I'm scheduled to have a new HDTV antenna installed on my home next week. I've never had an antenna before, nor have I worked with these installers. What should I watch for while they work? How do I know they're doing the job correctly, or alternatively, what might be signs that they're inexperienced or taking shortcuts? Any tips?
Antenna Installation Pointers
- Thread starter ItsNannerpuss
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The question comes up as to how they are going to mount the antenna. Some have it strapped to a chimney. Some have the pole bolted to the side of the house. I would not want it on a tripod with roof penetrations. Also consider how they get the coax into the house. Does it go through a grounding block?
It is essentially the same as installing a DBS dish. Many of the same considerations.
It is essentially the same as installing a DBS dish. Many of the same considerations.
If a chimney mount, is it a brick chimney? Bricks are held by concrete and that has poor strength when being stretched. Ive seen several chimneys come down in high winds when a big antenna was attached.
Make sure the antenna is grounded to its own ground rod with reasonable gauge wire. preferably woven ground strapping. A grounding block for the coax is necessary, but not sufficient. You are basically putting a lightning rod on your roof, and you need to make sure it works properly. If not, it is a fire hazard.
Well, my antenna has been installed. It's working even better than I expected, and overall I'm very happy with the results. The installers were very friendly and professional, and seemed to know what they were doing.
I do have one or two concerns, however. They did use the existing ground block for the coax run, so that's good, but there was no additional ground cabling run. I know jayn_j recommended a separate ground, and I've seen that mentioned elsewhere as well. Some people insist on it, while others say that no cabling is going to be full protection from a lightning strike, so the best you can do is draw out static electricity to make the antenna a less likely target. Should I complain about this?
Also, my installation is tripod style. It's not their fault at all; it's really the only option given the style of my house/roof. But, I'm still mildly concerned about anything that has to penetrate the roof. I plan on checking in the attic for signs of leakage occasionally, but are there any other precautions I should take?
I do have one or two concerns, however. They did use the existing ground block for the coax run, so that's good, but there was no additional ground cabling run. I know jayn_j recommended a separate ground, and I've seen that mentioned elsewhere as well. Some people insist on it, while others say that no cabling is going to be full protection from a lightning strike, so the best you can do is draw out static electricity to make the antenna a less likely target. Should I complain about this?
Also, my installation is tripod style. It's not their fault at all; it's really the only option given the style of my house/roof. But, I'm still mildly concerned about anything that has to penetrate the roof. I plan on checking in the attic for signs of leakage occasionally, but are there any other precautions I should take?
