[FlashEngineer]

Hey guys, after my first utube antenna, I figured I should build a proper GH antenna since I can hardly get any channels with the coathanger variant.

I would like to know if the GH-10 is the right one for me? I don't really care about analog channels and I'm living in Markham - HWY7/Warden, in a condo.

I really don't know what materials to use to build the frame, should I use pvc piping or wood? Also what is the space between reflector rods and actual antenna element, in the diagrams on the website, it doesn't show the distance of the gap.

Thanks

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id=a362c413a7391c

 

[jbkeh]

Some questions

It might help if you advised:

a: Which way your unit faces?
b: Are there any other buildings (within a kilometer) between you and the CN tower? 30 degrees to the left? 10 degrees to the right?
c: Do you have a balcony? Can you erect an antenna on it?

 

[FlashEngineer]

My unit faces North, which sucks, and there's buildings and stuff in the way of South for sure. Can't put antenna in balcony since it faces North.

 

[jbkeh]

Your main problem is location. At your distance from the "flamethrower" (CN Tower) you should get CTV and CBC with a paperclip. (I'm on the other side, in Mississauga and can get them using the exposed end of a coax connector.)

But you have the mass of your own building plus an apartment building jungle looming above you (your height indicates about the eighth floor) blocking things.

Try wandering about your unit with a simple "rabbit ear" antenna (on a long cable) and see if you can get anything from some "sweet spot". Try the balcony and aim at other buildings that might reflect a stronger signal. (Toronto, that is - doubt Buffalo is in the cards.)

The gain of an antenna is a function of its "size" (effective aperture) and its directionality (plus efficiency); you might be further ahead with a large reflectorless design of the GH or something along the lines of the "Scatter Forager" or "The Sieve" that could be placed flat against a wall (and covered with some "artwork"). You might also look at "The Stealth Hawk".

In short, I'd suggest you try something simple to see if there is any purpose to a more complex build.

The caveat about wood is its moisture content (natural or absorbed from exposure to the elements) which can play hobb with the signal. For an indoor "flat" design, a simple Styrofoam insulating slab with the wires pressed into it may be quite workable.

 

[300ohm]

For an indoor "flat" design, a simple Styrofoam insulating slab with the wires pressed into it may be quite workable.

Some lower temp hobbyist/craft glues can hold the wire in place. Another option is to use sewing thread and needle to hold the wire in place.

 

[FlashEngineer]

Well this location is temporary for now, I will be moving in a few months to a house. I've checked out that site that shows the different variant of the GH antennas. I think to make it simple I might just use the gapless model or maybe just the mesh reflector model.

I still have a question though that I can't find really, for the narods, how or what is the best way to attach them, I can't really find any pictures or info on that, also people say buy it at metal supermarket, I rather just something at HD or Rona. Would steel rods work or just use copper tubing?

 

[300ohm]

I still have a question though that I can't find really, for the narods, how or what is the best way to attach them,

The NAROD distance above the stub is quite critical, so you want something that will last.
Scrap pieces of vinyl siding (or sample pieces available for free at HD) work great. Mark the center of wire to center of wire distance on it and drill a hole slightly smaller than the wire you are going to push though it.

also people say buy it at metal supermarket, I rather just something at HD or Rona. Would steel rods work or just use copper tubing?

You could use 1/4" copper tubing if its cheap enough. But its harder to get straight and work with than solid wire or rod. I would avoid steel for a variety of reasons.