View Full Version : OTA Amps
LMolineux 11-03-08, 08:02 PM Ok my main issues are trying to figure out which amp to get for OTA not cable as far as Pre-Amp or Amps go.
DA4 4 Output Distribution Amplifier this is one from antennas direct
Four Output Amplifier
Channel Master model CM3414 Or this from Warren Electronics.
Plus i am in need of a good rotator, the one i have from radio-shack doesnt do the full 360 or even close. It leaves a nice gap of space where it will not turn to. Anyone have any good helpfull advice. I am using a VHF/UHF/FM 80 Boom Antenna from Radio-Shack.
mjones73 11-04-08, 08:04 AM 1) Would need to know your channel requirements and basic layout of your system
2) The Channel Master 9521A is always listed as a good rotator choice.
Tower Guy 11-05-08, 04:28 PM Ok my main issues are trying to figure out which amp to get for OTA not cable as far as Pre-Amp or Amps go.
You are probably too close to the Philly towers to need any kind of amplifier. It will overload and cause loss of stations.
Also... why a rotor? All the Philly towers x-mit from the same farm in Roxborough.
LMolineux 11-05-08, 05:24 PM Why the Rotator? Well simple I am into DX'ing, And moving the antenna around is a good way to point into other directions to get the best chance of grabbing other area's TV stations or Radio Stations. So you think an Amp could be a problem or can it be a big help also for DX'ing?
Are you "into DX'ing" or just trying to pick up other channels/stations reliably? An amp can help and/or hurt depending on what exactly you desire and the expense/effort(s).
They are distribution amps, not pre-amps. So... I'd say no to the amps you're interested in purchasing.
And if you want to go to the effort of DX'ing, I'd also suggest a new/different antenna array.
For a pre-amp, this can be considered:
http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-7777-mast-mount-preamplifier/dp/B000GGKOG8
For a rotor,
http://www.warrenelectronics.com/antennas/9521A.htm
Digital Rules 11-05-08, 10:04 PM "Any" pre-amplification would be a mistake with your close proximety to "numerous" strong analog signals. You may be able to use a low gain pre-amp "after" the transition. Forget the amp for now, and get yourself a state of the art UHF only antenna to "augment" your RS antenna. Combine the 2 antennas with a UVSJ, and you will have an excellent DX'ing machine for such a close-in metropolitan area;)
LMolineux 11-05-08, 10:20 PM "Any" pre-amplification would be a mistake with your close proximety to "numerous" strong analog signals. You may be able to use a low gain pre-amp "after" the transition. Forget the amp for now, and get yourself a state of the art UHF only antenna to "augment" your RS antenna. Combine the 2 antennas with a UVSJ, and you will have an excellent DX'ing machine for such a close-in metropolitan area;)
Got any ideas on which way is the best to combine them? and which low gain amp?
Digital Rules 11-05-08, 10:23 PM Got any ideas on which way is the best to combine them? and which low gain amp?Use a UVSJ($3.99 plus shipping) to combine the 2 antennas.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=UVSJ
Do you need an amplifier for distribution needs? How many TV's are you running?
LMolineux 11-06-08, 07:26 AM Use a UVSJ($3.99 plus shipping) to combine the 2 antennas.
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=UVSJ
Do you need an amplifier for distribution needs? How many TV's are you running?
Well right now i am using a UHF/VHF/FM antenna an 80 Boom antenna from Radio-Shack
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103085
That is what i am using. I also have this http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103088 sitting in the attic not really being used, and also i have this http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2348191 sitting in the attic also. So my big question should i still use the UVSJ or no or something better to combine the UHF/VHF/FM radio-shack Antenna and the UHF only antenna?
Digital Rules 11-06-08, 07:53 AM Since you already have the U-75R, give it a try by itself to see what results you get. If the UHF is better than the VU-90XR, use a UVSJ to combine them. I wouldn't even bother with the omni antenna; especially if you are interested in DX'ing.
Is your antenna on the roof?
LMolineux 11-06-08, 04:11 PM Since you already have the U-75R, give it a try by itself to see what results you get. If the UHF is better than the VU-90XR, use a UVSJ to combine them. I wouldn't even bother with the omni antenna; especially if you are interested in DX'ing.
Is your antenna on the roof?
They arent on the roof, but rather they are in the attic, as my parents dont want it on the roof untill i take over the house, The one dish looking antenna is not an Omni-Directional one it is actually a Directional one. Space is a slight issue.
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