OTA Clone, Coat Hanger, and Junk Antennas

[aynonimus]

The workmanship of the clone I saw at one of those Matheson/Dixie stores vs. the genuine article is night-and-day.

The clone 4-bay antenna had an F connector soldered to a circuit board in such a s***ty way that it would encourage the solder joints to come loose, crack the PCB traces and be useless. My buddy paid $40 for this clone a few years ago and I tried soldering it up for him, but gave up.

We bought a pair of CM4221s and I'm picking up my Buffalo stations crystal clear from Mississauga.

[stampeder]

Recently a home furnishings wholesale club in Canada (not Costco) has started offering a cheap, flimsy clone 4-bay UHF antenna at a low price on their web site.

It is a usually reputable company that unfortunately chose a crappy antenna to try and sell. I'm not posting the link or giving that company free publicity here for that inferior product.

We've had 2 enquiries about it in one day, and I'm happy to clarify that it is garbage. Potential buyers should get a proper antenna.

[ontherooftop77]

why buy a 30 dollar clone when eventually you might have to cough up 80-100 bucks for a pre amp? might as well pay a extra 30 for the real deal for mississauga, Also I see the clone antennas are only good for UHF channels 21-69 on the box, the CM4221HD is from 14-69 which is Fox 29, E channel and CBC here. Also I know even the CM can grab some VHF hi channels.

[otaedge]

Well i started this post awhile back glad to see people are getting educated! Many people i know have bought clones and had to buy a genuine antenna after! The lastest clone i have seen from the company we dont mention here and also a few others is the 8 bay with 2 four bays and a switch inbetween! That just makes me wonder! a 4 bay channel master and 8 bay channel master only has a 3dB gain between them so if you got 2 channel master 4 bays together and called it an 8 bay with a switch inbetween them would you not lose 3.5db at best? Some of these clones are unreal at least make an 8 bay one piece and no switch! Just shows you how they try and fool people!

[CamDAB]

Hmmm... Maybe they can promote that switch as a "switchable attenuator".

Cameron

[lagerman]

Blundered into Dixie Matheson store and bought a $20 clone.. then realized I wasn't getting the lower VHF range so stupidly went back and the guy convinced me a Yagi style would get everything... so bought a second clone for $65... but haven't opened it.. Thinking I will exchange it for a CM but which kind? Anyone who lives in South Brampton (10 & steeles) with any thoughts much appreciated. If I buy an 8 bay CM and point it at Buffalo will that still get the CN tower stuff? Or should I buy 2 cm 4221's and stack them with one at CN and one at Buffalo... Any thoughts much appreciated. Order a DTVPal so will be parting ways with Rogers asap...

[stampeder]

lagerman, I've been hearing that lots of people are being sold garbage antennas in those shops at Dixie & Matheson.

In your case here's what to do:

1. take back all that stuff for a refund
2. read through the thread for your area (in this case the ON - Mississauga, Brampton, Bramalea, Port Credit - OTA thread)
3. go with the same gear that your nearby neighbours are having success with (probably a CM4221HD)
4. go pay a visit to our site sponsor http://www.saveandreplay.com in Mississauga (near Kennedy and Courtneypark) for your new gear

cheers

[name777]

lagerman, Save and Replay is your closest and easiest grab. If you're returning your stuff at Dixie/Matheson - get to the east side of the intersection - Angel Electronics sells CM, but if you want an 8-bay, better check with them over the phone. I think CM4221HD is your appropriate choice.

[lagerman]

Angel E. is where I got the antennas. The 4221 clone I have already used so no return there but it was only $20... a cheap education... The other was $65 and still NIB so an exchange for a CM might go... Will do as you advise and spend the money on a CM... after I read and figure out which one... Thanks again....

[stampeder]

A simple question for those from the area: what is the typical time it takes to drive from the Dixie & Matheson stores over to Save and Replay on Kennedy?

[kooguy]

I used to work around that area...It takes less than 10 minutes.

[Tom.F.1]

lagerman, you don't need the lower vhf range, everything is avalable in DTV in UHF and Only 9 from Toronto will be high VHF after aug 31 2011.
I always reconnmmend the 4228 for its the best UHF antenna for getting high VHF.

[Legacy2009]

stampeder,

Dixie & Matheson area is very close to Kennedy & Derry. Wouldn't take long at all to go from one place to the other. As an added bonus, after going to SaveAndReplay, just head north and after a few lights you will see the Lindt chocolate warehouse on the west side, and it has a "factory outlet store" inside

[sh48]

Originally Posted by zounder1

Make Magazine did a video showing how to make your own OTA antenna. It is actually pretty nice looking. Though I'll stick with buying premade ones, I figure some folks might enjoy the challenge. (And low cost... some wood and 6 coat hangar and a few screws...)]

Say, this coat hanger contraption look slightly dangerous. You could be crawling around in the actic and scratch yourself on those chopped-off edges.. or poke your eye out

[lagerman]

Thanks again for info. I had not heard of Save & Replay when I got into this (thru another site). Just checked out their website and it is clearly very informative and helpful. I would rather deal with them. If I can get a refund I will, and then make the drive to Derry & Kennedy....actually closer...damn! I am a little skeptical a place like A. E. will give me a refund though...even unopened box... but will try.