Ready for The Digital TV Transition if you use an antenna

[sdtripper2]

Bob & Eddie:

I am glad that you have built this very inexpensive alternative HDTV antenna solution.

Bob it is good to know yours works fine.
For the cost of a few coat hangers and a little time ~

How are you measuring the signal strength, Rab~ears vrs. Coat~hanger project?


Steve

[bobhenry]

the new digital converter boxes have a signal strength indicator as a read out right on the tv screen.

This antenna is very very directional.

[sdtripper2]

the new digital converter boxes have a signal strength indicator as a read out right on the tv screen.

This antenna is very very directional.

Thanks for that info... Bob
I didn't get one of the converter boxes ...
so wasn't aware of the signal strength indication.

Steve

[emiller]

Yep this cheap antenna works great.

[sdtripper2]

Eddie:

I can see your smile at getting a bargain.

[starleen2]

This antenna is very very directional.

Whoa - wait a minute - some of us don't swing that way! (someone had to do it)

[moreforles]

I was thinking, direct tv dish and/or something along the lines of the cb radio antenna bolt the base to the tongue on a swivel bracket, collapse over the top of camper when towing.... now what kind of antenna?

[mikeschn]

I'll wait til Feb 17th, and then I'll test what I have. I'll report back then. And if we can't watch TV in the teardrop, I'll be mighty unhappy.

Mike...

[bobhenry]

Most folks do not understand the stations ARE broadcasting in digital NOW. They are currently also sending the analogue signal as well that is what will be turned off on 2/17. You do not have to wait until 2/17 to see if anything works the digital era is already here. We are getting 8 crystal clear channels that replaced our 2 sometimes 3 fuzzy analogue channels with our little experimental antenna.

[conbrio]

It looks like there might be a delay in digital only signals. According to the Washington Post the Senate is near a deal to push back the conversion date to June 12. The House has been working on a deal as well and put their bill on the back burner until the Senate finishes their version of the bill to delay the conversion.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 03608.html

[bobhenry]

I have made 4 attempts to get my $40.00 coupons and finally gave up and purchased a unit from radio shack with the understanding to save the receipt and precent the coupon and they will make a refund / repurchase using the coupon. We'll see it that holds water

I think the coupon logjam is the largest reason for the delay. Meanwhle if you want a good deal on an analog TV check goodwill they are pouring in the doors. Everyone is getting dtv and hdtv units and tossing the analog units out for adoption.

Heading out to build another redneck antenna for a friend the best part is he is buying the beer

[conbrio]

I have read they the gov did run out of money for the coupons months ago. That is one reason for the possible delay. If congress passes a bill to delay the conversion date, there will be more money for the coupon program and those who have not gotten the coupon will finally (or hopefully) receive theirs

[aggie79]

I was fortunate to get two coupons (and use them within the 90-day window.) One of the TVs had rabbit ears; the other has an outside antenna.

I built one of the antennas from the video. With the home built antenna replacing the rabbit ears, and with convertor box installed, the television has a better picture and higher signal strength than the other TV with the convertor box hooked up to the outside antenna.

[aggie79]

This antenna is very very directional.

I got best results by placing the antenna horizontal on top of a cabinet rather than vertical.

[bobhenry]

I have made 4 attempts to get my $40.00 coupons and finally gave up and purchased a unit from radio shack with the understanding to save the receipt and precent the coupon and they will make a refund / repurchase using the coupon. We'll see it that holds water

I think the coupon logjam is the largest reason for the delay. Meanwhle if you want a good deal on an analog TV check goodwill they are pouring in the doors. Everyone is getting dtv and hdtv units and tossing the analog units out for adoption.

Heading out to build another redneck antenna for a friend the best part is he is buying the beer

update::

Built the second antenna. Ol Mr Smith was beaming he has 10 channels all of which are crystal clear. ( I'm only getting 7 ) I have 6 more cut out and ready to build.