TV Antenna ??

[Fossil Farm]

Before digital, we were able to receive about 20 stations and they all came in quite clear using an antenna in the attic. Got stations from Youngstown to Toledo on some days. After the digital switch, the only stations that came in were a couple religious ones. Maybe somebody is trying to tell me something !! We tried at least 3 additional antennas, both inside and outside with no difference. Some stations have upgraded their digital equipment since the switch, so you may have better luck now than when digital first went into effect. If the place where you purchase the antenna will take it back if it does not work, give it a try. As said, use the best cable available and an amplifier and I hope it works for you. Let us know how you make out. Good luck.

 

[uglyboywith11fingers]

What one should we get?

I tried one similar to the one referenced in the original post... didn't work well at all.
Then I got one like this. It's on a tower about 40ft up.

I'm north-west of Toronto, almost due north of Buffalo, so I've one panel angled towards the south-east(Toronto), the other due south. We get all Buffalo stations, which are about 75-80 miles away.
a couple Buffalo stations go away in bad weather, but usually, we get great reception.

Pete

 

[murphy1244]

I tried one similar to the one referenced in the original post... didn't work well at all.
Then I got one like this. It's on a tower about 40ft up.
View attachment 307816
I'm north-west of Toronto, almost due north of Buffalo, so I've one panel angled towards the south-east(Toronto), the other due south. We get all Buffalo stations, which are about 75-80 miles away.
a couple Buffalo stations go away in bad weather, but usually, we get great reception.

Pete

Who makes it and how much?

 

[KTurner]

What one should we get?

That's like asking what tractor you should get (or anything else really). It depends on your situation. Is there a homeowners association which is going to flip out if you put an antenna up outside? Are you 1 mile or 100 miles from the station transmitters? Live on top of a mountain, in a valley or on a plain? Budget? Have a way to get it up in the air a bit? You can find a range on the antennas, but that will be impacted by your location. If you're on a mountaintop, you'll get better than rating. In a valley, you're worse. If you have to put it in your attic due to homeowners association, that'll decrease the range.

And, if you feel the urge, you can make your own. Plenty of books on the subject. Lots of well documented designs.

Keith

 

[murphy1244]

Was planning on putting up a 25 foot or so tower, 50 miles from trans. Am higher than trans. Now which tractor do I get?

 

[uglyboywith11fingers]

Who makes it and how much?

It's made by digi-wave... see http://www.digiwavetechnologies.com/

don't know if they sell them south of the border or not.

Pete

 

[sal64]

hello in my oppinion that antenna is a joke its not big enough this it the one i bought Winegard HD8200U Heavy Duty Platinum VHF/UHF/FM HDTV Antenna (HD-8200U) from Solid Signal we live about 65 miles from nyc im on a mountain and have a direct shot to nyc we get most stations if the wether is bad we start having problems also if there are trees in the way it will stop some of the signel if you go to that website you can email the tec and they will tell you the best antenna for your area.

 

[keegs]

Chopped I've had this setup in place in one form or another for about 10 years.

Yagi outdoor UHF antenna on the roof oriented toward the local TV transmitter (approx 50 miles away)
Comes into the attic into an amplifier.
From the amplifier into an HD Home Run receiver (converts the OTA signal into IP packet on my local area network)
I have a PC running Windows Media Center. When you launch Media Center it searches the LAN for a receiver and finds HD Home Run
Media Center provides a front end with channel manager, TV guide, TV monitor and sound configuration..etc. etc.
I figure I save about $50. a month on cable bills

 

[uglyboywith11fingers]

hello in my oppinion that antenna is a joke its not big enough this it the one i bought Winegard HD8200U Heavy Duty Platinum VHF/UHF/FM HDTV Antenna (HD-8200U) from Solid Signal we live about 65 miles from nyc im on a mountain and have a direct shot to nyc we get most stations if the wether is bad we start having problems also if there are trees in the way it will stop some of the signel if you go to that website you can email the tec and they will tell you the best antenna for your area.

don't know if the jokes on you or me... mine works good for me, yours works good for you.
my digiwave cost $45. maybe I'm lucky all the stations in this area are to the south and south-east.
don't need a rotor with the 2 panels individually adjustable.

Pete

 

[dmccarty]

Was planning on putting up a 25 foot or so tower, 50 miles from trans. Am higher than trans. Now which tractor do I get?

JD Green Tractor BABY! :laughing::laughing::laughing:

Check out this website, TV Fool, which will show you the direction and distances to TV broadcast towers near your house. This should help you decide on the type and size of antenna.

Later,
Dan