Do I need VHF?

[Ringwood]

Hi All,

I am trying to get some info about VHF channels. I live in Stoneham MA. 02180. I used the channel finder and saw that I have a few VHF broadcasts available. When I called a few online antenna sites, I was told that I only need a UHF antenna and that there were no VHF channels available.

My other question is that there is a 30 foot cliff with houses on it about 200 feet behind my house. My attic window is level with those houses first floor! They are right in line of sight with a group of TV towers about 13 miles away. I have a Wineguard MS2002 antenna in my attic. I receive about 20 channels, but most flicker and break up while watching.

I know I need to get that antenna out of my attic and on the roof. Will an additional 10 feet above my roof make that much difference? I picked the MS2002 antenna because I thought it would be best for receiving signals from all directions. Maybe it wasn't the best choice. Do you have any ideas on what would be the best setup for my situation?

Thanks for your time,
Sid

[Bill Adams]

It would appear that all of the Boston area channels are UHF and all channels within about 25 miles are UHF. There are some VHF channels listed starting at about 30 miles but most are duplicates (ABC Boston and ABC Manchester, etc) so it appears you should not need any VHF reception in that area.
Getting the antenna out of the attic give the most improvement but height is might, so the clearer your view the better.

[Ringwood]

Hi Bil,

Thanks for the reply. I will get a mount on the peak and see how high I can safely go. I am in an area where I have had 1-1/2 feet of snow accumulate on my trash can lids in the winter. This antenna will probably do the same thing. Is that a problrm for reception? Any opinon on how high I could go with a mast with no guide wires?

Thanks again,
Sid

[Bill Adams]

We will need to hear from the Winegard folks next week as I have to experience in that area of antennas. Check back and let's see what they say.

[winegard]

Good morning Ringwood,

As Bill stated, while you have some High-VHF channels available in your area, they are duplicates of channels you can receive closer in UHF.

The snow will be an issue if it is covering the antenna so try to mount above your typical snow fall level on your roof. Looking at the channels in your area I believe getting the antenna up on the roof will do the trick.