Local Antenna Installer

K

KrissB

DTVUSA Member
#1
#1
I called 1 local Antenna Installer (Professional maybe?)

I inquired about my location, and asked if they had a tool to survey the area with to find the best location to install an antenna. They could only state they use an FCC site. I tried to talk a bit every so often, but I have a lot of questions, so maybe him continuing to talk was his way of answering something... ( I felt it was rude in a way! )

So, long of the short, he explained about a 3 foot rooftop tripod, with a 5 foot mast, a 14 foot antenna, with a pre-amp, only thing I think he involved more than what I've found was a rotor. He stated after install, and purchase for a total of very close to $900...

With a very little of what he said, I found this:

Winegard HD8200U High Definition Platinum VHF/UHF/FM TV Antenna with Preamp 3 Foot Tripod 5 Foot Mast and 50 Feet of Cable (HD-8200U) from Solid Signal

And a Rotor was around $65~

My findings were just over $300 for a close match (if not exact match). The gentleman even said it would take 3-4 hours. Now granted I'm all about paying someone for their time! However I felt this was a bit steep!

Is this a good deal or bad deal, as I'm really unsure of this area in antenna's and I don't want to be insulting nor robbed!

Thanks in advance for any input :doh: ,
KrissB
 
R

Rickideemus

Contributor
#2
#2
KrissB said:
I called 1 local Antenna Installer (Professional maybe?)
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Not many of those left. Might need to call the big city.

I inquired about my location, and asked if they had a tool to survey the area with to find the best location to install an antenna. They could only state they use an FCC site ... ( I felt it was rude in a way! ) ... My findings were just over $300 for a close match (if not exact match). The gentleman even said it would take 3-4 hours. Now granted I'm all about paying someone for their time! However I felt this was a bit steep! ... Is this a good deal or bad deal ...
Click to expand...
I think you've answered your own question.

Rick
 
Fringe Reception

Fringe Reception

Super Moderator, Chief Content Editor
Staff member
#3
#3
Kriss,

The majority of time required to install an antenna system is to PROPERLY establish the coaxial cable run/s into your home ... IF ... the installer included wiring several rooms, it might be a good deal ... BUT ...

Important: was the quote based on his rooftop work using a modern digital-TV signal quality meter and were you offered a complete review of what you "should" be able to receive? If not, he is shooting from the hip and his offer is suspect. He might be a "only a roofer" who installs antennas on the side.

Also, be certain he is licensed and bonded in case he slips and falls ...

Jim
 
R

Rickideemus

Contributor
#4
#4
KrissB said:
So, long of the short, he explained about a 3 foot rooftop tripod, with a 5 foot mast, a 14 foot antenna, with a pre-amp, only thing I think he involved more than what I've found was a rotor. He stated after install, and purchase for a total of very close to $900...
Click to expand...
And I don't think $900 is what most of us have in mind when we talk about the "free TV" revolution.

Do you really need a rotor and a preamp?? Maybe I have your situation confused with someone else...

Rick
 
K

KrissB

DTVUSA Member
#5
#5
Yea, sorry so long to reply to this Fringe, I recall like it was yesterday though, he only used a website to suggest channels I SHOULD get, and even then I argued with him about channels 2, and 7 (they are now virtual) and 10 and 13 are true channels (he was saying 10 and 13 were UHF, and 2 and 7 were VHF-Low completely wrong as I pick up 2 and 7 with no problems using my homemade UHF antenna's. His site (whatever it was) was telling him (or he didn't have his glasses on while shooting from the hip) stated 2, and 7 would need a full range VHF antenna.
 
K

KrissB

DTVUSA Member
#6
#6
Rickideemus said:
And I don't think $900 is what most of us have in mind when we talk about the "free TV" revolution.

Do you really need a rotor and a preamp?? Maybe I have your situation confused with someone else...

