MS-2002 vs MS-2000 + AP-8700 -- Help please!

[demaximis]

I am in the process of trying to draw OTA signals to my Home Theater PC located in 30062 (yellow uhf/vhf (according to antennaweb) with all stations within about 20 miles), which has two Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-2250 cards installed, each of which provides access to two OTA tuners. So, inside the PC, there will be 4 tuners. As my first option, I tried using the Winegard SS-3000, which actually did a pretty good job of pulling in a strong signal, as long as it was facing in the right direction. Unfortunately, there was no single position that was good for all of the stations I needed, so going with an indoor antenna is probably out.

Because of the HTPC's location, it should not be a problem to mount a small omnidirectional on the eave of the roof, and run coax to the HTPC. The cable run will probably be about 75-100ft, and I will place a splitter on the line near the HTPC to feed the two Hauppauge cards, and I assume that there is an internal splitter within each card to allow for two tuners. Because of the cable distance and splitter, I assume that an amplified antenna will work best.

So, now I'm looking at the MS-2000 and MS-2002. Both appear to be the same antenna, except the MS-2002 comes with an amplifier. However, I do not know whether I am better off going with that amplifier, or going with the MS-2000 (no amplifier), but adding a pre-amplifier like an AP-8700. The cost difference between the two options is pretty minimal, so I'm looking for the best option from a quality/longevity perspective (there have been several posts on Amazon complaining about the power injector on the AP-8700).

Also, when installing the antenna, I intend to purchase a grounding rod and block. Is four feet sufficient for the grounding rod, or should I go to 6 or 8 feet? Also, can the wire to the grounding rod be secured with the coax against the house, or does it need to be secured separately?

Thanks in advance for the recommendations and grounding advice.

[winegard]

Good morning demaximis,

The MS-2000 and the MS-2002 are both the same amplified antennas. The only difference is the MS-2002 does not come with the 50 feet of downlead cable. For your antenna system the MS-1000 non amplified antenna and the HDP-269 preamplifier would be the recommended system. The HDP-269 preamplifier has 12 dB of gain and should provide enough amplification to over come your cable losses but not over amplify your signals.

[demaximis]

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. However, I could not find an MS-1000 on Amazon (and on a few websites, it is listed as discontinued). Is there another or new product name/number that I should be searching with?

Also, any help on the lightning questions?

Thanks again!

[winegard]

Winegard Direct shows it in stock...

http://www.winegarddirect.com/viewitem. ... na-(MS1000)&post=

We recommend an 8 foot ground but you should check with a local electrician or supply company in your area for local regulations.