Arlington Heights 60004
Denny -
Thanks for your very informative site. I recently purchased a HDTV tuner card for my PC which has a "Tivo" like software running for recording shows. The PC is located in my basement and I got one or two channels when I connected the small included antenna via a cable going to my first floor. For this reason I'm confident that an outdoor antenna will yield good results. I'm new to OTA HDTV and so I'm trying to learn as much as possible. I went to www.antennaweb.org to check what was available for my area and the distances involved. Here's my house info I input: ____________ Ave Arlington Heights, IL 60004
No to the "any buildings, steeples, towers" question and multiple story house (2 story). Based on the information on that site and what I have been reading on your web page I'm thinking that the Winegard MS2000 Omni directional antenna is perfect for my needs. I like the fact that it's omni directional and the range looks perfect for me. I'm also not a fan of the the traditional looking antennas and when I saw this nice round sleek model it looked perfect.
My question is based on my location, can you recommend this antenna? Like I said I'm new to this so any info you could provide would be extremely helpful. I would most likely be hiring someone to mount the antenna I get, attaching it to my chimney as high as possible. Are there ready made mounts for chimneys? I think the 50ft cable included would be sufficient to go down the side of the house and into the window frame for the basement. Would a separate amplifier be needed considering the cable distance (chimney to basement - almost a straight shot)?
Regarding installers: There doesn't seem to be very many in my area. I know you are in Michigan but by any chance are you aware of anyone in my area that you could recommend (or tell me to steer clear of)? Would an installer have an issue installing an antenna that I already purchased or am I going to find that installers will only mount what they sell? I'd do it myself but I'm not a fan of going that high and would be worried that I would not mount it properly. Does the MS2000 also need to be grounded? I guess that's a dumb question but I suppose most of these questions fit in that category already : -)
Thanks again for your website and any information you can provide.
John
Greetings John,
The
MS 2000 TV antenna looks like an excellent choice for your location. I wouldn't be surprised if you received some of the Milwaukee stations.
The built-in amplifier will allow up to 100 feet of coax lead in without the need for an additional amplifier.
I only know of one installer in Illinois he is quite a distance from you in Roberts. I'm sorry I can't recommend one in your area. Installing this system on a chimney mount is actually quite simple if you can handle the height. Maybe you can find someone who is more comfortable with the height, they really don't have to know a lot about antenna installation to install this antenna.
As a professional I have to say yes the antenna needs to be
grounded properly. However grounding does not improve reception.
If I can assist you further please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
Denny
Brighton 62012
I will need to receive analog, digital and hd signals. I will be using two televisions, I have already installed a splitter, and think it is 75 ohms, finished out the basement ceiling, so it is no longer accessible. I live in Brighton, Illinois. at _________ drive, zip is 62012. I just bought a new hd tv for christmas, and cancelled my dish satellite, we are now using a small indoor antenna, but the reception is marginal at best. Please advise me on the proper antenna selection. My roof peak is 15-18 feet off of the ground. Thanks, Dwight ________
Greetings Dwight,
The absolute best choice for consistent quality analog and digital/HD reception is the
miniMAX TV antenna. This antenna is perfect for your location and will provide you with great reception. Along with the antenna I suggest the Winegard
HDP 269 preamplifier. This unit will amplify the signal enough to supply both TV locations. The antenna can be installed in a stationary position with the narrow end pointing south southeast. This position will receive the following analog and digital signals from these stations. ABC 30, CBS 4, CW 11, FOX 2, PBS 9, NBC 5, MNT 46. There may be a couple more channels but these are the ones I'm absolutely sure will come in great.
Since the splitter is inaccessible it is necessary to install a
voltage block. Antenna preamplifier's are two part units. The amplifier mounts near the antenna on the mast pipe. The power supply installs indoors and requires an electrical outlet. The power supply sends low voltage electricity up the coax cable to power the preamplifier at the antenna. You can locate the power supply near either TV outlet. On the remaining outlet (the one without the power supply) install the voltage block. The voltage block will terminate the electricity in the coax cable and yet will allow the signal to pass to the TV. Both location will benefit from the preamplifier since it is located at the antenna.
