Outdoor antenna question

[mixjock]

I'm adding an outdoor antenna for OTA HD channels and am trying to figure out what the best solution is for my location. I live 20 miles from most of the Cincinnati stations though would like to pick up a CW affiliate from Louisville (about 60-70 miles) or Lexington (about 50-60 miles) or possibly even Dayton (about 60 miles though in same direction as Cincinnati. My question is

RadioShack.com - Home Entertainment: Accessories: Antennas: Outdoor: 80" Boom Length, 32-Element Antenna

Is that a good antenna to accomplish that or should I look for other options such as a channel master?

 

[Don_M]

I'm adding an outdoor antenna for OTA HD channels and am trying to figure out what the best solution is for my location. ...

The RS VU-90XR should work fine for Cincy at that distance with decent line of sight (i.e., you're not in a valley, and you have no big trees nearby). But for those other stations in the 50-70 mile range, go for one of the big rigs from CM or Winegard. You may also need a pre-amp to capture those stations. If you do, stick with the same brands. RS amps can be hit or miss -- some are OK, while others are horribly noisy. In digital TV, low noise is much more important than high gain.

 

[Voyager6]

The RS VU-90XR should work fine for Cincy at that distance with decent line of sight (i.e., you're not in a valley, and you have no big trees nearby). But for those other stations in the 50-70 mile range, go for one of the big rigs from CM or Winegard. You may also need a pre-amp to capture those stations. If you do, stick with the same brands. RS amps can be hit or miss -- some are OK, while others are horribly noisy. In digital TV, low noise is much more important than high gain.

Also check out the 91XG. You may also need a rotor to tune in the different cities.

 

[mixjock]

Also check out the 91XG. You may also need a rotor to tune in the different cities.

i need VHF as WCPO broadcasts on 10 & WKRC after the transition will broadcast on 12. I definitely will need a rotor to pick up Lexington & Louisville though Dayton is in the same general direction as the Cincinnati Towers. If WKRC would broadcast CW in HD on their HD-2 channel I would not need anything other than Cincinnati channels.

Also as I'm talking to my wife budget will be a consideration too.

 

[Voyager6]

i need VHF as WCPO broadcasts on 10 & WKRC after the transition will broadcast on 12. I definitely will need a rotor to pick up Lexington & Louisville though Dayton is in the same general direction as the Cincinnati Towers. If WKRC would broadcast CW in HD on their HD-2 channel I would not need anything other than Cincinnati channels.

Also as I'm talking to my wife budget will be a consideration too.

The CM4228 does very well in tuning in the upper VHF band. I have no problems picking up VHF channels 7 - 13 about 45 miles from the transmitters. See this review of the CM4228.

 

[sleepybear]

Mixjock, I'd start with the antenna with a short mast if money is tight because you can always add to it later. That's what I have always done. Taller mast and rotor etc. I've looked at your area there and you can get a bunch of markets with a rotor and 40' er.

 

[mixjock]

The CM4228 does very well in tuning in the upper VHF band. I have no problems picking up VHF channels 7 - 13 about 45 miles from the transmitters. See this review of the CM4228.

Thanks,

From the reveiws this looks like a winner. Some of the large antennas I was looking at would be overkill as I pick up most of the HD I want with an indoor antenna in a basement. I just wanted to make sure I could pick up 10 & 12. Which this antenna seems to do. Also it should withstand wind much greater.

Scott

 

[Don_M]

From the reveiws this looks like a winner. Some of the large antennas I was looking at would be overkill as I pick up most of the HD I want with an indoor antenna in a basement. I just wanted to make sure I could pick up 10 & 12. Which this antenna seems to do. Also it should withstand wind much greater.

The 4228 is certainly a winner -- you can't do better than that, or the 91XG, without spending a lot of money. It should do better than the 91XG on RF channels 10 and 12 as well. You're also right that the 4228 will withstand the elements, but mainly because it's heavy for an antenna at 15 pounds. Weight like that at the top of a mast transmits a great deal of stress in high winds to the mast, mounts and lag screws. So, please make sure all mounting hardware is heavy duty and high quality.

 

[gpat]

thought about a Jpole tuned to channel 11?