antenna recommendation for attic

[mistergq]

I am moving to a townhouse. I am thinking about putting an antenna in the attic for OTA HD. I am about 15 miles from Baltimore stations and 19 miles for the DC stations. Any suggestions?

[stanger89]

If they're in about the same direction, you could try an Antennas Direct DB2 or DB4:
http://www.antennasdirect.com/attic.html

Heck, they work pretty good even if they're not in the same direction.

[maxpower]

I also recommend the DB4 from Antennas Direct

I live in Durham, NC and most of the signals are in Raleigh about 25 miles away from my house. I also have this installed in my attic. The OTA signal strength on the HVR-1600 is plenty.

[mistergq]

I was actually considering db2. Maybe I should go with DB4.

[hemicuda]

one of the broadcasts in my area is VHF. any recommends for a combo attic antenna?

[stanger89]

Maybe one of their V series, or the Lacrosse? I'm going to be in the same boat in 355 days 2 hours, 2 minutes, when 3 of our locals go back to their VHF slots.

[mistergq]

the db4 says its gets "most higher level VHF frequencies with a range of about 55 miles." what does that mean?

[antennaguy]

Originally Posted by mistergq

I was actually considering db2. Maybe I should go with DB4.

Depending on roofing materials and/or attic insulation covering, signal losses can be as high as 40%-50% with an attic mount. For most suburban installations, this shouldn’t be a problem. The good news is that Antennas Direct has a 90 day no-fault guarantee on their antennas. So make a choice between the DB-2 or 4 and try it.

[antennaguy]

Originally Posted by mistergq

the db4 says its gets "most higher level VHF frequencies with a range of about 55 miles." what does that mean?

VHF signals are channels 2-12. Most, but not all digital broadcasts will be on the UHF spectrum, channels 13 and above, even after the transition. The DB4 is a UHF antenna, but in most locations, will also receive the higher end VHF channels. Try it.

[mistergq]

Originally Posted by antennaguy

Depending on roofing materials and/or attic insulation covering, signal losses can be as high as 40%-50% with an attic mount. For most suburban installations, this shouldn’t be a problem. The good news is that Antennas Direct has a 90 day no-fault guarantee on their antennas. So make a choice between the DB-2 or 4 and try it.

Originally Posted by antennaguy

VHF signals are channels 2-12. Most, but not all digital broadcasts will be on the UHF spectrum, channels 13 and above, even after the transition. The DB4 is a UHF antenna, but in most locations, will also receive the higher end VHF channels. Try it.

so let me understand this, you want me to try it

I am moving in to the townhouse in April. I have the home inspection next week and I am adding this to my question list for the home inspector (apparently he likes a lot of questions...he doesn't know what he got himself into with my wife and I)

I am going to ask him questions about the roofing materials and see how much electrically stuff is up in the attic.

Thanks for the help.

[Serra]

I just installed a DB4 and they are amazing. I highly recommend it. Anntennas direct as well.

[mistergq]

Originally Posted by Serra

I just installed a DB4 and they are amazing. I highly recommend it. Anntennas direct as well.

Thanks for the recommendation. did you install it inside an attic or outside?

[stanger89]

I've got to move mine or something, I get great signal strength on most all my channels, but they'll just break up or completely disappear out of the blue. I can only assume it's multipath and I'm just below the ridge of a hill.

[mistergq]

Originally Posted by stanger89

Maybe one of their V series, or the Lacrosse? I'm going to be in the same boat in 355 days 2 hours, 2 minutes, when 3 of our locals go back to their VHF slots.

does the lacrosse pick up VHF? I like the design of that one. From an aesthetic stand point, I like the look of it and wouldn't mind getting that on the roof.

[Serra]

Originally Posted by mistergq

Thanks for the recommendation. did you install it inside an attic or outside?

I installed inside. Took about 10 minutes to mount the antenna.

[mistergq]

Originally Posted by Serra

I installed inside. Took about 10 minutes to mount the antenna.

are you using an amp or no amp?

[Serra]

Originally Posted by mistergq

are you using an amp or no amp?

I wasn't sure which way to go, so I opted for the amp, just to be safe. Anntennadirect has a package with an amp, so I got that. As far as I can tell, I likely don't need it, but I sure didn't want to get it all setup and find out I needed it.

Of course, amp would be determined by the cable run. I'm currently under the run needed for an amp, which I believe is 100', but I wasn't sure where the PC was going to end up, so my max run will be just over 100'... Better safe than sorry.

I would say that if your run is under 100' you can likely skip the amp if you aren't pushing the antenna to the limit. Don't quote me, but I think that is 30 miles for DB2, 50 miles for DB4 and 70 miles for DB8. (Antennasdirect has a nice chart you should look at).

That was how I figured mine needs out. I'm 13 miles, so I would NEED a DB2, but with an internal install, I lose 50% of the power, so that puts me at 26 miles, so I need a DB4 (or maybe scrap by with a DB2). Again, not an expert, just saw a chart...

Not to harp on Antennasdirect.com, but I see they have free shipping until March 17th... Hmmm.. missed that myself.

[dfitz43]

I've been using a CM4228 with CM7775 preamp with excellent results. I'm about 35 miles from the transmitters, and have no issues with reception, even during very heavy weather.

cheers,
dave

[antennaguy]

Originally Posted by mistergq

I am moving to a townhouse. I am thinking about putting an antenna in the attic for OTA HD. I am about 15 miles from Baltimore stations and 19 miles for the DC stations. Any suggestions?

As close as you are to the two cities, you should try an indoor antenna first. An attic antenna will probably do a good job for you, but before you go to the trouble of running the cable, try indoors.

[matt91]

I'd stay away from Antennasdirect. Clearly they don't care that my drunk, pregnant wife will be installing this antenna high on our roof. After I throw it at her.

From the actual install instructions:

WARNING
Do not attempt to install if drunk, pregnant or both.
Do not eat antenna.
Do not throw antenna at spouse.