An outdoor antenna installation might be tricky, but with some golden tips, you will be nearly as good as an expert. TVs are something that helps us pass the time and prevents us from easily getting bored. Outdoor antennas may be particularly important for those who live in remote areas, as satellite TV services may not be that reliable. So, why not have an outdoor TV antenna?
And what about the weather, meaning the rain and the extreme temperatures we have outside? Isn’t that a downside to outdoor antenna installation? It all comes down to the proper installation of the outdoor TV antenna and whether you protect it or not. We’ll see how a TV antenna should be installed and located as well.
Planning an outdoor antenna installation
Before we start the process of installing our TV, we must plan, step-by-step, what we are going to do and know thoroughly how to install an outdoor TV antenna. This is very important because it takes a lot of work and involves steps you can’t forget or skip. Be aware of the items you will need during the installation:
- Outdoor TV antenna: the main component, of course;
- Coaxial cable: the cable that connects the antenna to your TV or tuner;
- Mounting hardware: you may need different types of hardware, such as brackets, screws, or clamps;
- Grounding wire: helps protect your antenna from lightning strikes and other electrical surges;
- Coaxial surge protector: helps protect your TV or tuner from electrical surges that can occur during thunderstorms or other power disturbances;
- Antenna amplifier: if your house is far from the broadcast towers, or if you have more than one TV connected;
- Tools: drill, screwdriver, pliers, wrenches, and a ladder.
Sometimes, you may need a few more items, such as an antenna rotor (which adjusts the direction of the antenna), an antenna mast, weatherproofing materials, a signal meter, and an antenna combiner (in the case of multiple TVs).
But first, you need to know how to choose the right outdoor TV antenna for your needs.
When choosing the most suitable antenna for your TV, you should consider:
- the location of your house, if it’s far away from broadcast towers;
- the antenna type (the number of channels you want to receive);
- its signal strength (it determines how many channels you can receive and how well the picture and sound will come in);
- the antenna height (usually, a higher antenna receives signals from farther away).
- not going for the cheapest option, as a high quality product will last longer and provide a better performance.
How to locate the ideal spot for the TV antenna installation?
Look at the following aspects to give you some guidance:
- Line of sight between the TV and the antenna: the antenna should be placed in an area that is free from obstructions such as trees, buildings, and other large objects that could block the signal;
- Signal strength: you can check it by using a signal meter;
- Distance: ideally, the antenna should be placed as close to the TV as possible to minimize signal loss due to cable length;
- Surroundings: is it an area with a lot of noise or distractions – if so, you may want to choose a location that is quieter and more peaceful;
- Weather resistance: the TV antenna should be protected from rain, wind, and other elements, minimizing the risk of damaging it.
How is the outdoor antenna installation?
In this section, we are going to see how to mount the outdoor antenna.
- Choose the location: a rooftop or a tall pole is a good choice;
- Assemble the antenna: make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and that you have all the necessary hardware;
- Mount the antenna: this may involve drilling holes into the roof, attaching the antenna to a pole or chimney, or using a mount (make sure the mount is stable and secure);
- Ground the antenna: it’s important to protect it against electrical shock and lightning strikes. Connect the grounding wire to the grounding block on the antenna and run it to a nearby metal rod or grounding source;
- Run the coaxial cable: run the cable from the antenna down to the ground and, then, run it to the TV location;
- Connect the coaxial cable: connect it to the antenna and to your TV;
- Test the signal: turn on your TV and rescan for channels to see if you’re getting a good signal.
- Secure the cable: if you’re getting a good signal, secure the cable and connectors to have a reliable connection.
WARNING: On windy days, do not, by any means, opt for an outdoor antenna installation!
How to boost my outdoor tv antenna signal?
Adjusting TV antenna
The direction and angle of your outdoor TV antenna can impact its signal reception. For this reason, you might have to adjust the antenna’s position and angle. This may take some trial and error until you find the best position.
Using an amplifier
It amplifies the signal before it reaches the TV. An amplifier is also known as a signal booster.
Using a coaxial cable with quality
The quality of the cable connecting the TV to the antenna can impact the signal strength. Use one that is shielded to reduce signal interference.
Checking the connections
Loose or damaged connections can result in weak or lost signals, so make sure all of them are tight and secure!
One last tip
While mounting your TV antenna, be careful when using a ladder, making sure it is sturdy and of high quality, and use a hard hat, gloves, and non-slip shoes.
With all these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to do it for yourself. But, if you feel you aren’t as handy as you thought, you might want to ask a friend who is more likely to do an outdoor antenna installation with ease.
At eSTAR, we are able to provide you with our TV antennas. Take a look at our website and check out more information about them.
