Directional antenna's for Local(answered and solved)

[Horizon170]

I wonder how this compares to the Batwing?
https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/clearstream-4-ultra-long-range-outdoor-dtv-antenna.html

EDIT---How do I make this a HOT LINK?

[Dutch_12078]

Twain wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:

Dutch_12078 wrote:
That antenna is for receiving stations broadcasting on UHF channels only. It will not receive the several hundred stations broadcasting on VHF channels unless they're next door to you.

Several hundred ? My understanding is most stations changed to UHF when digital rolled in. Remember, "channel number" now has nothing to do with frequency.

Yes, UHF is more "line of sight" but the benefit for the consumer is a much smaller antenna.

I would just "write off" the VHF stations and get a taller mast instead of a larger reflector style antenna.

Most old VHF stations had to go to UHF for an open freq to broadcast the new digital signals. Then a few years ago when the FCC made them stuff off the analog transmissions, many stations came back down to VHF (mainly channels 7-13) with their digital transmissions. Better range. In the Tampa and Orlando markets, 3 of the 4 major networks are VHF.

I know my list probably isn't current, since I haven't updated it in a year or so, but I show 464 stations broadcasting on VHF RF channels 2-13, with 38 of those on low VHF, channels 2-6. And yes, "writing off" VHF would mean not getting some network stations from nearly every major market in the US, as well as many smaller markets. As Jeff said, VHF will be getting even more populated in the next few years.

[Twain]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

Dutch_12078 wrote:
That antenna is for receiving stations broadcasting on UHF channels only. It will not receive the several hundred stations broadcasting on VHF channels unless they're next door to you.

Several hundred ? My understanding is most stations changed to UHF when digital rolled in. Remember, "channel number" now has nothing to do with frequency.

Yes, UHF is more "line of sight" but the benefit for the consumer is a much smaller antenna.

I would just "write off" the VHF stations and get a taller mast instead of a larger reflector style antenna.

Most old VHF stations had to go to UHF for an open freq to broadcast the new digital signals. Then a few years ago when the FCC made them stuff off the analog transmissions, many stations came back down to VHF (mainly channels 7-13) with their digital transmissions. Better range. In the Tampa and Orlando markets, 3 of the 4 major networks are VHF.

[SCVJeff]

Bumpyroad wrote:

SCVJeff wrote:
. Check it out.

what and confuse rumor with fact?
bumpy

silly me..

[Bumpyroad]

SCVJeff wrote:
. Check it out.

what and confuse rumor with fact?
bumpy

[SCVJeff]

theoldwizard1 wrote:

Dutch_12078 wrote:
That antenna is for receiving stations broadcasting on UHF channels only. It will not receive the several hundred stations broadcasting on VHF channels unless they're next door to you.

Several hundred ? My understanding is most stations changed to UHF when digital rolled in. Remember, "channel number" now has nothing to do with frequency.

Yes, UHF is more "line of sight" but the benefit for the consumer is a much smaller antenna.

I would just "write off" the VHF stations and get a taller mast instead of a larger reflector style antenna.

You heard wrong and it is a common misconception that VHF is dead. That is totally untrue, and as I said above: once this latest auction is over, VHF will be as loaded or more than it was in the past. If you cast off VHF now, you are going to be in for a big suprise in a few years when it's even more active than it is now.
There are plenty of docs on the web showing every assigned channel, both VHF and UHF in every city and town in the country. Check it out.

[Tom_M1]

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Several hundred ? My understanding is most stations changed to UHF when digital rolled in. Remember, "channel number" now has nothing to do with frequency.

Yes, UHF is more "line of sight" but the benefit for the consumer is a much smaller antenna.

I would just "write off" the VHF stations and get a taller mast instead of a larger reflector style antenna.

There are more than 1700 full power TV stations in the U.S. About 25 percent of these stations are presently broadcasting on the VHF band, so DO NOT just "write off" VHF.

[wa8yxm]

I tried to post earlier but alas the dreded "RESET" bug bit

The Batwing is a VHF/UHF antenna covering all 3 bands (VHF lo/High and UHF with reduced performance in teh UHF, adding the wingman gives it about a 50-60 Mile range, and if you add the Sensar Pro. it will deliver a 50-60 Mile range. In fact I'm watching from about 50 miles as I type via a batwing, with Wingman and Sensar pro.

That Loop turkey is a UHF only and likely will not make it 30 miles.. Good if you life on a hill top in a city.. but if they want mroe than 20 bucks, I'd not buy it. I'm serious.. i design antennas for personal use.

[Horizon170]

Horizon170 wrote:
I wonder how this compares to the Batwing?
https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/clearstream-4-ultra-long-range-outdoor-dtv-antenna.html

EDIT---How do I make this a HOT LINK?

Since I already have a Batwing I will buy THIS and add to my BW.
Thanks everyone.
Marvin

[theoldwizard1]

Fizz wrote:
I tried one of these and the Batwing was better.

I bought one that is 1/2 of that for my in-laws. Works great !

[theoldwizard1]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
That antenna is for receiving stations broadcasting on UHF channels only. It will not receive the several hundred stations broadcasting on VHF channels unless they're next door to you.

Several hundred ? My understanding is most stations changed to UHF when digital rolled in. Remember, "channel number" now has nothing to do with frequency.

Yes, UHF is more "line of sight" but the benefit for the consumer is a much smaller antenna.

I would just "write off" the VHF stations and get a taller mast instead of a larger reflector style antenna.

[Tom_M1]

Make sure it's digital popcorn.

[Johno02]

Get the popcorn. will that antenna work for HD digital signals, or is it analog only??

[Bumpyroad]

Horizon170 wrote:
I wonder how this compares to the Batwing?
https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/clearstream-4-ultra-long-range-outdoor-dtv-antenna.html

EDIT---How do I make this a HOT LINK?

gotta be better . has patented loop technology. 😉
bumpy

[wa8yxm]

How to make a hot link.. Ok, this is the link you posted

https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/clearstream-4-ultra-long-range-outdoor-dtv-antenna.html
Now, using SQUARE brackets (I will use Curley, same key shifted) you modify like this

{url}https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/clearstream-4-ultra-long-range-outdoor-dtv-antenna.html{/url}
so it comes out like this
https://www.antennasdirect.com/store/clearstream-4-ultra-long-range-outdoor-dtv-antenna.html

Or you can use the ADVANCED POST FORM and click on the proper icon (Globe or chain link)

As for the antenna.. I do not believe it will out perform a batwing.. For one thing it is UHF only very poor performance on VHF and some stations are still in the VHF band, Mostly VHF HIGH, But even a few left in VHF Low..