Welcome to the Longwire Tech Services Blog
📡 Your trusted source for TV antenna tips, cord-cutting advice, and installation insights.
We proudly serve homes and families in Omro, Oshkosh, Appleton, Wautoma, and beyond. All content is written by experienced antenna techs who know the real challenges (and solutions!) when it comes to getting great over-the-air TV reception — no monthly bills required.
Whether you're tired of paying for cable, curious about how many free channels you can get, or wondering what kind of antenna works best in rural Wisconsin — you’re in the right place. Our blog covers everything from outdoor antenna setups to maintenance tips, reception issues, signal boosters, and real-life installation stories.
Hidden Benefits of Installing a TV Antenna You Might Not Know
When people think of TV antennas, they usually think of saving money by cutting the cable bill. While that’s true, there are several lesser-known benefits to installing a quality antenna system — especially in Wisconsin.
1. Better Picture Quality Than Cable or Streaming
Over-the-air broadcasts are uncompressed, meaning you get the clearest picture possible — often sharper than cable or satellite. Sports, movies, and live events look amazing without pixelation.
2. Reliable During Internet Outages
When the internet goes down, streaming services stop. But your antenna keeps bringing you local news, weather, and entertainment — even during storms.
3. Access to Out-of-Market Stations
With the right setup, you may pull in stations from multiple cities, giving you extra news coverage, sports games, and unique local programming.
4. One-Time Cost — Lifetime of Use
Unlike subscriptions that get more expensive each year, an antenna is a one-time investment. Once it’s up, the channels keep coming — free.
5. Great for Vacation Homes and Cabins
If you own a second property, an antenna lets you enjoy TV without paying for a second cable or satellite bill.
Get the most out of your TV experience with a professional installation.
📞 Call (920) 913-0595 today or Request a Free Signal Test.
How to Get the Best TV Signal in Rural Area
Learn how proper height, placement, and cable can dramatically improve your TV antenna reception in rural Wisconsin.
Living in a rural area doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite local channels. With the right setup, you can get crystal-clear TV for free — no cable required.
1. Height is Everything
The higher your antenna, the fewer obstructions like trees and buildings you'll face. We recommend mounting it on your rooftop, gable, or Tower whenever possible to ensure a clean signal path.
2. Face the Towers
Use websites like RabbitEars.info or AntennaWeb.org to identify where the broadcast towers are located in your area. We carefully align your antenna to face the optimal direction for multi-station coverage.
3. Use High-Quality Coax
Old or poorly shielded coaxial cable can weaken your signal before it even reaches your TV. That’s why we install high-grade RG6 cable with weather protection to give you the best possible performance.
4. Add an Amplifier (If Needed)
If your antenna feed is going to multiple rooms or traveling long distances, a signal amplifier ensures that every TV receives a strong and stable picture.
Need help boosting your rural signal in Omro, Oshkosh, or Appleton?
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate.
What Channels Can You Get with a TV Antenna?
Discover which free local and sub-channels you can access with a properly installed antenna in the Wisconsin area.
With a high-quality outdoor antenna, most homes in Wisconsin can access 30 to 60+ channels — completely free. Here’s what you can expect to receive.
Major Local Networks
We routinely help customers access:
ABC (WBAY)
CBS (WFRV)
FOX (WLUK)
NBC (WGBA)
PBS Wisconsin
These stations offer everything from local news and weather to national sports and primetime shows. Interested in learning more?
Sub-Channels & Extras
Depending on your location and equipment, you may also receive bonus channels like:
MeTV
Grit
CourtTV
Antenna TV
Comet
Buzzr
Ion
These stations often show retro TV, movies, true crime, and sci-fi — all over the air, no subscription needed.
Location-Based Results
Your exact channel list depends on your distance from towers, the antenna’s height, nearby trees or buildings, and cable quality. We include a full signal test in every install to maximize your results.
Want to know what channels you could get for free?
Book a signal test and find out!
Why You Don’t Need Cable Anymore
Find out how to replace your cable bill with free TV using an antenna and streaming — without missing your favorite shows.
Still paying over $100/month for TV? You’re not alone. But the truth is, most homes can ditch cable and still enjoy their favorite shows and local stations — for free, Want to learn how?
What You Get with a TV Antenna
A properly installed antenna gives you:
Local news and weather
NFL, NBA, and MLB games broadcast locally
Prime-time programming like The Voice, Survivor, 9-1-1, etc.
Live PBS and educational content
All in stunning HD — without a monthly bill.
Add Streaming for Maximum Coverage
Combine your antenna with free and paid streaming services like:
YouTube
Netflix
Hulu
Pluto TV
Tubi
This combo gives you full access to live TV + on-demand shows and movies.
Easy Setup, Huge Savings
Our team handles everything: signal testing, rooftop or attic mounting, clean cabling, and TV tuning. Once installed, your system pays for itself in just a few months of saved cable bills.
Ready to cut the cord and still get all your shows?
Let’s talk about your setup.