Need Antenna recommendation - Columbia

[ljkelly]

Hi -

I live in eastern Connecticut (zip 06237), approx 27 miles from any television transmitters. I'm trying to get off cable tv. I'd like to put up one antenna to drive 3 televisions, if possible. I was looking at the model ms2002 omni-directional antenna, but then read I might be better off with the ms1000 with a pre-amplifier. Ideally I'd like to place this in my attic (roof has asphalt shingles) to minimize the risk of lightening issues. I could also attach this to my chimney outside, but am concerned about the heat coming from my fireplace (and lightning). I'd appreciate any recommendations anyone might have.

Thanks!

[winegard]

Good morning ljkelly -

Installing an antenna in the attic will reduce your signal strength by 50% or more and since you are any where from 27 to 41 miles from your TV stations with some of these channels being a 1Edge signal Winegard does not recommend that you install your antenna in the attic.

The 1Edge signals means that you do not have a line of sight (LOS) for these channels. These signals will received by your antenna via reflections off of the ground or the atmosphere and these channels could be weather dependant. To receive TV stations up 40 miles away the TV antenna should be installed at least 30 feet higher or higher. Winegard also recommends that you do a signal search with the antenna to determine the best signal location before installing the antenna.

We do not recommend MS-series of antennas be installed above you chimney due to the fireplace heat and fireplace gases. You might consider using a SW-0010 3’ tripod and a couple of TB-0005 masts or a SW-0012 gable mount and couple TB-0005 masts as mounting alternatives. The MS-2000/2002 antenna should provide you with enough signal strength to power your 3 TV sets. If not then you may have to install a Winegard HDA-100 distribution amplifier between the power injector TV out connection and input to your splitter system.

[ljkelly]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. How would I mitigate the risk of a lightening strike? Do I need to run a cable from the roof to the ground? If so, what gauge should I use?

Thanks again!

[winegard]

To ground your antenna system you will need to run # 8 or larger cooper or aluminum wire from the antenna mast straight down to an 8’ ground rod. Also you will need to install a Winegard GB-8100 coax ground block in your downlead cable before it enters the house. From the ground block you will the piece of the # 8 wire the same ground rod or a separate ground rod. You do not want any sharp turns in the ground wires the straighter the better.