Sandbagger
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Post by Sandbagger on Feb 2, 2016 7:30:07 GMT -5
It'll be an interesting tug-o-war, to see who wins out on this one. I don't think the FCC foresaw the jump in OTA popularity that's been happening in the last couple of years, which will likely cause some broadcasters to rethink selling off their spectrum.
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Post by cbrown on Feb 2, 2016 10:05:20 GMT -5
I have mixed feelings about Dell. He basically bankrupted CompuAdd computers, whose systems were much better than Dell's (PC Limited at the time). CompuAdd was selling PC Limited a lot of the internals they were putting into their systems on credit, and they defaulted. But for high end workstations today, Dell is probably the best.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 2, 2016 12:39:00 GMT -5
It'll be an interesting tug-o-war, to see who wins out on this one. I don't think the FCC foresaw the jump in OTA popularity that's been happening in the last couple of years, which will likely cause some broadcasters to rethink selling off their spectrum. I hope the big guys stay put, but if they go with channel sharing and/or move to VHF I'm ready.
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Sandbagger
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Post by Sandbagger on Feb 2, 2016 13:37:15 GMT -5
It'll be an interesting tug-o-war, to see who wins out on this one. I don't think the FCC foresaw the jump in OTA popularity that's been happening in the last couple of years, which will likely cause some broadcasters to rethink selling off their spectrum. I hope the big guys stay put, but if they go with channel sharing and/or move to VHF I'm ready. Well, on one hand, VHF will carry further given the same power, but antenna size will need to be larger for the same gain, especially for the lower channels.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 2, 2016 15:40:14 GMT -5
I hope the big guys stay put, but if they go with channel sharing and/or move to VHF I'm ready. Well, on one hand, VHF will carry further given the same power, but antenna size will need to be larger for the same gain, especially for the lower channels. I've been doing fine on low band VHF since I upgraded to the Channel Master CM5018. But if I have to go bigger so be it. Who doesn't like buying a new antenna?
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Sandbagger
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Post by Sandbagger on Feb 2, 2016 17:51:58 GMT -5
Well, on one hand, VHF will carry further given the same power, but antenna size will need to be larger for the same gain, especially for the lower channels. I've been doing fine on low band VHF since I upgraded to the Channel Master CM5018. But if I have to go bigger so be it. Who doesn't like buying a new antenna? You probably won't have a problem, but all those people who went out and bought those small indoor "HD" antennas will be disappointed if the majority of stations move to VHF, as I think those antennas were designed back when all digital stations were supposed to move to UHF, and they weren't supposed to need VHF coverage.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 2, 2016 18:39:19 GMT -5
I've been doing fine on low band VHF since I upgraded to the Channel Master CM5018. But if I have to go bigger so be it. Who doesn't like buying a new antenna? You probably won't have a problem, but all those people who went out and bought those small indoor "HD" antennas will be disappointed if the majority of stations move to VHF, as I think those antennas were designed back when all digital stations were supposed to move to UHF, and they weren't supposed to need VHF coverage. This creates the potential for A LOT of pissed off people.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 2, 2016 18:57:05 GMT -5
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 23, 2016 15:29:16 GMT -5
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 23, 2016 15:33:59 GMT -5
I just emailed him... Hi, Do these pick up VHF lo and hi, or are they just for UHF? 60 channels is great! How close to the towers are you that you can pick up so many? Thanks! Oh, how I hope he responds!
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Post by BBB on Feb 23, 2016 17:37:49 GMT -5
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,245
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Post by Sandbagger on Feb 24, 2016 6:58:42 GMT -5
If I didn't know better (and I don't), I'd say this looks like a sheet of wallpaper with two screw terminals stuck to it. Kinda reminds me of Tom Kneitel's "Vampire Bat" April Fools CB antenna....
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 24, 2016 10:45:49 GMT -5
Who knew you could pick up 60 channels with just a balun stuck to some wallpaper? Dammit, and I wasted all that money on antennas, coax and whatnot. I'm going to design my own, except I'll use vintage posters of Farrah Fawcett and Heather Locklear. Much more appealing to the eyes.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 26, 2016 12:31:13 GMT -5
I just emailed him... Hi, Do these pick up VHF lo and hi, or are they just for UHF? 60 channels is great! How close to the towers are you that you can pick up so many? Thanks! Oh, how I hope he responds! He responded!!! Here it is... This antenna is designed to solely pick up digital signals up to seventy-five miles away. In your area you are at prime choice of receiving free sixty or more broadcasts with this antenna. You will be satisfied and relieved! In this way you would be able to save over $10,000 per ten years if you are still hooked up to your satellite or cable service. Don´t hesitate and start saving money now, as thousands have already buying my digital antenna! Just submit only $15.00 to PayPal account: antennadigital2@gmail.com. You will get your antenna in a couple days! Sincerely, Joe Siklosi; Engineer
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 26, 2016 13:14:23 GMT -5
Of course I had to clarify a few things before ordering...