I am very confident that this equipment properly installed (I'm here to help if you need it) will provide you with excellent reception for both analog and digital/HD signals.
If you would like detailed information on how to install the equipment, or if I can assist you in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Product Status = in stock
Chicago 60064
Hi Denny
My zip code is 60062. I am trying to get HDTV reception in ChChicago. I currently have a the amplified Lacrosse antenna I purchased a few months ago.It works ok but a couple of channels break up occasionally and channel 2 our CBS rarely comes in. I have tried everything I can think of including relocating the antenna. Am I missing something? What I can't understand is why do all of the other channel come in except channel 2 ? If you can help I'm ready to try anything.
Thanks in advance,
Larry G
Greetings Larry,
This is a very common problem in the Chicago area and the reason is actually quite simple. Each TV channel number represents a particular broadcasting frequency. The lower numbered channels use a longer wavelength to broadcast their signal. Over the past couple of years there has been a countless number of new compact antennas that have hit the market because of the introduction of digital/HDTV. These compact antennas are great when they work however, all to often they don't.
Channel 2 CBS is broadcasting their digital signal on channel 3. Channel 3 has a wavelength of 92". Trying to capture that wavelength with a small antenna is like trying to catch a giant beach ball with a baseball glove, it just won't fit. This is why two channels from the same location can come in differently. In other words, the antenna you have like all compact antennas is not designed to capture VHF signals especially low VHF channels. Don't get me wrong the Lacrosse antenna is a pretty good antenna but like all compact antennas it can't defy the laws of physics. To learn more about digital HDTV reception you may want to visit a page I have written called
What's the best HDTV antenna.
Your absolute best bet is the miniMAX II antenna. This antenna will easily capture the digital signal from channel 2. Along with the antenna I suggest the Winegard HDP 269 high signal input preamplifier. This preamplifier is capable of a tremendous amount of signal input without experiencing overload. This is important because there are a large number of stations in your area. The HDP 269 can provide the amplification for the weaker signals and yet won't overload on the stronger stations. We have recommended this antenna numerous times throughout the Chicago are with outstanding success. The antenna is designed so it can be mounted against a wall or on the end of an eave etc... I recommend this antenna for anyone within a 45 mile range of the Chicago transmitters. One other note, the miniMAX is not a cheap poorly constructed antenna. You'll find that it is of high quality and will perform for many years to come.
If I can assist you further Larry, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
Denny
TV Antenna Source
Chicago 60630
Hi Denny- Merry Christmas.Contemplating purchasing the MS 2000 Rotor free Round Television Antenna.Question of the day is would this antenna mount on wall mounts outside of a second story window?How about INDOORS in an attic Or better yet since my dare devil days are over jumping around roofs,could this antennas be mounted by an installer in Chicago (60630) you could refer me to.Since I'm going to be spending a few bucks here anyways,what is the cost of the strongest antenna of this style?
Thanks for your input.
Ed
Greetings Ed,
I examined the TV channels at your location and found 29 stations within 10 miles of your location. I wouldn't recommend the MS 2000 for you. Amplifier overload is nearly a certainty and more than likely you would also experience
multi path interference (double image). Multi path is a result of the strong transmitter signal from the same source bouncing off nearby objects and returning to the antenna a few micro seconds later than the primary signal. Since the MS 2000 is omnidirectional it is more vulnerable to multi path. Your location needs an antenna that has good signal rejection from the sides and back. The smallest antenna that has adequate signal rejection from the sides and back is the Winegard HD 7078P TV antenna. All of you channels are from the South East which means a rotor would not be necessary. Along with the antenna I would install a
HDP 269 antenna preamplifier. This amplifier boasts a whopping 350,000 micro volt input capability, virtually impossible to overload. Preamplifiers with 100,000 micro volt input capability are considered very good. I believe this combination of antenna and amplifier would provide excellent results at your location. If you have room I see no problem mounting the antenna in your attic, remember it must be able to point South East.If I can assist you further please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
Denny
Chicago Area
I just purchased an HDTV projector and am getting poor or no reception on WBBM ch. 2 and WMAQ ch. 5 and wanted to upgrade from my current rooftop antenna. I was considering a Winegard model as I have heard positive reviews of them. I live in the Southwest suburbs of Chicago about 25 miles from downtown. Antennaweb recommends a green rating and was wondering what you think. Thanks, Dan
Greetings Dan,
The main thing to consider at your location before selecting an antenna is channel broadcasting frequency. Channel 5 currently broadcast digitally on Ch. 29 and will remain there after the analog shutdown however channel 2, currently on Ch. 3 digitally they will move to Ch. 11 remaining in the VHF band. This is import because a lower frequency means a wider wave length. To capture this signal you generally need a larger antenna.
