest should reach Brown Deer.  You don't want too much gain, or you may overload on some of the other channels.  In addition, from Mequon, that antenna may be able to get all channels available without re-aiming since its not too directional, and Brown Deer may well lie between you and the others.

I would cut the existing outdoor end of the down lead, to get a nice uncorroded bit of wire showing to connect to the antenna.  If its old, you may have "twin lead" all the way into the house -- not sure if that would be a problem, but its not what you would do if new: you'd use coax instead.