Hi Joe,
So it sounds like it should pick up channels 2-69 no problem as I'm only about 30 miles from the transmitter towers, that's great. And here I was about to spend $100 for some big, ugly antenna for the roof. Boy, I'm sure glad I found this! I have a few questions before I order...
1. Is there a particular way I need to hang/aim this antenna? 2. Can I hook more than one TV to it, if so how many? 3. Do you recommend using an amplifier with this antenna? 4. You have different style mounts pictured. Can I request a certain color/style? 5. What is the warranty? 6. What is your return policy? 7. Do you offer tech support, if not could you recommend someone in my area? 8. Can this pick up scrambled PRISM signals? (I love their late night programming!) 9. Do I need to ground this antenna against lightening strikes? 10. What is the average db gain of this antenna?
Thanks!
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,245
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Post by Sandbagger on Feb 26, 2016 14:47:27 GMT -5
Of course I had to clarify a few things before ordering... Hi Joe, So it sounds like it should pick up channels 2-69 no problem as I'm only about 30 miles from the transmitter towers, that's great. And here I was about to spend $100 for some big, ugly antenna for the roof. Boy, I'm sure glad I found this! I have a few questions before I order... 1. Is there a particular way I need to hang/aim this antenna? 2. Can I hook more than one TV to it, if so how many? 3. Do you recommend using an amplifier with this antenna? 4. You have different style mounts pictured. Can I request a certain color/style? 5. What is the warranty? 6. What is your return policy? 7. Do you offer tech support, if not could you recommend someone in my area? 8. Can this pick up scrambled PRISM signals? (I love their late night programming!) 9. Do I need to ground this antenna against lightening strikes? 10. What is the average db gain of this antenna? Thanks! I think you might make his head explode with those questions.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 27, 2016 10:32:04 GMT -5
Of course I had to clarify a few things before ordering... Hi Joe, So it sounds like it should pick up channels 2-69 no problem as I'm only about 30 miles from the transmitter towers, that's great. And here I was about to spend $100 for some big, ugly antenna for the roof. Boy, I'm sure glad I found this! I have a few questions before I order... 1. Is there a particular way I need to hang/aim this antenna? 2. Can I hook more than one TV to it, if so how many? 3. Do you recommend using an amplifier with this antenna? 4. You have different style mounts pictured. Can I request a certain color/style? 5. What is the warranty? 6. What is your return policy? 7. Do you offer tech support, if not could you recommend someone in my area? 8. Can this pick up scrambled PRISM signals? (I love their late night programming!) 9. Do I need to ground this antenna against lightening strikes? 10. What is the average db gain of this antenna? Thanks! I think you might make his head explode with those questions. Nah, he's an engineer according to his Linkedln page, he shouldn't have any trouble answering.
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Post by BBB on Feb 27, 2016 11:27:54 GMT -5
ooooooh, It even comes in Genuine Simulated Walnut Vinyl Veneer. My personal fave.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Feb 27, 2016 11:56:02 GMT -5
Can anyone else see his Linkedln page? It's pretty comical. Main Engineer HDTV Antennas January 2009 – Present (7 years 2 months) I design, develop, build, and export indoor/outdoor digital antennas world-wide.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 2, 2016 11:06:51 GMT -5
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 2, 2016 11:12:25 GMT -5
I think you might make his head explode with those questions. Nah, he's an engineer according to his Linkedln page, he shouldn't have any trouble answering. Would you believe he got back to me, all questions answered in a Word document! 1. Is there a particular way I need to hang/aim this antenna? Just have it hung in an average area, like on some convenient wall indoors or out. 2. Can I hook more than one TV to it, if so how many? You can connect any amount of tvs to a splitter, and watch independently from each set. 3. Do you recommend using an amplifier with this antenna? You may. I convinced a customer, in Illinois, in a radius greater that eighty miles from Chicago to use one. He was then able to pick up a couple stations from Milwaukee likewise. 4. You have different style mounts pictured. Can I request a certain color/style? You may pick pine, grey marble, or fruit basket. 5. What is the warranty? Money-back guarantee if you don t like to use money-saving techniques of watching tv versus expensive cable or satellite. 6. What is your return policy? If totally not satisfied, you get your money back. 7. Do you offer tech support, if not could you recommend someone in my area? A set of easy instructions with diagrams are sent with each antenna. Believe me, you will have no problem hanging it up and plugging in your short or long coax cable to it 8. Can this pick up scrambled PRISM signals? (I love their late night programming!) You need to transmit such signals first in the air. My system might pick up a portion of Wi-Fi, But this signal needs to be amplyfied to travel to your house from three or more miles away like. 9. Do I need to ground this antenna against lightening strikes? nothing is exposed to charge up, so you are okay to hang outside. 10. What is the average db gain of this antenna? 7 I need to come up with some more questions!!!