With this in mind I recommend the
PR 7015 TV antenna or the
HD 7080P TV antenna, both antennas can compliment the wider wavelength requirements needed. With either antenna I suggest a Winegard HDP 269 antenna preamplifier. This amplifier we'll insure that the strong stable signal at the antenna makes it to your TV, with virtually no chance of overload. The 269 also offers a low noise figure. Here is the
Winegard co. link to view the HDP 269 preamplifier.If I can assist you further please don't hesitate to contact me
Best Regards,
Denny
Deerfield 60015
Denny, We live in Deerfield, Illinois and would like to get better reception by replacing our old roof mount antenna. We presently have ghosting on channel 9 and would like to add reception from stations in Wisconsin to those we already receive from Chicago. Thanks for your suggestions.
Keith
Greetings Keith,
I took a look at the channels available at your location and I recommend the
Winegard HD 7080P TV antenna along with a
AP 8700 antenna preamplifier. I believe this combination would provide excellent reception at you location for both Chicago and Milwaukee stations. However, because of the varying directions of the transmitters a
antenna rotor would be required for best results.
If I can assist you further please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards'
Denny
TV Antenna Source
Galesburg 61401
Hi people, what a great site. I've learned more in 10 minutes here than I have all over the internet. I'm a retired firefighter and have to do things myself, (out in the country). I live in galesburg ill, 61401 and am interested in the ms-2000 and the eave mount. It's pretty level here and if anything we are on a hilltop. Most stations are located within 35 mi. Also does this antenna need to be grounded with an arrestor? I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate your site. I've been wasting weeks.
Sincerely, Rick
Greetings Rick,
Thank you for the kind words about our site.
I took a look at the data at your location. Unless you have some major terrain problems, and you indicated you did not, I think the
MS 2000 omni directional TV antenna would be a great choice for your location. Yes you should use an arrestor on the coax cable along with properly grounded the mount. Always follow the manufactures instruction. It won't improve the reception but it can make things a little safer.As a retired firefighter you probably have no problems with heights. Thanks for being a firefighter.
If I can assist you further please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
Denny
TV Antenna Source
Glenview 60025
Hi Denny.
I found your site on the web, and after reading through several pages of it thought you might be able to help me out. We have an old house (95+ years) with a steep hip roof. I would like to mount a large TV antenna on the roof (we don't have/want cable). I picked up a decent antenna and tripod at Menards (I think), and I went to put it up on the peak of the roof yesterday. However, I discovered that two of the three legs of the tripod right on the hip of the roof (the third leg is naturally in the middle of the roof on the opposite side). So, I'm thinking I have a couple options:
(1) Go ahead and mount the tripod the way it is -- that is, two of the legs will be in hip rafters (not sure this is the correct term) and the third leg in a normal rafter. (Note that all rafters are 2x8") I am a little concerned that putting three lag screws in each (of the two) hip rafter might compromise the integrity of that rafter.
(2) Get a different tripod that has an adjustable leg, and mount the tripod on one side of the roof instead of over the peak. The problem is that this is a pretty steep roof, so two legs of the tripod would have to be pretty long, and the third leg would have to be pretty short. Can you think of any other options for me? I don't have the option of mounting the antenna to the chimney as the chimney is old and fragile.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jon
Greetings Jon,
First only use the two outside holes for your lag screws and predrill to avoid cracking the rafter. Did you see the page how to install a tripod in our website? The only other mount I could recommend would be an eave mount.
