Antenna Placement and Amplification

[ Jerry — MacSolutions]

I’m working on some RF stuff and I would love to get your ideas on what I need to do.  …And if there’s any more than I can do?

I’ve purchased a new Mac mini, added new equipment and besides learning CSS for the web controls, I only have the one antenna issue that I would love to solve to be “done.”

In the past, I’ve attached a Distribution Amp to the antenna and then sent the signal down coax to the W800.  And while it works, the sensors in the front yard are “hit and miss.”  But now, the computer is about 1.5’ from the antenna and I doubt that the Distribution Amp is overkill and won’t help my situation at all.  I know that installing the antenna in the attic was mentioned but the pattern of the antenna suggests that I would be getting reception higher in a tree but not on the level of the Motion Sensors.

Currently, the antenna is about 7’ off the ground and the same height as most of the sensors.  We have a walkout basement in the backyard and I’m afraid of losing those sensors by increasing the height.

Is there anyway to improve reception electronically, in this situation?  Getting another 25'-50’ would be awesome.

Any ideas you might have are welcome!

Thx!

Jp