What type of antenna do you have for HDTV

A

Astute Observer_IHB

New member
There are some channels that does not come with the cable, and so I am using an antenna for them. Any specific one that you can recommand? Mine got broke two weeks ago when it drop to the floor.



I prefer one that does not plug in (signal booster) to power, but if it is worth the electricity and hassle of extra wiring, I am fine with it. Any suggestion?
 
I built this exact unit:



<object width="325" height="250"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/youtube" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="325" height="250"></embed></object>



In fact, I've built four or five. Be warned, what they deliver in performance they lack in WAF (wife acceptance factor). Still, this isn't a big deal compared to the 30 cubic foot subwoofer cabinet I built in our last home. THAT had zero WAF.



Also, I don't strip coathangers. I use 14 gauge fence repair wire, I think.
 
[quote author="no_vaseline" date=1244866125]I built this exact unit:



<object width="325" height="250"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/youtube" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="325" height="250"></embed></object>



In fact, I've built four or five. Be warned, what they deliver in performance they lack in WAF (wife acceptance factor). Still, this isn't a big deal compared to the 30 cubic foot subwoofer cabinet I built in our last home. THAT had zero WAF.



Also, I don't strip coathangers. I use 14 gauge fence repair wire, I think.</blockquote>


About to build the same one-how's the reception?.



Thanks for the tip about the fence wire...I was about to go out and buy wire coat hangers for this. WAF is a non issue for me but i might still sand it down and paint it or something to make it a bit more appealing
 
It works way better than the amplified POS I've purchased. The whole reason I built it was the ones I bought were all horrible.



The only downside is it works because it's directional, and that means you'll need to move it to get KCET/other LA stations and reaim it to get OC stations.



Tip - the hot ticket is to run enough coaxial to hide it in a closet or in the attic or something.
 
[quote author="no_vaseline" date=1244870601]It works way better than the amplified POS I've purchased. The whole reason I built it was the ones I bought were all horrible.



The only downside is it works because it's directional, and that means you'll need to move it to get KCET/other LA stations and reaim it to get OC stations.



Tip - the hot ticket is to run enough coaxial to hide it in a closet or in the attic or something.</blockquote>


Have you experimented with different gauge wire for the array? I've got a room that was not wired for cable when they built, and the radiant heating tubes are in the same wall as the current cable run, so I am reluctant to fish the wall in order to get cable to that room. I'm just curious as to whether it's the design of the array or the gauge of the metal being used, because I could easily see using smaller gauge wire and painting it to match the trim of the room, thereby increasing the WAF.
 
No Vas is different.



He likes to make things from scratch like building his car, making his attennas, planting his own food and harvesting his nuts.
 
[quote author="bkshopr" date=1258781193]No Vas is different.



He likes to make things from scratch like building his car, making his attennas, planting his own food and harvesting his nuts.</blockquote>


So is that what he does with his nuts. Huh... never would have guessed.



Psst, bk... I'm a bit north of Irvine.
 
[quote author="Nude" date=1258780309][quote author="no_vaseline" date=1244870601]It works way better than the amplified POS I've purchased. The whole reason I built it was the ones I bought were all horrible.



The only downside is it works because it's directional, and that means you'll need to move it to get KCET/other LA stations and reaim it to get OC stations.



Tip - the hot ticket is to run enough coaxial to hide it in a closet or in the attic or something.</blockquote>


Have you experimented with different gauge wire for the array? I've got a room that was not wired for cable when they built, and the radiant heating tubes are in the same wall as the current cable run, so I am reluctant to fish the wall in order to get cable to that room. I'm just curious as to whether it's the design of the array or the gauge of the metal being used, because I could easily see using smaller gauge wire and painting it to match the trim of the room, thereby increasing the WAF.</blockquote>


The gauge won't matter - it's mostly for structural integrity. What matters the most is the orientation and length of the elements. This is a pretty basic UHF antenna.
 
[quote author="Nude" date=1258781338][quote author="bkshopr" date=1258781193]No Vas is different.



He likes to make things from scratch like building his car, making his attennas, planting his own food and harvesting his nuts.</blockquote>


So is that what he does with his nuts. Huh... never would have guessed.



