Attic antenna installation

DanGuy48 · Jan 22, 2020

It just recently struck me how little we watch actual cable content so I’m thinking of cutting the cord. Mostly we watch Netflix, Prime and Apple TV/iTunes rentals. I asked on our community NextDoor forum and a few people have been successful doing this despite the “complicated” topography in our area. The problem is, I can’t find anyone who does this kind of work.

I would need a largish antenna (roof is hand built, no trusses to interfere) mounted and wiring run to transmit the signal and also an in line amplifier and ability to rotate the antenna remotely. Are there companies that do this? I guess I could check with Geek Squad but thought I’d ask here first.

budman93 · Jan 22, 2020

Why not try a cheap indoor antenna first and see if you can pick anything up. My parents have a 20 year old one inside the attic that they bought at a yardsale. I am in an apartment and just have a cheap amazon antenna near the outside wall. Both work great.

Half-cocked · Jan 22, 2020

I put in my own (directional) attic antenna over 10 years ago, I pick up all Baltimore and a few DC stations, no rotor needed. Obviously you’re situation might be different depending on what stations you need, your location, and the topography around you.

RCH · Jan 22, 2020

This might be of help.

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-get-free-hdtv/

BartExp · Jan 22, 2020

I installed this in the attic. Works great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYMVPVX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Used the site http://tvfool.com/ to help position the antenna to pick up the most stations.

Half-cocked · Jan 22, 2020

Oh, and this might help too:

www.antennaweb.org

Be sure to hit the "Click to view map" link after you enter your location.

DanGuy48 · Jan 22, 2020

budman93 said:
Why not try a cheap indoor antenna first and see if you can pick anything up. My parents have a 20 year old one inside the attic that they bought at a yardsale. I am in an apartment and just have a cheap amazon antenna near the outside wall. Both work great.

Yeah, we did try that. Only picked up a couple things and not very clean. I think we’re in a difficult area. I am leaning towards this antenna with amp and rotator.

https://www.dennysantennaservice.net/hd-stacker-tv-antenna.html

GTOGUNNER · Jan 22, 2020

I struggle with getting channels 7 and 11. I get everything else including WGAL 8

Half-cocked · Jan 23, 2020

Another thing, when you say "complicated topography", if you mean there are trees, hills, etc. around you, you might need to resign yourself to putting up a mast-mounted antenna. Amplifiers can only do so much, there's no substitute for getting that antenna up high and free from obstructions. Even a wood & tar shingle roof is going to reduce the signal by a few dB.

Another helpful link: https://otadtv.com/factors/index.html

RobSky · Feb 18, 2020

All this antenna talk reminded me of this as a kid....

:sad20:

Attic antenna installation

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