Rick
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Hehe, no, but I was thinking when I get my tax check... Spend $200-$250 for equipment/supplies and then hire someone to mount the antenna. This guy would only sell the package deal also... Biggest antenna he could get in his truck... and all the silly extras! I was just happy we were still calling it a quote when we hung up! lol
 
K

KrissB

DTVUSA Member
#7
#7
I have since converted an old Wii box into a DB-2 (1/4" soft copper tubing 5-3/4" legs on the DB-2) with reflector, shoved in my window facing North. Probably the best homemade antenna yet, I think my others were way over thought! lol

I am pulling in signals from Canada (70 miles north), Channels 35 miles south, Channels 35 miles east and west of me as well. It's gotta be the weather because I just picked up a channel I've been wanting since I started, but as it is south of me, the reflector is causing it some issues. It's one channel though, so I'm happy to wait it out til I get a DB-8 up and test it without a reflector! Oh the joys of making antenna's lol... Not that I don't like it, it just drains you when you over think it!!! :p DB-48 anyone??? :p

KrissB
 
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R

Rickideemus

Contributor
#8
#8
KrissB said:
I have since converted an old Wii box into a DB-2 (3/8" copper tubing 5-3/4" legs on the DB-2) with reflector, shoved in my window facing North. Probably the best homemade antenna yet, I think my others were way over thought! lol

I am pulling in signals from Canada (70 miles north), Channels 35 miles south, Channels 35 miles east and west of me as well. It's gotta be the weather because I just picked up a channel I've been wanting since I started, but as it is south of me, the reflector is causing it some issues.
Click to expand...
Is this still your TV Fool Report? TV Fool

And yer getting all four directions with a homebrew stuck in a window??? You never got permission for anything outdoors, apparently, right? Yes, I would think the reflector would be "causing it some issues!"

It's one channel though, so I'm happy to wait it out til I get a DB-8 up and test it without a reflector! Oh the joys of making antenna's lol... Not that I don't like it, it just drains you when you over think it!!! :p DB-48 anyone??? :p
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You gonna set up a DB-8 inside?? You been drinkin' some of that cheap wine again, Kriss, haven't you? :daffy:

Rick
 
K

KrissB

DTVUSA Member
#9
#9
Yea that's still my TV Fool report. I have gotten permission to put a small antenna on the Dish mount that is currently on the roof. So I'm testing my DB-2, going to make a DB-4 tonight, and test that without a reflector. I'm going to build it using PVC piping. I need some good info (I'll probably google it before anyone reads this) on what Pipe to use that will weather the storms, and take UV abuse.

My main concern is what spacing should I try or start at with the DB-4, or even the DB-8 when I do build that beast? The V design throws me off, I never know to space it from the outer V or inner V. Oh and yes, the DB-8 will be in the window (if it fits lol) or I got a 7ft stand I can set it outside.

I have a friend at work that can powder-coat stuff, not sure about powder-coating copper (I think she said it has to bake at 400+ degree's. A bit extreme, but it's free! ;) Not sure but I think I can make 2 DB-4's and have them assembled to do that if I get it right, BUT that too makes another question!!! lol Will that affect the signal? Pretty sure that will insulate it (unless lightning hits it!).

I haven't been drinking cheap wine (unless that's what Mt. Dew really is), but lol I have been getting my crazy antenna thoughts swirling again in my head! I was really impressed with the DB-2 tinkering. I may step up the copper tubing to the 3/8" I goofed above, I'm currently using 1/4" soft copper for freezer hookups. So I am hoping the 3/8" will perform pretty good.

So I am going to Home Depot now to get some 1/2" sch 40 4way connectors to build what I have in my head. 7ft of 3/8" copper pipe. That will be enough to make my DB-4 and a DB-8 after, cut for Ch. 14 (which is what gets all the channels I need, as that is the bigger cut for my channels. I would like to get 10 and 13 still, but that dream is nearly just that... Yet, I remember testing my coat hanger dipoles and when I made combinations of 3 unlike the DB-4 and DB-8 I got better reception seemingly, so I will make a Vertical DB-6 top set will be cut for Ch. 10 or 7 depending on how much isn't cut too short, using my 1/4" soft copper as a test to try for my first VHF hit! So far I haven't even got a Channel call code on my tv for any VHF! :( But if I get a hit with that, a DB-10 will be my next test, with a VHF DB-2 Centered on top for my final mount on the roof. This has been a big thought in my head for a while, so it's time to test it! I will be shocked if the DB-6 performs better as bigger is better I think, but my area has been so chaotic for signals, and it's a strange sweet spot... So... lol I still don't know.