Psst, bk... I'm a bit north of Irvine.</blockquote>


Where the 405 and 5 meet northerly? To get to your house literally only requires 2 right turns. A right turn to the 5 on ramp from the southern 5/405 junction in Irvine and stay on the 5 north and a right turn exit on Bothell. You are only two right turns from Irvine!
 
[quote author="green_cactus" date=1258782241]

The gauge won't matter - it's mostly for structural integrity. What matters the most is the orientation and length of the elements. This is a pretty basic UHF antenna.</blockquote>


So as long as it stays this shape, and I don't ground the connection somewhere along the line, I should be good?
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[quote author="bkshopr" date=1258784228]Where the 405 and 5 meet northerly? To get to your house literally only requires 2 right turns. A right turn to the 5 on ramp from the southern 5/405 junction in Irvine and stay on the 5 north and a right turn exit on Bothell. You are only two right turns from Irvine!</blockquote>


Technically, you would take the 405 south to the 5 South to the 405 South to get from my house to Irvine ;)
 
[quote author="Nude" date=1258784246][quote author="green_cactus" date=1258782241]

The gauge won't matter - it's mostly for structural integrity. What matters the most is the orientation and length of the elements. This is a pretty basic UHF antenna.</blockquote>


So as long as it stays this shape, and I don't ground the connection somewhere along the line, I should be good?</blockquote>


The length determines what wavelength you can tune into - it helps to be a bit more accurate on those measurements (although this design is pretty forgiving). You can also benefit from putting a reflector behind it, but that will make it look even worse.



Just be aware that this is a highly directional antenna. You may match it to your trim and setup but find that you have rotate it to a less pleasant angle. Depending on where your stations are transmitting from, you may have to move it as you change channels. There's a bunch of web apps that let you map TV transmitters and where you should be pointing at. Just google the radiation pattern for an 4 bay antenna and you can get a sense of where your zeros are (ie no reception).
 
<a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131034">http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131034</a>



I know you guys like to start fires with 2 sticks to prove yourselves. Or.



You could try the modern method and spend $ 50.00

Star Trek HDTV setup from the Shack. We have one for the office TV. Works great.

Remote control, Amplified, Directional.



<img src="http://rsk.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pRS1C-2326366w345.jpg" alt="" />
 
[quote author="Nude" date=1258784395][quote author="bkshopr" date=1258784228]Where the 405 and 5 meet northerly? To get to your house literally only requires 2 right turns. A right turn to the 5 on ramp from the southern 5/405 junction in Irvine and stay on the 5 north and a right turn exit on Bothell. You are only two right turns from Irvine!</blockquote>


Technically, you would take the 405 south to the 5 South to the 405 South to get from my house to Irvine ;)</blockquote>


You can stay on the 5 now. No need to get back on the 405. Unless you are afraid to drive through the (714) side of Irvine where many of the crazy lunatics live.



We are neighbors separated by 2 right turns.
 
[quote author="green_cactus" date=1258785037][quote author="Nude" date=1258784246][quote author="green_cactus" date=1258782241]

The gauge won't matter - it's mostly for structural integrity. What matters the most is the orientation and length of the elements. This is a pretty basic UHF antenna.</blockquote>


So as long as it stays this shape, and I don't ground the connection somewhere along the line, I should be good?</blockquote>


The length determines what wavelength you can tune into - it helps to be a bit more accurate on those measurements (although this design is pretty forgiving). You can also benefit from putting a reflector behind it, but that will make it look even worse.



Just be aware that this is a highly directional antenna. You may match it to your trim and setup but find that you have rotate it to a less pleasant angle. Depending on where your stations are transmitting from, you may have to move it as you change channels. There's a bunch of web apps that let you map TV transmitters and where you should be pointing at. Just google the radiation pattern for an 4 bay antenna and you can get a sense of where your zeros are (ie no reception).</blockquote>


I am going to report all of your covert antenna operation to the HOA. You all going to be in big trouble.
 
The Radio Shack one did not work too well for me.



Does anyone know why when the reception is great for weeks on a fixed indoor antenna, then all of a sudden, the signal dropped and I need to fiddle around with the aim point for a bit to get the signal back?
 
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