Second unfortunately you didn't get a quality antenna at Menards. Depending on the conditions at your location it will begin falling apart within five years or less. It's antennas like that that have given antennas a bad name. I'm not just saying that to bash a competitor. I don't care if you buy it from me, go find a dealer and get a Winegard antenna. A PR series antenna will last between 10 and 15 years and an HD series antenna will last 20 plus years. I won't even get into the difference in performance. If your gonna go through the trouble of putting up an antenna get an antenna that last and works good so you don't have to do it again.
If I can assist you further please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
Denny
Hi Dennis.
Thanks for the advice.
I do have a few more questions, if you don't mind me asking...
(1) Do you think it's OK for me to mount the two legs in the hip rafters? (Or would mounting them in the hip rafters potentially
compromise the integrity of the hip rafters?)
(2) Thanks for the tip on the Winegard antennas. We live in Glenview, IL 60025 and most of the TV stations aren't that far away (under 20 miles according to antennaweb.org). I'm sure I could get away with a relatively small antenna, but I thought that if I had a big honkin' antenna and a rotor, I might be able to pickup far away stations (Milwaukee, for example). I do have an HDTV set-top box for picking up a few HDTV channels around here, and those channels are split between
VHF and UHF. Do you have a recommendation on which Winegard antenna I should get?
Again, thank you for your time (and I hope you had a good Thanksgiving)
Jon
Jon,
I don't think you'll have any problems whatsoever mounting into the hip rafters. Predrill and use 1.5 inch lag screws (threaded to the top) and you will still have six inches of rafter that is untouched.
If your trying to reach out there and get distant signal I would recommend the
Winegard HD 7084P TV antenna and the
HDP 269 antenna preamplifier. This antenna and amplifier would be perfect for your location. The antenna has an excellent front to back ratio (the ability to block unwanted signals from the sides and back). This is important for long distance reception at your location with numerous nearby channels. The amplifier has an extremely high input capability again important for your location. Don't let the size of the antenna fool you. I know you can buy antennas 3 feet longer than this one however, it's raw gain that matters. It's all in the design, Winegard antennas usually have nearly twice the gain as competitor antennas of equal size.I do not carry the set top digital tuners. I would think any of the major electronic stores would have them.
Denny
Oak Park
Hi,
I'm wondering if your customers have had any experience with the SS-3300 TV antenna in the Chicago area. I live in Oak Park, between 8 and 9 miles from the transmitter locations (2 at 88 and 98 degrees) for all of the city's stations. I'm currently using an amplified RCA loop+rabbit ears, effectively only the loop, to get all the UHF DT stations. I'm unable to get a consistent usable signal from WBBM, SD 2, DT 3. I've tried the Terk TV5, TV55, and HDTV antennas and they all behave pretty much the same. With the HDTVa and the RCA I was able to get channel 3 by spreading the rabbit ears fully horizontally on the floor in the middle of the room, but even that only worked for a couple of nights, probably a function of atmospheric conditions, or perhaps some local interference. The Terk TV5 gave nothing, and the TV55 was almost as bad. By walking around the room I was able to get a weak signal, but
nothing I could really use. And there's no way an TV antenna could stay in the middle of the room anyway. All of the antennas have given pretty much the same performance on UHF although the TV5 did pick up an additional station in Indiana (I know it's the only 'almost
omni-directional' one in the bunch). I get occasional pixelation and dropout, but it's basically usable.
My question: What are the chances the SS-3300 will do the job for me? I know that in 2 1/2 years things will change, but that's a long time! At that time stations will be in the VHF band, but on channels 7 and 11, so if the antenna works for channel 3, it will certainly be OK in the long run as well. I know you offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and I'm willing to take you up on it if you think there's any realistic chance of success. I know the guarantee excludes shipping, but I can't tell from your "Final Price" what that would be.
