TV antenna placement

[mknabster]

Hi all, i'm a new owner of the Hdhomerun Connect unit and i'm happy with its performance so far, but not too happy with my antenna unfortunately. Before i bought the Connect, i was using my existing antenna (RCA ANT525) hooked directly into my TV. Whenever i turned my computer pn, it scrambled the picture making in unusable, which is why i bought the Connect so i could move the antenna elsewhere and still have it be available through the network.

Ths interesting thing i'm finding is that when the antenna was downstairs into the TV, i got the local stations plus CBS, NBC, ABC but no FOX. But now that i moved it upstairs pointing out a window, i get more local stations, but only CBS and FOX, but no ABC or NBC. I'm not sure if it's because it's an older antenna (I was given it for free by the in-laws) and i'm not sure if it's uni- or omni-directional. I'm not attached to it so i'm open to suggestions on replacements, like the Mohu Leaf or something else, but i'm in an area where i should be getting all the major new stations without an issue.

So if anyone has suggestions about placement for my existing antenna, or if i should get a different one, i would appreciate it. Thanks

 

[kanewolf]

Use a compass and antennaweb.org along with your ZIP code to determine the best pointing direction. Most TV antennas aren't omni-directional.

 

[groundrat]

This is a very short range, limited reception antenna. Reason is the lack of gain. Gain is the antennas ability to amplify the RF signal. Although it will work (kind of) it is extremely dependent on location and objects like walls and buildings will block the signal. The website the mod listed will give you a line of site vector to the nearest TV stations. With a compass you should be able to see anything big and solid in the way and determine your best reception. Even the site recommends the antenna be at least 30 feet up (above average terrain). Trees don’t do much to stop RF at these frequencies but hills and thick/ multiple walls are murder.
However, I’d get a new antenna. http/www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=HDB8X&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=hdb8x&gclid=CIKZ5Knh49ICFQenaQod5bkFvg
Something like this will get you Vhf/Uhf and HD channels. The best location will probably be in your attic (remember that 30 feet up?). Use RG6 cable and compression fittings (available at Lowes/Menards/Home Depot) to run to your reception device (TV or Tuner) and you should be able to get excellent reception of most/all local channels and derivatives(channel 4, 4.2, 4.3, ect). Complete instructions will come with the antenna. If you already have wall outlets in your home the cables feeding them should all come together somewhere (attic, basement or crawlspace). You can get RF splitters (again, Lowes/Menards/Home depot) that will feed the antenna signal to any or all of those wall plates. If you have ever had cable service, they should have already done that work for you.
You should be able to complete this project in a few hours with a minimum of muss and fuss for less than $200 USD.

If you live in an apartment get one of these and put it in the window nearest the TV stations http/www.bestbuy.com/site/mohu-leaf-50-amplified-indoor-hdtv-antenna-black-white/3488006.p?skuId=3488006

 

[mknabster]

Thanks for explaining all that groundrat! I live in a townhouse and i think our HOA has restrictions on what we can put on our roof, so i'll probably have to go the Mohu route, but i'm glad to hear that the issue is with the antenna and not with the Hdhomerun. At least i can see that the setup works, and will look into a better antenna.

I did check out that antennaweb.com and tracked with the compass what direction the antenna should be pointing in, and that doesn't seem to make much of a difference, but i do live in a pretty wooded area, so now i know that plays into it. Thanks again!