Home Automation - Installing TV antenna
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05-22-00, 03:33 PM
I would like to install a chimney mounted antenna for TV reception (yes - I am probably the only one on my block not to have cable). My problem is I have a TV on one end of the house on the second floor and another tv at the opposite end on the first floor (ground level). The chimney is roughly in the middle of the roof.
I know I will need a splitter for the two tv's. I also expect that I should ground it at or before the splitter.
1. I have seen a cable for a satellite feed that has a ground wire molded into the cabling but I am not sure this is the right application for that. What cable is appropriate?
2. when anchoring the cable from the antenna to the house, can I just screw the cable standoff right into the roofing material (asphalt shingles)?
3. should I run the antenna feed to ground level, ground it, feed the first floor TV and then send another line back up to the second floor and across the house?
4. should I put the ground connection at the second floor level, use a long length of copper to get it to the ground, feed the second floor TV directly and then send the line across the house and down the outside to come back in for the first floor TV?
Sorry if this is confusing. I can explain more if needed. Please send me in the right direction on this.
I know I will need a splitter for the two tv's. I also expect that I should ground it at or before the splitter.
1. I have seen a cable for a satellite feed that has a ground wire molded into the cabling but I am not sure this is the right application for that. What cable is appropriate?
2. when anchoring the cable from the antenna to the house, can I just screw the cable standoff right into the roofing material (asphalt shingles)?
3. should I run the antenna feed to ground level, ground it, feed the first floor TV and then send another line back up to the second floor and across the house?
4. should I put the ground connection at the second floor level, use a long length of copper to get it to the ground, feed the second floor TV directly and then send the line across the house and down the outside to come back in for the first floor TV?
Sorry if this is confusing. I can explain more if needed. Please send me in the right direction on this.
05-22-00, 04:49 PM
1. Use RG6 and a grounding block for coax cable.
2. I would not put holes in my roof. I would anchor the cable to the antenna mast, and to the side wall of the house, and just let it lay loose across the shortest distance of roof possible.
3. Yes, I would run the cable down the outside of the house to a grounding block and then inside to an amplifier power supply and splitter. Use a two-part amplifier with the amplifier part up at the antenna and the power supply down below.
There is a TV antenna FAQ on this site.
http://doityourself.com/electric/tvanten.htm
Take a look at that, and let me know if you have any questions.
[This message has been edited by ranck (edited May 22, 2000).]
2. I would not put holes in my roof. I would anchor the cable to the antenna mast, and to the side wall of the house, and just let it lay loose across the shortest distance of roof possible.
3. Yes, I would run the cable down the outside of the house to a grounding block and then inside to an amplifier power supply and splitter. Use a two-part amplifier with the amplifier part up at the antenna and the power supply down below.
There is a TV antenna FAQ on this site.
http://doityourself.com/electric/tvanten.htm
Take a look at that, and let me know if you have any questions.
[This message has been edited by ranck (edited May 22, 2000).]
05-23-00, 07:44 AM
Please clarify two things for me.
1. For the preamp, when using a two piece amp, does that mean that I have another cable running from near the grounding block back up to the antenna?
2. Since I have a second tv on the second floor, do I run the line to ground level first for grounding and then back up to the second floor?
1. For the preamp, when using a two piece amp, does that mean that I have another cable running from near the grounding block back up to the antenna?
2. Since I have a second tv on the second floor, do I run the line to ground level first for grounding and then back up to the second floor?
05-23-00, 09:10 AM
A two part amp has two parts, the amplifier,
whis is installed at the antenna, and the
power supply, which is installed inside somewhere. I your case, I'd think you will hae
to run to the power supply and splitter, then back to the TVs
whis is installed at the antenna, and the
power supply, which is installed inside somewhere. I your case, I'd think you will hae
to run to the power supply and splitter, then back to the TVs
05-23-00, 09:17 AM
Can I put the grounding block outside on the second floor with the amp inside and then run the ground wire and the feed to the first floor TV down together to ground level?
05-23-00, 03:14 PM
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by pjaffe:
Please clarify two things for me.
1. For the preamp, when using a two piece amp, does that mean that I have another cable running from near the grounding block back up to the antenna?
2. Since I have a second tv on the second floor, do I run the line to ground level first for grounding and then back up to the second floor?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The two piece preamps run power up the same coax cable as the signal comes down. So, no you do not need another wire.
You could put the grounding block up at the second floor level. I don't think that would be a problem.
Please clarify two things for me.
1. For the preamp, when using a two piece amp, does that mean that I have another cable running from near the grounding block back up to the antenna?
2. Since I have a second tv on the second floor, do I run the line to ground level first for grounding and then back up to the second floor?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
The two piece preamps run power up the same coax cable as the signal comes down. So, no you do not need another wire.
You could put the grounding block up at the second floor level. I don't think that would be a problem.