Thanks for any information you might have,
Howard
Greetings Howard,
We have had one customer purchase the Winegard SS 3000 indoor TV antenna (new stock # same antenna) for use at a location approximately 20 miles south of Chicago. Unfortunately we have had no feedback on his purchase. The order was placed nearly 4 months ago so I would assume it's doing alright. Out of dozens sold we have had one return from near Washington DC. The TV antenna was being used for analog reception in a brick constructed condominium complex. What makes the SS 3000 outperform other antennas is its ability to reduce or eliminate multipath interference, which many times, but not always is the cause of pixelation and drop out. I wish I could help you further with you decision. In the event you would need to take advantage of our guarantee the shipping cost to return the antenna is less than $10.00 by U.S. mail.
If you should decide to try the antenna please inform us of the results so we may help others in your area.
Best Regards,
Denny Denny,
Thanks for the reply. I'm going to order one shortly using your website.
Howard
Palos Park 60464
Hi Dennis,
Just installed Directv with an outdoor HDTV antenna. I can get different channels if I rotate the antenna. Was wondering if the MS-2000 would work for me. 2-story home in zip 60464.
Thanks for the help.
Dean
Greetings Dean,
I think the
MS 2000 TV antenna is an excellent choice. The vast majority of your stations are 15 to 30 miles from your location, perfect for the MS 2000. I wouldn't hesitate to try the MS 2000.
Best Regards,
Denny
Roberts 60962
GREAT GOING! -- I looked forever and finally found an old flyer from an order years ago, checked the web, Denny is still the antenna guy!
75 mph winds didn't bother the 20+ year old winegard, the broken guy and sudden stop sure put the bend in things. My zip is 60962. The east central Illinois area is pretty flat, all farmland. I'm rural located, 2 story mounting height, a few trees in yard taller than installation. The old setup was rotor, antenna, mast mount preamp, 40 feet good 75 ohm to preamp power supply, split to fm, 2 TV's on 20 foot run. It all goes up new. What would you recommend?
Thanks
Joseph
Greetings Joseph,
Still here, just doing business a little differently. The days of newspaper classified advertising and mailing flyers are long gone. I am really surprised how many people from those days find us on the internet. Your location has a tremendous amount of channels available with the right equipment. With all those channels out there in the 60 to 90 mile range I recommend the Winegard HD 7082P TV antenna or the
HD 7084P TV antenna. I would lean toward the HD 7084P. The best preamplifier for your application is the Winegard AP 8700 antenna peamplifier with the FM trap set to the out position. We have been testing an outstanding new rotor called the Eagle Aspen. The Eagle Aspen is American made and has totally impressed me. It operates by sending a digital signal from the indoor control unit through the coax cable (no rotor wire required) to the outdoor motor and is remote controlled. The antenna preamplifier is powered by the indoor rotor control unit via the coax cable. If a signal splitter is located between the indoor control unit and the outdoor motor voltage blocks must be installed on all out going ports of the splitter except the one that leads to the indoor rotor control unit. This rotor is not available yet in our online store but can be ordered by phone for $109.00. I highly recommend this unit. We do offer the Channel Master 9521 antenna rotor. The 9521 is also remote controlled and use traditional rotor wire for control. Unfortunately Channel Master now has it manufactured in China.
If I can assist you further please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best Regards,
Denny
TV Antenna Source
Schiller Park 60176
morning,
What is the minimum height a winegard ms2000 antenna should be mounted ...
Mark,
With a
MS-2000 antenna (like any other tv antenna) we recommend that the antenna is over your roof top. The rule is (minimum height) for any antenna the higher the better in most cases. Some people put the MS-2000 in the antic and are satisfied.Your terrain, one story house or 2 story house are all a factor for TV reception along with the output power of the channels you are trying to receive.
Do you have a MS-2000 or are you planning on purchasing one? I would need more information to determine if the MS-2000 is the best antenna for you (zip code).
Best regards,
Rhonda
I'm planning to purchase one my zip is 60176. it`s for the garage tv .
no cigars in the house... thanx mark
Mark,
After checking out the channels in your area a
MS-2000 Round television antenna should work great for you. I believe you will be very happy with the antenna you have selected.
If you need any further help please let us know.
Remember you can always use our guarantee (if you are not satisfied in anyway you can return for a full refund).
Best Regards,
Rhonda