I'm currently also debating on buying an analyzer for VHF/FM/UHF if anyone knows what to get, I'd be greatly appreciative of suggestions (I can't promise I will actually get one, but for my area, I feel I need one!). I called another "Antenna Professional" and they too do not have such a tool... I think my area is full of money hungry posers for the Antenna market. On a side note, I was watching a show on PBS Create, where they were using an old chimney to use a more efficient boiler... They then said "These chimneys are of no use, much like TV tower antenna's that used to be mounted on the side of every house!" I wanted to reach through the screen and smack that idiot! I've got 32 channels on my TV, I'm certain I can get them with my antenna built and mounted on the roof! I don't NEED to pay $69 for cable (I also read that cable is going up 5-10% next few months)! I do have cable internet, but that's based on a price match vs Earthlink, so if they change that, I will just go to Earthlink Broadband! :\

Welp, I wrote a book,
KrissB :D
 
K

KrissB

DTVUSA Member
#10
#10
I will start a new thread in the proper area once I get the DB-4 or DB-6 built! Sorry, I just realized what topic I was in! :\ Same followers so far, but it could get confusing later. However it does state about my local antenna installers. And the lack there of! I plan to follow up with what service I use to mount the antenna unless I can just borrow a ladder, and a trusting person to help stabilize the ladder while I'm up there! :p
 
Fringe Reception

Fringe Reception

Super Moderator, Chief Content Editor
Staff member
#11
#11
KrissB said:
I will start a new thread in the proper area once I get the DB-4 or DB-6 built! Sorry, I just realized what topic I was in! :\ Same followers so far, but it could get confusing later. However it does state about my local antenna installers. And the lack there of! I plan to follow up with what service I use to mount the antenna unless I can just borrow a ladder, and a trusting person to help stabilize the ladder while I'm up there! :p
Click to expand...
Kriss,

Congratulations on your successes. We would love to see photos of your antenna projects. : )

Jim
 
K

KrissB

DTVUSA Member
#13
#13
I got discouraged while I was at Home Depot... I paced their floors for about an hour! :\ I decided, I have the money to test a few antenna's and pick up the parts for my own. I looked for a 1/2" tube bender for a good bit too, that was to no avail... I ended up settling for 3/8" O.D. copper tubing, and a bender that would work with it! I bought a test antenna "Winegard FlatWave Indoor Antenna" "Razor Thin! HD Antenna". While I think this antenna would do well in it's recommended range, it however fails in my area. 45+ miles for my wishful stations. It did see one that is only 33 miles away, it did get 12 channels (4 real stations). I built my DB-4, I think the spacing is a bit much, something is really off... It also fails Horridly!!! Back to the DB-2, that is smaller tubing, pulling in channels like no other... I think my issue there is getting the sweet spot that the smaller antenna's have been in, and bigger ones just nothing due to the size? I will combine the DB-2 and the DB-4 to make an odd DB-6 lol... I got about 1-1/2" spacing between the dipoles (some call em bowties). Right now there is about 20 inches between each pair of dipoles. I also added 1" in over all length for the bending, as it is much harder to bend the 3/8" I have a few concerns I will look into before giving up though (just not happening tonight! :( ). On a side note, I hooked up the silly little QuantumFX ANT5 antenna I got for a few bucks used at the Goodwill, and it out performed the Winegard. I tried placing the Winegard in the same spot, even moved it all over hoping there was another sweet spot for it. Tried with no amp, amp, 2 amps... lol That wasn't but only for a few min. I thought my TV might blow up lol...

Too late to tweak with the circular saw lol... But currently splitting the signal with a mild RCA $15 booster from Walmart between 2 TV's. This stuff is going to drive me crazy!!! lol

@ Rick, honestly, I've tried and tried the 300ohm route, and everytime it has been much worse, many occasions not picking up the station less than 20 miles away. Honestly I think that tower is literally 6 miles away. As I drive buy it (or maybe what I am seeing is a Cell Tower) everyday. I've got 3 different 300 - 75 ohm baluns. I'm not about to start making those too (at least not yet!) I think really, I'm just in hell, and I'm lucky to get what I get with my small antenna's lol. They are working amazingly, so I'm not sure what to conclude!

I'm really really confused, but really really really tired too!

So, good night folks, :D
KrissB
 
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