Antenna on the roof

[Steve Mann]

Well, I finally got off my a$$ and moved my antenna (RS UHF only) from the garage rafters to the roof. Went to Radio Shack, picked up a tripod and mast, then proceeded to move the antenna.

All went surprising well for someone with my luck. But the best part is that ALL of the networks are coming in rock solid. Fox, WB, UPN, ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS. Before, it was sometimes hit and miss on CBS and UPN. Forget FOX and WB, they never came it. However, all is well now.  I only regret waiting so long to move the damn thing.

Looks like I'll be watching the Steelers AND the Pack in HD tomorrow.  

[Gregg Lengling]

Congrats Steve, just shows you anybody can get free HD!!!!:wave:

[tazman]

I too am in the process of changing things.  Not the antenna itself which is already on a 35' tower, but all my cabling in my home.  Before I only had the main feed and only 2 splits using RG-6 and the rest was 25 year old RG-59.  I previously had a 2 split going to a 2 split and a 4 split and had every thing comming in including FOX.  I installed a Leviton structured media panel in the basement.  To handel my computer network, phone lines, and TV antenna feeds.  I pulled the quad RG-6 feed I had going into the attic feeding the old wiring and fed it into the basement into the new panel.  The new panel has a single 6 way splitter.  I had to start all over as to finding the right amount of amplification and attenuation to get the ballance correct so that FOX would come in once again.  I was trying Levitons rf amp module that was made for the box, but prooved not to work.  A direct feed connection to anyone of the rooms was ideal, but when feeding through the splitter it wasn't quite enough, but any kind of amplification with the leviton amp even with aplying attenuation was to much.  What I finaly found that worked for me was to use a RatShack inline amp completely in the box, both the power injector and the amp with a short piece of cable between them.  This I connected to the 6 way, but was still slightly to much gain.  A 6 db attenuator after the amp. did not help, but placing the attenuator on the feed going into the amp worked.  I was able to cut the signal just enough to allow FOX to come in and provide enough gain to drive the splitter.  To make this long story short, there is no majic bullet for TV reception.  Every situation is a different circumstance.  I spent 3 hours with using 3 different amps and attenuators in different combinations before I got the wirring ballanced out again and I was able to get all the channels once more.  Now I have to get all my network connections punched down in that panel and redo all my wall plates for the new Cat-5 cable, then I'll takle transfering over the existing phone lines:D

[Steve Mann]

Originally posted by Gregg Lengling
Congrats Steve, just shows you anybody can get free HD!!!!:wave:

Anybody? What am I? Chopped liver?  

Free?? That depends on how you look at it. In my case, it cost me at least 6k before I got 'free' HD (and that's not counting all the extras).  

Nonetheless, it is a good feeling to get all the networks finally. I'm looking forward to HD Smallville.

[Nels Harvey]

Tazman reported trying various TV signal amplifiers before getting the right combination.  I have setup many satellite distribution systems, most SD, and have always experienced problems with a 20db amplifier.  It seems the stronger signal tends to oscillate, especially on UHF frequencies.

I have found very good success with the in-line Radio Shack 10db amplifiers.  10db doesn't seem to overload the signals, and if you still have losses down the line, add another one!  The best part is, my customers can get a replacement easily if one does fail.

Nels....

[Steve Mann]

Just in case anyone was interested...

I snapped a pic this morning of the antenna. It's not the best picture in the world with it being pretty grey and gloomy out today.

All I know is, I've had rock solid reception for over a week now on all stations. I couldn't be happier.

[superjfly]

I am about to set up my antenna, tripod, etc... tomorrow.  I bought the tripod tonight, and noticed that they had fairly cheap rolls of 300-ohm cable.  Should I be using that or stick with coax?  

Also where in line should I put the in-line amplifier?  Near the TV, or half way?

Thanks,
Superjfly

Sheboygan

[tazman]

I am about to set up my antenna, tripod, etc... tomorrow. I bought the tripod tonight, and noticed that they had fairly cheap rolls of 300-ohm cable. Should I be using that or stick with coax?

Depends on your budgit.   However do not skimp on the cable.  Use RG-6 cable, quad shield if possible.  With out knowing the size of your antenna you may or may not need amplification.  You are almost half way between the Milwaukee and Greenbay markets.  I would hope that you are going to be using a rotor for your antenna.  Reason being is that you more than likely wont be getting your FOX HD out of Milwaukee.  Others in your area have had better luck with Greenbay for FOX.  If you don't mind making a couple of trips to the roof,  try it first with out the amp..  If your not splitting the signal, or only minimaly,  say only 2 or 3 rooms then an amp. may cause problems with too much boost.  If you read my other post on this thread, this is something you have to experiment with.  It is absolutely not a plug and play situation with antenna amplifiers.  Good luck.

This is an edit.

Sorry I didn't answer your question.  Inline amps. should in most circumstances be placed nearest the antenna as possible.  In most circumstances that is.  The power injector can usaully be placed where ever down stream that is conveniant for plugging in the power pack and still accessable the antenna feed cable.

[superjfly]

I have the Channel Master 4228.  I have it sitting in my living room at the moment and I can get channel 4, 12, 8, 25, 36, 51, 55 in digital now.  If I turn it around I can get 2.  I'm thinking I should be able to get more when I get it on the roof, thus not sure about the amplifier yet.  I won't be splitting the signal at this point.

I didn't buy a rotor yet.  I am not sure if I am going to do that or get two antenna's.  I do a lot of recording with my DVR and I don't want to have to worry about which way the antenna is facing.

Thanks for your help.