Two antennas and Pre-Amp/Distribution Amp

[frencht]

Greetings,
I've browsed many of the existing threads and didn't find any that talked specifically to my situation nor did I find enough information to adequately answer my two biggest questions. I understand there are no guarantees...just looking for the best chance possible to receive as many broadcast stations as possible.

1) Two antennas vs rotor
Until recently, I've used a rotor to adjust my antenna for broadcast reception of my surrounding stations. I now have a TV card in my computer that receives HDTV so I would like to be able to receive the stations without having to use a rotor...especially since I want to use the computer as a PVR. I have a couple L-V, H-V and UHF stations directly South(186-187) of me about 20 miles away and one UHF to the West (266) about 50 miles away. I have several H-V & UHF stations further South (188) about 50-60 miles. In addition, I have several UHF stations to the North (355-010). I'm contemplating purchasing two antennas...one that would be permenantly directed South and one permenantly directed North. Based on the Beta antenna selector, it appears the Winegard HD8200U antenna would be the best choice for L-V,H-V & UHF reception and distances. Assuming that coupling like antennas is best, I would assume I should be purchasing two HD82000U antennas as well as a Winegard CC-7870 All Channel Coupler (I'm assuming the UHF station to the West will no longer be received). I understand spacing of the antennas is important as well as insuring equal lead from each antenna to the coupler is maintained. Based on the above, does this seem like a reasonable plan and if so, can someone suggest what the recommended distance is between the two antennas?

2) Pre-Amp vs Distribution Amplifier.
Here is where things get more confusing for me (assuming antenna configuration issues are resolved!). I currently have 2 televisions and 1 computer, each significantly different in cable length from where the 25' antenna lead (from the antenna configuration described above) enters my house. Can someone offer advice what Pre-AMp and/or Distribution Amp would be required to adequately amplify and distribute the signal to all 3 devices?
Thanks,
Tim

[winegard]

Good morning Frencht -

Here is the response from technical services...
You can try and combine 2 antennas using the CC-7870 combiner/separator and depending on your signal strengths you should hopefully obtain good results. The antenna that you should use is the HD8200U pointed south since you have lo band VHF, Hi band VHF, and UHF from that direction. I would also use an HDP-269 preamplifier on this antenna because you are trying to receive channels up to 60 miles away. For the north antenna since you only have UHF channels I suggest that you use an HD-9032 antenna along with an AP-4700 UHF only preamplifier.

The 2 antenna will need to be spaced 48” apart boom to boom. Your cable lengths going from each antenna to each preamplifier power injector does not to be equal in length since you are not stacking like antennas in the same direction for gain. From each power injector you will run a cable to the CC-7870 and from the output of the CC-7870 you will run a cable to your splitter. Once again the cable length do not need to equal in lengths.

[frencht]

Greetings winegard,
Thanks for your quick and detailed reply. I believe I understand you suggestions for the equipment I need to purchase as well as your directions for connecting them. I do have a brick chimney which should provide adequate support and 48" physical separation for both antennas. I"m assuming I would run a lead from each antenna down the chimney, into the house and then each into its respective insertion connector before ultimately connecting each lead to the the input jacks on the coupler.

I know mounting the antennas outside is preferable but with winter approaching, I'm not sure I will have a dry roof once I get everything together (2+ stories high and failrly steep incline). If I place both antennas in my attic (asphalt roof), would your recommendations for the North facing antenna and either/both pre-amps change? If so (and assuming more gain might be required) would the additional gain be a problem if I moved the antennas outside to the chimney in the spring?

Thanks again,
Tim

[winegard]

Good morning Tim,

You are correct in the way to hook up your installation. Installing your antennas in a normal attic your signal strength will be reduced by at least 50% or more so you will possibly loose some of your weaker channels because of that. If you install the antennas in the attic you can separate them by 48” vertically or horizontally. Use the same preamplifier and the same antenna models and coupler as suggest before.

[frencht]

Greetings Winegard,
Since most of the broadcast channels are to the South, for starters I've ordered the HD8200U and the HDP269 but they probably won't be here for about 2 weeks. Looks like it will be the middle of December before I'll be able to report back with results. Again, thanks for the advice!
Tim

[frencht]

Dear Winegard,
Five Thumbs Up! The HD8200U is pulling in stations like crazy...even when laying on the ground. I did mount it on my chimney about 30 feet off the ground as my attic rafter configuration wouldn't allow me to point it due South. It is picking up stations 45 degrees or more to the side and more than 60 miles away. In addition, I'm picking up one station 180 degrees behind and about 55 miles away so I'm not sure I need a second antenna after all. To say the least I'm extremely pleased....I've gone from 2 stations (5 channels) to 10 stations (17 channels). I think I'm only limited by the number of stations/channels in my region. I'm not sure I even need the HDP269, however, the weather conditions so far have been ideal so I'm leaving it for the time being at least. Now I just need time to sit and watch! The results are truly amazing...thanks much!
Tim