I'm searching for an antenna to go in my attic. It cannot be amplified because I'm using a diplexer to combine the signal onto on wire with my E* install (at least that is what the E* installer said). Unfortunately the towers I'm shooting for are spread out with as much as 100° difference.

I picked up a cheap RCA VHF/UHF rabbit ears antenna from Best Buy and was very surprised that I was actually able to pick up the 4 major networks all at once. Signal strength was in the 65-75 range for all of them except FOX which was closer to 60. It was a very clear day so I don't know how well it will hold up in bad weather.

I'm was just hoping to pick up a better antenna that would improve reception and, hold up better in inclement weather without breaking the bank but can't decided on which one. Solidsignal.com recommend the Antennas Direct C4 but, I don't really want to spend $90 (even though it looks like a good one). I've been eying the Winegard HD-1080 and the Channel Master 4221HD (not sure if it can get VHF-high). Below is the results from antenna web for my house. This will be going in my attic as well. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I'm only concerned about the 4 major networks (ABC CBS FOX NBC).
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd207/RollTide1017/antennawebresults.jpg

Have a look at the Channel Master 2016, available online at just about $50 shipped. It's bigger than either the HD-1080 or CM 4221, but still compact enough to fit into an attic.

The 4221 has the strongest gain of the group on UHF but is a poor performer on channel 12, which you need for getting NBC after Feb. 17. The 1080 and 2016 have comparable UHF gain, but the 2016 is significantly better (by 3 dB) on channel 12. It should work fairly well here.

I have not used it but from its specs the Winegard PR-7015 looks like a good antenna. I saw it for $47.27 a few years ago.

Rick R

Have a look at this one, it's got a wider beam width.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=AD-DB4

The only thing is, it won't pick up high band VHF which would eliminate your CBS station.

Montgomery is one of many areas with only a solo (upper) VHF station. I have to wonder if they would have been better served to stay on UHF, though channel 14 has its own problems.

At least bow-tie class antennas tend to be passable on 12, so one such as the 4221 may work. It has a wide reception angle, but the co-location for Montgomery appears to be exceptionally poor. Co-location is more important in the digital world, so perhaps more stations will choose to co-locate in the future.

A four bay UHF only is the best choice for now. It may not work on NBC on channel 14. In February add a Y5-7-13 for channel 12 and use a UVSJ Joiner.

A four bay UHF only is the best choice for now. It may not work on NBC on channel 14. In February add a Y5-7-13 for channel 12 and use a UVSJ Joiner.

This is exactly what I am doing. I have 1 station that's gonna be in the high VHF end and the rest in UHF. So I bought the y5-7-13 and the DB-4. Supposed to be here tomorrow from Solid Signal. Can't wait to install it!

Thanks for all the suggestions.

For much less than $50 you can easily build your own 4-bay (4221 clone). It's mainly UHF but does do some VHF-High (7-13); and it's great for attic mounting.

Check out the forum thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=798265

Look for Mclapp's designs. You probably need the 9 inch version but without a reflector. (When you see the choices and measured performances, its apparent that the shorter the elements, the better towards the hign end of UHF). I need the 10 or 10.5 inch versions since most of my channels are lower UHF and VHF-High.

Some people build these out of metal coat hangers. But you can use aluminum or copper wire. And wood for the support frame. Check it out.

For much less than $50 you can easily build your own 4-bay (4221 clone). It's mainly UHF but does do some VHF-High (7-13); and it's great for attic mounting.

Check out the forum thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=798265

Look for Mclapp's designs. You probably need the 9 inch version but without a reflector. (When you see the choices and measured performances, its apparent that the shorter the elements, the better towards the hign end of UHF). I need the 10 or 10.5 inch versions since most of my channels are lower UHF and VHF-High.

Some people build these out of metal coat hangers. But you can use aluminum or copper wire. And wood for the support frame. Check it out.

Hi fdimegli.

Can you tell me more about the 10 or 10.5 inch versions? I am in a similar situation with 1 vhf channel (ch 9 now, ch 8 post trans) and 4 UHF channels (17, 23, 31, and 36). Sounds like I need to use the larger version. Have any pics or diagrams?

Thanks!

Rick

I'm searching for an antenna to go in my attic. It cannot be amplified because I'm using a diplexer to combine the signal onto on wire with my E* install (at least that is what the E* installer said). Unfortunately the towers I'm shooting for are spread out with as much as 100° difference.

What is E*install. My favorite low gain (wide beam) antenna is the Channel Master CM3010. I specically prefer the CM3010A which includes the amplifier circuit board. At what point do you do the diplexing. Is this done in the attic? If it is done below, you could combine the signals after the power supply of the antenna. This unit will pull in stations 40 miles away with good signal level.

What is E*install.
Dish Network, the abbreviation came from it being part of Echostar before it was spun off.

IDRick,

Here are Mclapp's large designs. Check his posts in the "How to build a UHF antenna" forum thread for explanations and pictures.

A balun is a 75 ohm/300ohm matching transformer that you can usually get in some Dollar stores or you may already have one from previous antenna hookups. You can use either the 9.5 or 9.75 spacing. But read some of Mclapp's posts.

fdimegli

...I picked up a cheap RCA VHF/UHF rabbit ears antenna from Best Buy and was very surprised that I was actually able to pick up the 4 major networks all at once. Signal strength was in the 65-75 range for all of them except FOX which was closer to 60. It was a very clear day so I don't know how well it will hold up in bad weather.Actually, reception might be better on non-clear days.

Have you tried your rabbit ear/loop antenna in the attic? Moving it up there may be all you need to do.