Outdoor Antenna: Understanding Outdoor TV Antennas
Types of Outdoor Antennas
There are a few main types of outdoor antennas commonly used for receiving over-the-air TV signals. Each type has its own benefits depending on your needs and setup.
Rotor - Rotor antennas have a rotating base that allows the antenna to be turned in different directions. This is useful if you want to receive signals from multiple towers in different positions. The rotation is powered by a small motor that you can control remotely. Setup can be more involved than fixed antennas but it provides more flexibility.
Fixed - Fixed antennas do not rotate and must be aimed in a single direction. They are simpler to install but only capable of receiving signals from one location. Yagi antennas are one of the most common fixed designs, known for their directional reception abilities. Panel or multi-directional antennas can pick up signals from multiple angles without rotating.
Amplified - Some antennas have built-in amplifiers that boost weaker signals for better reception. This is helpful if you have obstructions or are farther from local towers. However, amplifiers do draw additional power and may introduce more coaxial cable loss the farther they are placed from the TV.
Important Antenna Considerations
When choosing an outdoor antenna, there are several factors to weigh regarding your setup and needs:
- Signal Sources - Knowing the locations and distances of local TV towers will determine antenna type (rotator, fixed, multi-directional) and size requirements. An online TV tool can map this out.
- Obstructions - Trees, buildings or hills blocking lines-of-sight to towers may require an amplified or larger antenna. Mounting height also affects this.
- Mounting Area - Consider your roof shape and available space. Some antennas mount directly while others need a mast or poleattachment.
- Cable Runs - Long cable runs underground or through the house add signal loss. Careful planning limits this.
- Amplification - Only use an amplified antenna if signal levels require it to avoid poorer reception from added components.
with the proper outdoor antenna type and installation, you can reliably access dozens of free local channels in beautiful HD quality without a monthly cable bill. Let's look more at installation factors for the best reception.
Installing for Top Performance
Where and how you mount an outdoor antenna significantly impacts the signals it can receive. Here are some best practices:
- Height - For each additional foot higher, reception typically improves slightly as it rises above obstructions. Aim for mounting at least 20 feet above the roofline if possible.
- Location - Roof ridges or equidistant spots between towers provide optimal reception. Avoid chimneys or obstructions immediately next to mounting.
- Stability - Use durable mounting hardware, guy wires for large antennas, and seal connections from weather. Winds can damage poorly secured installations.
- Grounding - Lightning arrestors properly earth antennas to protect equipment inside. Ground wires attach directly at the antenna, not splitter or cables further down the line.
- Orientation - Fixed antennas should be aimed using a compass to align with specific tower locations based on your address. Apps can assist with accurate aiming.
- Cables - Use quality RG-6 coaxial cable run directly and properly secured to avoid signal loss. Limit sharp bends that kink the wire. Seal outdoor connectors from moisture infiltration.
Proper measurement, materials and precision in antenna placement pays huge dividends in solid TV reception without dead zones or constant adjustment needs. With HD antennas becoming more advanced and easy to install, cutting cables has never been simpler.
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