OTA Clone, Coat Hanger, and Junk Antennas

[Guddy]

I like this website, They are special store for Antenna, Thank you digital home

[captoro]

Hi,

I have build a HDTC antenna, the popular one that is posted on the internet using coat hangers. Although I was a bit mystified about half the rods being connected to the shield of the coax cable. I modified the connection so that the shielding does not go to the TV and only the center part. I DID NOT notice any difference, I got full reception. Can anybody tell me what the shielding is for? grounding purposes ???
Ken

[Dave Loudin]

I worry that you picked up on the design that uses too small elements spaced too closely together. Please check here for better designs. The proper way to connect the coax to first have f-connectors on both ends that are made to screw onto the threaded antenna input of the TV on one end and a balun, or matching transformer, on the other. The balun has two u-shaped metal lugs that are meant to connect to the center wires of the bow-tie array.

[captoro]

mainly I would like to know what does the shielding does. with or without it I get the same results.

K

[Dave Loudin]

The shield "finishes" the circuit. By not hooking it up, you are leaving a lot of signal on the floor, so to speak. If you are happy with what you have, then fine. However, you might be able to do a lot better. Please read the "welcome" thread here and proceed from there.

[captoro]

I have a Cm4228HD, it works good, but I would like to get more channels. I can read the lava 2605 get reception from 150 miles... anybody tried that antenna ?? i cannot read any valuable reviews on this antenna . thanks
it does seem to be a popular item in stores..

Ken

[Jase88]

captoro, see this thread for info regarding that antenna.

[lithOTA]

Saw this at my local Squallor Wart...



I've never seen this before. I guess it is not weatherproof and is for attics only. The wider reflector wings are only 19 inches wide, will that give it some VHF-high capability? It was priced at US$40, which would also buy several excellent antennas from Solid Signal or Summit Source.

So, what do you guys think?

[holl_ands]

Here's a better photo for GE's "Attic" Antenna:
http://www.jascoproducts.com/product...a-113p1176.htm
Note that it has a Folded Dipole that MIGHT be big enough for Hi-VHF plus 3 UHF Bowties.

As usual for GE (et. al.) they make ZERO claims re performance...so YMMV...

[300ohm]

So, what do you guys think?

At that small size parabola, its doing squat, maybe equal to a flat reflector, but not as good a corner reflector. Parabolas need to be many times the wavelength to start to kick in their effectiveness.

The wider reflector wings are only 19 inches wide, will that give it some VHF-high capability?

Hmm, Ive never modeled a folded dipole type loop reflector in back of a bowtie yet, so maybe it would give it some vhf-hi capacity ??.

It was priced at US$40, which would also buy several excellent antennas from Solid Signal or Summit Source.

Oh heck yeah. This at Summit Source http://www.summitsource.com/antennac...le-p-8517.html

with 30.25" NARODs stuck on it, is a much more powerful uhf/vhf-hi antenna for less than $26, despite the free crappy balun and RG-59 coax included, heh. http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/show...=g-1483&page=8

That said, if I ever see the above antenna at Home Depot, who are the ones around here carrying the GE antenna stuff, Im liable to buy it to model it, and then return it. It looks interesting to model.

Note that it has a Folded Dipole that MIGHT be big enough for Hi-VHF plus 3 UHF Bowties.

Im assuming, but impossible to tell from the pictures, that the folded dipole reflector and the bowtie directors (which BTW I found to be the best shaped directors for bowties) are NOT connected to the larger bowtie driven element. I think the larger bowtie driven element stands connected to the balun/coax alone, but I could be wrong.

[nbound-au]

At this size, its only acting as a normal reflector. For UHF a parabola needs to be quite a few feet wide, and for VHF the sizes are completely unwieldy (ie. many yards wide).

[KCHAN]

Enough Said.

[mwzie]

http://www.sears.ca/stores/shop/sear...=shipsFromUSCA

Is this the same company ******** I should avoid? Sorry for the dumb question. Just came across this sale tonight and it ends tonight. Was thinking about my sister who is moving this weekend for a house warming present but won't buy if they are junk!

Thanks.

[downbeat]

In short … YES! Most people here would consider them junk.

[mwzie]

Thanks downbeat!