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FM Antenna question

I bought a large antenna from Ed Hanlon, APS few years back.
After getting it here, and my intent for several reasons was to put in the attic, which I discussed with Ed at the time, I found that I did not have much room for the roof rafters height above the attic floor. This meant that I had to lay it on the attic floor. I have electical runs near by, and the size meant that it literaly touches the wood roof rafters. I am open to suggestions. Yes, I know outside, but can not do. I thought of even getting a smaller yag so I can turn. As for stations, there is one about 50 miles out flat lands, that I barely get with a Modeferri moded 78 and a moded sansui 9900. The Mac meter reads a 7 out of 9 and the sansui meter is peged on the same station I strive to get. Suggestions????
I think its the APS 13, the big one.
Thanks,
Bob
bpaulovich
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,606 posts
 
I have y antenna in the attic as well, but hung from rafters by strong cord. Not ideal but I know where you are coming from. I added the Stelth Antenna Amp from Magnum Dynalab, which helped alot, but never as good as being on the roof. $400 bucks-worth a try (I have the Modded MR78 as well-I cannot pick up a station 50 miles away.
springnr
43 posts
 
I did a quick search, but could not find the antenna mentioned.

Larger/more elements = more directional/harder to point.

Since your in the attic without a mast, before going with an amp, attach a ground wire from where the antenna mast pipe attaches, to a grounding rod or other adequate ground.
truman
142 posts
 
F.Y.I.
I found a grounded (& it's grounded into your equipment if connected) antenna in my attic worked pretty much like a lightening rod! Lightning hit the corner of my house, fortunately charring it only, then travelled down to fry the tuner and several components. This despite many much taller trees surrounding me. I
now have it set up to easily disconnect the antenna when not in use.
Still, it's worth it to have a good tuner/antenna set-up.
truman/Atlanta
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
3,575 posts
 
Truman,
Antenna is usually not grounded thru equipment since it is separated by transformer but often is grounded with thin wire to prevent static built-up (being isolated on shingle covered roof). It is not relevant if antenna makes your house 5 ft taller (compare to street lights or trees) but very important to prevent static charging from the wind that can make your house electrically look like skyscraper. Recommended grounding, found in every manual, is for that purpose (to prevent) and not for the actual accident since grounding rod has to be very thick and works only for small (branches) lightning. Main strike is 1 foot wide plasma that will melt most likely anything.

Lightning hits many houses with or without antenna and it could as well hit your house without grounded antenna (as it did hit my mother's house in Sarasota). Disconnecting antenna is probably a good practice in heavy lightning area.
bpaulovich OP
6 posts
 
Ground not an issue. I disconnect. I need help re: suggestions for attic antenna issues.
Ed Hanlon was a contributor to the fm tuner info site and ran a mod/antenna business that was popular few years back.
Used to be called APS I think.
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