[Joe_M]

Either medium directional or medium directional with pre-amp. I'm trying to research antennas online but this information about their coverage is never listed. How do I know what is a small, medium or large antenna and what type of coverage it has when browsing online?


I'm located in Olney, MD and I have a Samsung T351.

 

[Joe_M]

One more thing, I need UHF only. Is there an indoor antenna that will work?

 

[AntAltMike]

You are between Washington and Baltimore, somewhat closer to Washington. Whether an indoor antenna will work for you depends largely on your height with respect to the nearby terrain. You might as well buy the best outdoor antenna for your application, which may be an 8 bay bowtie, since they only cost about $60, and try it indoors first. A preamp might not be needed for Washington reception.


One small advantage of pointing a fixed antenna at Baltimore is that a fixed antenna would also receive the Maryland PBS repeater in Baltimore, whereas an antenna pointed at Washington would have difficulty picking up WMPT from Annapoplis, which carries the same programming. On the other hand, you would be giving up WETA, but until such time as WETA moves its transmitter from Arlington to Washington, you might not get them until then even with a properly aimed antenna.


I think you should use a rotor, regardless of whether your installation is indoors or outdoors.

 

[Joe_M]

Our neighborhood does not allow the installation of antennas except the 18/24" sat antennas. I'd have to go to the attic with an outdoor antenna and then I'd need to find a way to get the cable down to our family room from the attic.

 

[WillyG]

Joe,


Perhaps you should look at the Wineguard SquareShooter then. I just received mine, but I haven't had a chance to get it up, and am waiting for my receiver from DirecTV. The antenna can be mounted off the same mount as the DirecTV dish, and is no bigger than the dish (16"x16") so, it would not look obtrusive and out of place.

 

[stickyfingers]

If they're all UHF I'd go down to BB and grab a Zenith Silver Sensor and give it a try. You can take it back if it doesn't work and for $35ish you can't beat it - I'm pulling locals 90 miles away w/one.


Brian

 

[Jordan420]

Your home owners association cannot bar you from installing an OTA antenna, weather you want pursue it with them is a different matter

http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Ord...T/fcc96328.txt


Jordan

 

[Joe_M]

stickyfingers, I wanted to try the silver sensor but I can't find it anywhere local. They do have it at two stores that are 45 minutes from me so I could take the drive. If not I'll have to order it from someone online but then it may be harder to return.


I haven't read the FCC info in a while but I thought there was a size limit. Maybe not.

 

[wward]

Quote:

Originally posted by Joe_M stickyfingers, I wanted to try the silver sensor but I can't find it anywhere local. They do have it at two stores that are 45 minutes from me so I could take the drive. If not I'll have to order it from someone online but then it may be harder to return. I haven't read the FCC info in a while but I thought there was a size limit. Maybe not.

Sears also carries the Silver Sensor. $39.95

 

[Old Fogey]

I learned a couple of days ago that the Radio Shack Double Bow-Tie antenna is available now from Radio Shack stores by special order. Checking their website I see that it is now available online and/or by phone order. It's inexpensive enough at $14.99 that you don't have to worry about returning it if doesn't work. Just stick it in a closet against the next time you need to try an antenna.


It will work just about anywhere that the Siver Sensor works. It's just not as pleasing to the eye.

 

[Stanton]

Silver Sensor. UHF only.

 

[AntAltMike]

Quote:

Originally posted by Stanton Silver Sensor. UHF only.

And I have just two words:


Maryland


Maryland


Washington, DC, suburban Maryland DTV assignments: 15, 27, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 48, 51

Annapolis, MD 42

Baltimore, MD: 29, 38, 40, 41, 46, 52, 59

Falls Church, VA: 57

Manassas, VA: 43

Goldvein, VA: 53

 

[Spektre]

Quote:

Originally posted by Joe_M I haven't read the FCC info in a while but I thought there was a size limit. Maybe not.

There is, in fact, a size limit of 1 meter (diameter or diagonal) according to the FCC.

 

[AntAltMike]

The size limit alluded to above is for satellite dish antenna diameter. There is no size limit for off-air antennas, though the FCC rule expressly recognizes the right of local controlling agents (towns, municipalities, homeowner's associations) to have safety requirements for installations using masts over 12 feet in length.