Contemplating a new build in Westchester, NY

[iram]

Hi,

Its been a while since I've posted. I want to get back to building a new antenna. I hope I get all the links right.

First some background. I live in a condo aprox 40 or so miles north of NYC.
I am not allowed to put any antennas on the roof due to bylaws. As I do now will probably have to live with an antenna just inside a second story window which fortunately faces south but does have a obstructed view from massive foliage especially in summer months.

Here is my TV fool plot;




http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...001ba7f0b65fb7

I am only interested in the stations directly south. Actually or maybe fortunately all the major TV stations wcbs,wnbc,wabc(vhf) and others are all on the Empire State Building.

My current antenna is this:




Heres my question:

I'm considering making a version of

either

unclesam"s DBGH10n3 variant



http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=140202

or Jedsoft's GH10

http://www.jedsoft.org/fun/antennas/dtv/gh.html#toc-1


or M.Satterfield variation



http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=113123




All would have a screen reflector.


Any thoughts on how they compare.


Thanks

[nikiml]

only the model unclesam built will allow you to recieve 7, 11, 13 and may be 8 (the VHF-hi channels)

on the UHF channels they should all be comparable in gain.

[300ohm]

My current antenna is this:

What channels do you get on it presently ?

You have the old old Radio Shack version of the Hovermann, which they messed it up by removing the stubs. IIRC from when Autofils modeled it, it has a big dip in the gain curve in the channels 30s range.

Its possible to mod what you have by adding stubs and NARODs for your channels 7 and 11 and 13. It wont be as good as a GH10n3, but it will be far superior to what you have now. Also, keep in mind the GH10n3 wont fit in that window, heh.

[iram]

Actually I was thinking of either the GH0n or the M.Satterfield variation of Jedsoft GH10 but with mesh reflector.

My apologies I should have made it clear that VHF is currently not an issue since the condo does have an VHF antenna on roof. they just refused to add a uhf component or replace the system completely at the time of transition stating that the cost for antennas and a new distribution system didn't work since most here ore on cable.

I currently get vhf 7,11,13 ok I have been using a-b switch between the roof vhf and my current set up through a digital converter.

As for uhf I have yet to fully understand why my current or previous experiments dont get better results since all the major stations are located in one spot -The Empire State Building- I get channel 2 (wcbs), Channel 4 (wnbc) only maybe in winter when the trees have no leaves. currently do not get 4 (good thing theres Hulu.com to catch up on lost shows
I also get channel 31 ion tv not sure why this and not the others

Other than that I cant get all the others I used to get such as channels 5,9.

With all the stations in basically one spot you would think it would be better than this.

[300ohm]

variation of Jedsoft GH10 but with mesh reflector.

Jedsoft GH10 doesnt work well without a reflector or with a mesh reflector. It needs those tuned colinear reflectors in their proper places.

they just refused to add a uhf component or replace the system completely at the time of transition stating that the cost for antennas and a new distribution system didn't work since most here ore on cable.

Chances are, their CATV distribution amp can handle uhf frequencies. All they would need is a newer version of what you have, the G1483 here :
http://www.summitsource.com/antennac...le-p-8517.html
(with it, you could get 27 and 48 off the backside easily)

and a UVSJ here :

http://www.summitsource.com/eagle-uh...sj-p-6976.html

If the antenna isnt far above the roof, the labor would be cheap. If their CATV distribution amp can handle UHF as I suspect, I would say its worth it to you for you to buy them the components, heh. (and maybe install them)

[iram]

Unfortunately as best as I can determine the tv distribution system is an VHF/fm system.
I did ask and offer 2 years ago before the transition to purchase either a new antenna or an addition to existing antenna and the condo board of managers refused to consider it.
They just don't want to deal with antennas anymore for the few still here who don't or cant afford like myself have cable

I am intrigued though on that summit source antenna you refer to .

Isn't that basically a Hoverman variation?


Also how about the unclesam"s DBGH10n3 variant with a mesh reflector?

[300ohm]

I am intrigued though on that summit source antenna you refer to .

Isn't that basically a Hoverman variation?

Yes, its basically a SBGH4, which has a little less gain than a SBGH6, but with less reflectors it picks up better from the rear.

Also how about the unclesam"s DBGH10n3 variant with a mesh reflector?

No, that wont work right with a mesh reflector.

[iram]

Do you think it would work better than the Radio shack variation I have pictured above.

While I am a little concerned about summit source based on some customer reviews it would cost about $40 to buy it including shipping.


An additional question:

Since I think I really need forward gain would you think that this UHF HOVERMAN with SCREEN REFLECTOR referenced in the following old post may just be sufficient


http://www.qsl.net/va3rr/hdtv/hoverman.htm

[300ohm]

Do you think it would work better than the Radio shack variation I have pictured above.

Nope.

Since I think I really need forward gain would you think that this UHF HOVERMAN with SCREEN REFLECTOR referenced in the following old post may just be sufficient

Yes, that one with the mesh reflector will work fine.

[iram]

There appear to be some slight measurement differences between the mesh version here



http://www.qsl.net/va3rr/hdtv/hoverman.htm


and the mesh version shown in what I believe is the original version

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=95898



any best recommendations for a "generic" measurement standard ie; feed gap , distance from mesh and element lengths.

Thanks

[300ohm]

The above models had 7 inch legs and 5.6 inch stubs, and the best distance between element and mesh is 100 to 115 mm depending on frequency.

Originally the plans called for a 44 mm feedgap, but it was determined later a wider feedgap gives more gain for free. Dont go over 115 mm, as that risks decoupling. I used 89mm as thats the distance across one tee for me, which provides a convenient rest point for the wire.