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,245
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 2, 2016 12:52:11 GMT -5
Nah, he's an engineer according to his Linkedln page, he shouldn't have any trouble answering. Would you believe he got back to me, all questions answered in a Word document! 1. Is there a particular way I need to hang/aim this antenna? Just have it hung in an average area, like on some convenient wall indoors or out. 2. Can I hook more than one TV to it, if so how many? You can connect any amount of tvs to a splitter, and watch independently from each set. 3. Do you recommend using an amplifier with this antenna? You may. I convinced a customer, in Illinois, in a radius greater that eighty miles from Chicago to use one. He was then able to pick up a couple stations from Milwaukee likewise. 4. You have different style mounts pictured. Can I request a certain color/style? You may pick pine, grey marble, or fruit basket. 5. What is the warranty? Money-back guarantee if you don t like to use money-saving techniques of watching tv versus expensive cable or satellite. 6. What is your return policy? If totally not satisfied, you get your money back. 7. Do you offer tech support, if not could you recommend someone in my area? A set of easy instructions with diagrams are sent with each antenna. Believe me, you will have no problem hanging it up and plugging in your short or long coax cable to it 8. Can this pick up scrambled PRISM signals? (I love their late night programming!) You need to transmit such signals first in the air. My system might pick up a portion of Wi-Fi, But this signal needs to be amplyfied to travel to your house from three or more miles away like. 9. Do I need to ground this antenna against lightening strikes? nothing is exposed to charge up, so you are okay to hang outside. 10. What is the average db gain of this antenna? 7 I need to come up with some more questions!!! My favorite was the one about Prizm, which hasn't been around for at least 20 years now......
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 2, 2016 20:16:26 GMT -5
My favorite was the one about Prizm, which hasn't been around for at least 20 years now...... I'm impressed that he has names for the different styles. My favorite is "fruit basket".
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Post by cbrown on Mar 3, 2016 11:12:01 GMT -5
10. What is the average db gain of this antenna? 7 I need to come up with some more questions!!! A quick and easy one. Gain in dBi or dBd?
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 3, 2016 19:51:50 GMT -5
10. What is the average db gain of this antenna? 7 I need to come up with some more questions!!! A quick and easy one. Gain in dBi or dBd? Or BVD's.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 16, 2016 20:51:42 GMT -5
I "cut the cord" (and the cheese ) 3 weeks ago and for the first time since 1992 I don't have a cable or satellite TV bill. Mind you I didn't jump into this blindly and spent a year experimenting and nailing things down but I'm damn glad I did it. Not one complaint from the family either despite several warnings of mutiny from my children and I learned a lot in the process too. One of these days I'll put up a detailed post about "what I'm running", but for now I wondered if anyone has noticed any TV antennas going up in their area? cjonline.com/news/2015-02-14/television-antennas-making-comebackSo I made it an entire year with nary a complaint from the family and only a few technical difficulties early on. The Channel Master DVR is one of the best tech purchases I ever made, worth every penny and it keeps on ticking. Now I wait to see how the FCC spectrum auction pans out and if it effects my viewing habits.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 17, 2016 19:42:04 GMT -5
Interesting. Tonight is one of the nights I'm receiving NJTV, channel 23 from Princeton. Signal strength is bouncing around 24-30 with signal quality around 9-14, but I still have a great picture with little pixelation and drop out. Channel 2 on the other hand starts pixelateing with a signal quality in the 50's. Stupid low VHF.
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Sandbagger
Administrator/The Boss
Posts: 6,245
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Post by Sandbagger on Mar 18, 2016 6:03:13 GMT -5
Interesting. Tonight is one of the nights I'm receiving NJTV, channel 23 from Princeton. Signal strength is bouncing around 24-30 with signal quality around 9-14, but I still have a great picture with little pixelation and drop out. Channel 2 on the other hand starts pixelateing with a signal quality in the 50's. Stupid low VHF. Not sure what the difference is. Multipathing tends to be more severe the higher you go in frequency, so that would seem to be counter intuitive in this case. There must be some other impairment at work here (higher noise floor or local infrastructure noise generation?) which is more pronounced at lower frequencies.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 18, 2016 12:37:47 GMT -5
Interesting. Tonight is one of the nights I'm receiving NJTV, channel 23 from Princeton. Signal strength is bouncing around 24-30 with signal quality around 9-14, but I still have a great picture with little pixelation and drop out. Channel 2 on the other hand starts pixelateing with a signal quality in the 50's. Stupid low VHF. Not sure what the difference is. Multipathing tends to be more severe the higher you go in frequency, so that would seem to be counter intuitive in this case. There must be some other impairment at work here (higher noise floor or local infrastructure noise generation?) which is more pronounced at lower frequencies. You got me, I was just amazed at how well it was receiving with such a low signal. And I was wrong on the location, it's WNJS and the transmitter is located in Waterford Works, just a little Northwest of Hammonton. 56 air miles, which is over twice what it is to the Roxborough antenna farm.
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Post by MonkeyMan on Mar 22, 2016 14:06:12 GMT -5
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