The Xtreme Signal HDB2X antenna from Solid Signal is a great combination of durability and performance. It’s the right antenna for you if you:
- Need an outdoor antenna for good reception
- Live within 35 miles of the broadcast towers
- Watch primarily UHF channels
- Need a small antenna to comply with HOA or condo association rules
If that sounds like you, there’s no doubt you’ll enjoy great FREE HDTV by using this durable, economical antenna.
How do I know if I need only UHF channels?
A site like TVFool.com will help you figure out the actual broadcast channels you need. Remember, since the digital transition, broadcasters use the PSIP system to translate between actual channel numbers and the channel numbers you see. Anything over channel 12 is considered UHF.
Before you start:
Make sure that you review local ordinances for grounding and buy the grounding supplies you need. Also, make sure your ladder is safe and don’t go up on a roof or into an attic if there is any chance of electricity. Be safe!
Also, remember that all assembly should be done by hand. It should not be necessary to use tools to tighten anything more than hand tight, and if you overtighten the nuts you may risk damage to the antenna.
This document is available in PDF format! Click here to download!
What’s in the box
Here’s what you should expect to see in the box:
The main antenna assembly
The rear assembly May already have the clamp attached)
Assorted parts including the weather boot (Note, the four parts at right may already be attached to the rear assembly)
Instruction and assembly guide
Putting together the rear assembly (if necessary)
In some cases, the clamps may already be attached to the rear assembly, like this:
If they aren’t, start by putting the bolt through one clamp as shown:
Feed the bolt through the hole in the rear assembly:
There should be a rubber gasket as shown:
Use the wingnut to connect the other clamp and then partially tighten. Put the rubber gasket over the wingnut.
Putting together the main antenna assembly
The main antenna is almost completely assembled when you get it. All you need to do is separate the antennas (the x-shaped part) from the reflector (the bars with the plastic.)
Find the wingnuts at the outer edges of the main antenna and loosen them slightly. Pull the antenna away from the reflector until it cannot go any further.
Attaching the rear assembly
The rear assembly sticks straight out from the back of the antenna. The rear assembly should be roughly centered on the back of the antenna behund the reflector. Start by loosening the wingnut holding the two clamps together.
Then, fit the clamps around the back of the antenna and snap them in place. It may take a gentle push. Then, tighten the wingnut again.
There is an angle adjustment on the rear assembly which can be used if there is an extreme difference in altitude between the antenna and the tower, but for the most part it isn’t necessary to touch this.
Attaching the weather boot and the cable
Start by sliding the weather boot (shown at left) onto your antenna cable. This is much easier to do if you haven’t attached the antenna connector, but with a little work it can be attached to a cable with an existing connector.
Attach the cable as shown.
There are two plastic cable holders below the antenna connector. Loosen the small wingnut to open the lower one, seat the cable, and tighten the wingnut.
Mounting the antenna and finishing up
The toothed clamps on the back of the antenna should grip tightly onto any mast. Tighent them until the antenna does not move. Then, use zip ties or other clamps to attach the cable to the mast.
Find a convenient location for a grounding block and attach the antenna cable to it. Run the cable from the grounding block into the house.
Finally, use your TV’s menu to scan for off-air channels.
Here’s a video from our Xtreme Signal team with even more installation tips!
