Antenna explanation

Thanks for your info, Jeff...I quote the last part

SCVJeff wrote:
This is a known good batwing antenna used here. So depending on the age and condition of your Batwing, and whether or not it has a Wingman attached, there may be significant differences compared to these tests.

I kind of expected the poorer performance with the Jack on VHF, but -10db is significant. So on VHF, the Batwing clearly shines over Jack. There are too many VHF stations across the country to ignore this. The other thing that bothers me is the way that the other carriers decay when rotating the Jack. They appear to not be linear, and that's strange

Some keep bringing up the point that the Jack is "easier to point". I didn't see that in these tests. Looking at the Batwing/ Wingman (BatMan )combo against the Jack, and looking at a UHF 45 degree slew on both, there is a -5> 6db drop from the peaked carrier. Essentially the same.

I haven't really looked at the non-Wingman data much just because BatMan and Jack are more closely matched. On UHF I would call this a draw. But the -10db loss in gain with the Jack on VHF is an immediate show stopper for me.

MNtundraRet wrote:
rvten:

You are correct. My latest Insignia 32 inch, led, 1080p set does much better location of links, and can hold and operate on at 25% strength (red area) signal. An improvement over my 2007 circa Insignia 19 inch, LCD ,720p set.

Tom:

I have 3 questions for the wxperts:

1) Is the Happauge 950Q USB TV tuner I've been using probably a low strength tuner compared tom a regular TV?

2) Why can't the TV itself contsin the secpnd omline amp where the coax connects to it?

3) Would the Radio Shack 15-2505 Bi-Directional Cable TV 10db Amplifier also improve a coat hanger antenna (thinking for home use and cutting Cox cable)?


Off to read the text of SCVJeff's posted results

Just as I would have expected for results. Thanks for the hard work. Hope you had a beer when you were done.

HERE is the post

Hold your head. It's long..

I'm here. I believe I know the results but I always like to see what independent users at unique locations find.

kab449 wrote:
Waiting anxiously for the result as my OTA tv reception sucks.

im here at the RV and just ran a bunch of tests with the batwing by itself, Batwing with Wingman attached, and the Jack. All on the same mast, same spot, etc., and the results are rather astounding. Since I ran the generator out of fuel, the analyzer pix and all the words need to wait till later this afternoon.

Bill: you might want to keep an eye out for this.

rvten:

You are correct. My latest Insignia 32 inch, led, 1080p set does much better location of links, and can hold and operate on at 25% strength (red area) signal. An improvement over my 2007 circa Insignia 19 inch, LCD ,720p set.

Tom:

I agree with your assessment of using a second amplifier off the Sensor Pro plate. I already had the second amplifier in use before reading about the Sensor Pro. I only believe in using a adjustable dB amplifier in-line just before the Television. Amplifiers work by starting full amplification and throttling down by electronic means.

Playing with a signal that already has been electronically altered can be "iffy" at best for amplification. I opted out on purchasing the Sensor Pro plate.

I can control overload of the signal: by lowering second amplifier from 10 to 2 dBs, Pulling the plug (no "on/off" switch) and allowing signal by-pass through 2nd amp, or "Plan B". Turn the antenna sideways to the close by transmitter. :B

Mark B.

Have not read all the replies.
But I would think that the quality of the TV makes a difference in the signal it receives. Also the picture it produce s's.

Bought the Jack today. Now I gotta get the analyzer from the transmitter, hopefully next weekend.

SCVJeff wrote:

That concerns me as well, which is why if I can ever get off my butt, will test them on the same mast; one against the other.

The LA market is a great test bed since we occupy from Ch. 7, all the way through the top of the UHF band (over 90 channels if you count all the Dots). When I did my original Batwing tests about 35 miles from Mt. Wilson, there was allot of garbage to pick through. But now that the cut-over is done and the analogs gone, my analyzer will probably be allot cleaner so I can run the same parameters with all 3 tests: Batwing only, Batwing and Wingman, and Jack all on the same mast and be able to see the minute differences easier. Since the Jack is on sale at CW, I'll probably go get one this weekend. The results ought a be interesting..

Great! I have seen you post this a few times :B I would like to really see the difference in the 3. I also live about the same distance from the towers, I can't wait