Things to Consider Before Installing the Antenna
Location Selection
The digital broadcast signal travels line of sight. The fewer objects
between your antenna and the broadcast tower, the stronger your
signal will be. Installing your antenna in the attic may reduce the signal
by as much as 50% so it is always recommended to install the antenna
outdoors for maximum performance.
Before deciding on a location for the FreeVision antenna, determine
which channels you want to receive and where they are coming from.
This will help you determine the best location and direction to aim the
FreeVision antenna.
For this information, go online to www.antennaweb.org or www.tvfool.
com. Each of these sites has a feature that allows you to enter your
address and get a listing of likely channels available in your area,
including a listing of the compass heading for each station's tower.
Do I Need to Install the Low Band VHF Kit?
On www.antennaweb.org, if you have an RF channel (right column) 2–6,
you will need the Low Band VHF Kit. On www.tvfool.com, if you have a
real channel 2–6, you will need the Low Band VHF Kit. If you don't have
any low band VHF channels in your area but want FM reception, then
you need to install the Low Band VHF Kit. Most areas will not need the
kit. For additional help, contact Winegard support at 800-788-4417.
For most channels, stations will only come from one or two directions.
If the compass headings are similar (less than 30° apart), the antenna
can be aimed between the areas and receive signals from each location.
The antenna has an approximate range of 30–45 miles when installed
outside. Any station outside this range is less likely to be picked up by
the antenna. This range is reduced by any obstructions (such as trees,
buildings, or hills) between the antenna and the broadcast tower.
Distance, obstructions and compass heading all play a role in deciding
on a location to permanently mount the antenna. For this reason, it
may be necessary to try the antenna in several locations while checking
the signal on multiple channels. Moving the antenna three feet in one
direction is often enough to change the reception. Re-scan your tv or
converter box each time you move the antenna.
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