TV antenna shoot out

[Shadow Catcher]

I ended up buying a Jack antenna and quite frankly have yet to use it, part of that living out side thing that a teardrop leads to. However there are those that do watch TV and I encountered this well done comparison using a Rhode & Schwartz ETL Spectrum Analyzer (expensive piece of equipment)
http://forums.woodalls.com/Index.cfm/fu ... 171026.cfm

My decision was dictated by size and a certain amount of advertising. The outcome is we are camping and I have yet to really use it



I am one of those that came from a quality control background and want to see actual testing using appropriate equipment and procedures. I am looking for real test data on caulk, the level of end product through a male bovine is high and the consequences of failure, water damage are costly.

[bobhenry]

I am looking for real test data on caulk, the level of end product through a male bovine is high and the consequences of failure, water damage are costly.

I never even thought of using cow poopie for caulk. and I couldn't agree more water damage is costly.



But just what does that have to do with antenna performance ?.

I finally got my gal pal Nancy to tell the cable folks to go fly a kite and built her a red neck antenna ( total cost $2.27 for the balem transformer) and she is getting 41 channels in the Indianapolis metro area.

That is the info I want, not charts and graphs , talk about bovine excrement

Red neck antenna revisited........ for the newbies

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=27494&hilit=red+neck+antenna

[Shadow Catcher]

The point Bob was that genuine test data concerning products is rare and hard to find. The caulk comment was that it would be nice to find genuine test data, effects of proper surface preparation weathering adhesion to various surfaces... All I have found are anecdotal don't buy this product because kinds of reports and you have no idea as to the conditions of application, surface prep, temperature and only occasionally what the surface was. RV applications mean a certain amount of flex and other conditions that a bricks and sticks constructions may not have. I worked in a test lab that did weathering testing with machines that accelerated the process and I know what is needed. Most shoot outs are BS as they do not test in a repeatable fashion or do not control the variables adequately.
When I attached the ABS solar panel mounts I had a long discussion with a 3M engineer and I knew how many square inches and which VHB tape to use and how to prep the Filon. Uncharacteristically for me I followed the directions carefully, cleaned with their cleaner (smelled of MEK and alcohol) and waited for the correct temperature day.
Yes your TV antenna works but how well in relationship to an amplified directional antenna. We live at the edge of OTA broadcasts with out a substantial antenna, and ours is a good old Radio Shack ultra fringe, the Jack will pick up more and stronger signals which a digital TV needs than that fringe antenna.

[bobhenry]

Well here, just build one and report back.

http://www.tvantennaplans.com/

I do very much value your electronic knowledge but sometimes it seem your judgement is based on the dollar expense of the item.

Here is your chance to tell us just what you think of a less than $3.00 antenna.

I really am looking forward to your report !

[wagondude]

Just a heads up, The link in the previous post gives me an unsafe site warning for drive-by downloads. Make sure your antivirus is up to date before going to the page and think before you click.

Here is a direct link to video instructions: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/762088/co ... t_amazing/

[eamarquardt]

Actually antenna performance is pretty easy to predict. Yes an antenna has to be properly designed and antennas are frequency sensitive. Bigger is better. Higher is better. The laws of physics (which, to date, Congress has been unable to amend or repeal) make it so.

Cheers,

AB6KS