Understanding how to install an outdoor TV antenna is the first step to enjoying high-quality free-to-air content on your television.
But first, you should research and acquire the best antenna for your preferred location and channels.
Next, acquire all the relevant materials and tools like mounting equipment, coaxial cables, a ladder, etc.
And after identifying the perfect location, mount the antenna to have a clear line of sign with the transmitter.
Lastly, connect a coaxial cable between your TV and antenna and scan the channels.
By this time, you should be enjoying your favorite channels on your television from the comfort of your sofa.
This article highlights everything you need to simplify your outdoor antenna installation process. Let’s get rolling!
Table of Contents
- Tools and Parts: Your Installation Checklist
- Step-by-step Outdoor TV Antena Installation
- Grounding An Outdoor TV Antenna
- FAQs
- Final Remarks
Tools and Parts: Your Installation Checklist
This section highlights the tools you will require to install your antenna.
- A mast that could be manufacturer supplied or a simple PCV pipe
- A base mount to hold the antenna mast in place
- Guy wires for securing your mast
- A chimney mount strap or wall bracket for attaching an antenna to the chimney or side of the house.
- U-bolts to secure your antenna to the mast
- Sealants to waterproof any openings during installation
- More than enough high-quality coaxial cable
- A compass for positioning your antenna in the right direction
- Buy a carpenter’s level tool if you plan on installing the antenna on a mast
- A power drill and screwdriver
- Roofing screws
- Adjustable wrench
Step-by-step Outdoor TV Antena Installation
(An outdoor antenna with a clear line of sight)
You will find antenna installation easier if you follow the below steps.
Identify The Transmission Tower and Buy An Antenna
Since the antenna reception depends mainly on location, your first step should be identifying the transmission tower locations.
Luckily, there are many online websites that you can visit to find the TV stations in your location.
Next, buy a reliable directional antenna offering long-range reception. Moreover, you should only buy from a reliable brand or supplier.
Choose The Antenna Location
Identifying a good location could be the only difference between receiving all the channels/stations available in your area and only a few options.
Generally, choose a location with a clear line of sight to the transmitter to eliminate cases of signal interference.
Since the antenna is installed about 10-20 feet above the ground, choose a location with nothing above this height.
The best approach would be to look at your neighbor’s antenna to identify the transmitter’s direction.
And if you own a metal roof, install the antenna at least 3.3 feet above the roof or on a mast.
Prepare Your Tools
Check that all the antenna parts and tools are in the best working condition. We recommend cross-checking with the installation manual to identify any missing parts.
This will save the time and headache of correcting unexpected issues later in the installation process.
Identify The Transmission Tower and Buy An Antenna
(Engineers installing satellite dish antennas)
It would be best to have your installation location ready and the antenna fully assembled by now. Generally, you can install your antenna on the wall using wall mount brackets.
Moreover, the chimney can be used as the mounting base for your antenna.
Furthermore, you can attach a base mount on your roof and install an antenna. We prefer using a base mount due to its flexibility and ability to install on walls and attic.
And when using a mount, the mast should be vertical to guarantee high-quality reception.
Therefore, use a smartphone with a level feature or a carpenter’s level tool.
If you have several transmitting towers pointing in the direction of your antenna, try as much as possible to aim the antenna in the middle.
Run The Coaxial Cable
Always focus on installing your coaxial cable accurately since it is a major source of signal loss and interference.
Generally, we recommend using an exact cable length since a very long piece contributes to signal loss.
Moreover, do not create bends or sharp turns on your cable to guarantee effective performance.
And since you are making installations in an outdoor environment, very the entire cable connection is waterproof.
Next, attach your coaxial cable to the antenna using electrical tapes or plastic tie wires. Take this same cable and connect the other end to your television.
Funny enough, you might have to drill through your ceiling, attic, or roof to reach the television in your living room.
Run A Channel Scan
(A male engineer working on a project)
After connecting the coaxial cable to the F connector at the back of the television, it is time to do a channel scan.
And if you fail to get enough channels, try re-aiming the antenna in a different direction.
To re-aim the antenna properly, coordinate with someone near the television who will monitor the channel scans as you reorient the antenna.
Grounding An Outdoor TV Antenna
(A digital antenna facing the direction of the transmitting tower)
Grounding an antenna offers extra safety by protecting the equipment from possible power surges.
First, identify a grounding rod near your antenna and drive it into the ground with a mallet or hammer.
You can then link a copper grounding wire to the mounting bracket or antenna mast’s grounding clamp.
Run the grounding wire to connect it to the grounding rod and use connectors to secure them firmly.
Even after installation, check the grounding wire periodically for possible corrosion or damage signs.
FAQs
How much will it cost you to install an outdoor antenna?
The cost of installing an outdoor antenna depends on several factors, including the antenna price, the cost of tools, the mounting hardware price, and the cost of hiring a professional installer.
But generally, expect to pay between $20-$100 for an antenna, with the cost increasing as the antenna features and the brand improve.
The overall price of the grounding equipment, mounting bracket, and coaxial cable ranges between $10-$50, depending on the quality.
If you decide to have a professional install the antenna, set aside about $100, with the price increasing with the installation complexity and location.
How high should you install a TV outdoor antenna?
The height of your outdoor TV antenna should depend on factors like the available obstructions, the terrain, and the transmitter’s position.
But generally, installing the antenna as high as possible is the best practice to minimize obstruction and achieve high signal reception.
Therefore, 20-30 feet above the ground is good enough to offer high performance.
However, consult a professional or check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the best height for your specific antenna.
Do outdoor TV antennas require power?
Not at all! Outdoor TV antennas are passive components that don’t require power to operate.
They just passively receive over-the-air signals from a transmitter from a far distance and transfer them to a tuner or television through a high-quality coaxial cable.
However, you should connect your television to a reliable power supply from power sockets for things to work.
Final Remarks
Installing an outdoor TV antenna is very straightforward by following the above guide.
But first, you must acquire the tools like a ladder and materials like coaxial cables to make everything possible.
As a best practice, install your antenna about 20-30 feet above the ground.
Moreover, the antenna should achieve a clear line of sight with the transmitter.
This is only possible if you position the TV antenna well and remove any obstacles from the signal path.
