TV Antenna Question-Update
Update 26 Nov Got one of these: https://www.princessauto.com/en/search?Dy=1&Nty=1&Ntt=outdoor+HDTV+antenna Can I do without the big "net" and the long VHF dipoles and still get OTA digital TV...
Forum Discussion
It works! :)
Gets as good if not better than my Jack aimed the same direction. (Swap comparison) EG, gets KVOS in Bellingham perfectly ( mostly for "Laugh-In" re-runs)--about 55 miles.
I have not figured out how to use this with my RV exactly so it does not blow away going down the road at 60 mph. That was one reason to ask about the "net" windage. It looks like there are a couple of ways--worry about that later.
I stole the Jack antenna off the RV for the stick house roof when I "cut the cable", so this one is for the RV.
Two things to warn about:
1. The long coax down from the antenna that goes into the amplifier/ rotation controller has a funny end on it that fits in the controller. A regular coax with its thin pos wire does not connect with the end of the OEM coax with its fatter pos prong.
EDIT--I have not done this, so I am assuming (!) that the OEM coax has the thin pos wire inside it like regular TV coax does.
So if you want a longer run between antenna and controller you must snip the OEM coax, add a connector to each snipped end, then insert regular coax as long as you want. That leaves the funny OEM connector end still going into the amplifier/controller.
2. The controller rotates the antenna all the way around then stops and comes back the other way around. If you want to fine- tune a direction, it seems you can't go back and forth trying to find the best spot. You have to keep going all the way and then come back --if you can remember where that was. Anyway, it takes longer to get it just so. I can't find a reverse on the thing anyway.
You get a remote controller that rotates the antenna too, but of course you have to be able to see the antenna to aim it. Hard to be in two places at once for seeing the TV set inside for best picture, while being outside looking at the antenna. Have to get DW to help with that I guess.
So thanks everyone for the good tips on how this thing should work. So far so good! :)
Gets as good if not better than my Jack aimed the same direction. (Swap comparison) EG, gets KVOS in Bellingham perfectly ( mostly for "Laugh-In" re-runs)--about 55 miles.
I have not figured out how to use this with my RV exactly so it does not blow away going down the road at 60 mph. That was one reason to ask about the "net" windage. It looks like there are a couple of ways--worry about that later.
I stole the Jack antenna off the RV for the stick house roof when I "cut the cable", so this one is for the RV.
Two things to warn about:
1. The long coax down from the antenna that goes into the amplifier/ rotation controller has a funny end on it that fits in the controller. A regular coax with its thin pos wire does not connect with the end of the OEM coax with its fatter pos prong.
EDIT--I have not done this, so I am assuming (!) that the OEM coax has the thin pos wire inside it like regular TV coax does.
So if you want a longer run between antenna and controller you must snip the OEM coax, add a connector to each snipped end, then insert regular coax as long as you want. That leaves the funny OEM connector end still going into the amplifier/controller.
2. The controller rotates the antenna all the way around then stops and comes back the other way around. If you want to fine- tune a direction, it seems you can't go back and forth trying to find the best spot. You have to keep going all the way and then come back --if you can remember where that was. Anyway, it takes longer to get it just so. I can't find a reverse on the thing anyway.
You get a remote controller that rotates the antenna too, but of course you have to be able to see the antenna to aim it. Hard to be in two places at once for seeing the TV set inside for best picture, while being outside looking at the antenna. Have to get DW to help with that I guess.
So thanks everyone for the good tips on how this thing should work. So far so good! :)
