EV's Best Top Rated DTV Indoor UHF Antenna Review Test Round-Up Guide

[ed_in_tx]

Off topic.. sorry.

[EscapeVelocity]

ed in tx: This is the indoor antenna thread....you would do better creating your own thread. Some really experienced smart folks like affigat will help sort you out. They dont visit too much in this thread.

mosaic: Did you mess with the gain levels at all on the RS UFO? Could you tell a difference between low and high?

[seatacboy]

Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity

Here is my TVfool info for digital channels.

EV: your reception environment might actually be more difficult than mine in terms of hilly terrain. Which of the stations on the TV Fool chart are you able to regularly pull in with your favorite indoor antennas, and which are "iffy"?

Here is my TV Fool info for digital channels:http://www.tvfool.com/modeling/tmp/7...getdigital.php

[EscapeVelocity]

This is what Im shooting for and the strength and stability of the signal/video image on my Vizio GV42LF.


PBS 16 WJWJ alternate PBS from Beaufort SC with 2 sub channels...this one is about as shaky as the other PBS because I catch this one off the backside of the roof mounted antnenna, this is easiest to catch for aimed indoor antennas.

ABC 2 WCBD this has one sub channel...a CW affiliate
Fox 24 WTAT
PBS 7 WITV
CBS 5 WCSC
NBC 4 WCIV
MyTV 36 WMMP This one I sometimes lose for periods of time altogether, even from the roof. I think I get co-channel interference from a high powered Savannah GA station as well as the broadcast power being low. Its on real channel 35 and 4 WCIV is on real channel 34, they may be interfering with each other too....as well as being lowest on the UHF dial, for antennas that often have their gain curves peak much higher.


The bottom 2 are the toughest. But 36 is clearly THE toughest. Also 5 seems to be the next one to go, usually.

[ed_in_tx]

Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity

ed in tx: This is the indoor antenna thread....you would do better creating your own thread.

Sorry I did a search for "best outdoor antenna" and I somehow came to this thread, and I didn't notice the "indoor" part.

[allargon]

Originally Posted by ed_in_tx

Sorry I did a search for "best outdoor antenna" and I somehow came to this thread, and I didn't notice the "indoor" part.

Ed, the guys in the other antenna thread will accommodate you.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=381623

[EscapeVelocity]

No worries ed. No hard feelings. Its just we dont have the experience or knowledge base in this thread to sort you out.

[fajitamosaic]

EV: I have it set to 3. Gain set to 1 cuts the signal strength in half. Haven't noticed any difference between 2 and 3, so I figure "warp factor five, Mr. Sulu."

[EscapeVelocity]

Thanks mosaic. Im skeptical of gain adjustments on many Amplified RE&Loops. But that seems to indicate that it is working as advertised.



Some other channels I use in my testing.

Ch. 11 Savanah analog for VHF Hi.
Ch. 3 Savannah analog for VHF Lo.
Ch. 42 Jacksonville

[EscapeVelocity]

Sorry everybody, this post is just too good not to post here. Its information about materials for building your own bowtie antenna.

Originally Posted by whitis

Quote:

Typical outdoor antenna construction is aluminum elements and stainless hardware. Sometimes stainless elements are used.

I am thinking of using 316 stainless steel welding rod which comes in 36" straight lengths from welding supply stores (a store that actually sells bottles of gas not just a hardware store with a few welders). Combine that with stainless hardware to eliminate galvanic corrosion.

Mechanically, you want resistance to bending. The elements are pretty short.

Electrically, you want good conductivity, particularly on the surface since due to skin effect that is the part that will be used. Some antennas use plated steel wires.

Chemically, you want to avoid dissimilar metals and use metals which are resistant to corrosion. Stainless is better than galvanized which is better than zinc plated.

Aluminum is a good conductor but aluminum wire tends to be fairly weak, it develops an oxide layer that is hard to connect to, it is difficult to solder to because of the oxide, and it is hard to match it to hardware in terms of galvanic corrosion and thermal expansion. But aluminum tubing is very often used for antennas but requires a protective coating where it meets hardware.


Wood can be baked at 200 degrees F to dry it. And in the old days was boiled in parraffin.

ReHDPE (Recycled HDPE (polyethelyne)) lumber is good stuff, machines nicely, and is designed for outdoor use (UV inhibitors), and should last for decades. Get the good stuff online
online, not the sawdust filled variety (Trex) at hardware stores that absorbs 4.3% moisture vs 0.06% moisture. Wood can absorb up to 25% water.
http://www.teksupply.com/farm/suppli...rials;pg104577
http://epsplasticlumber.com/lumberpricing.shtml
teksupply will sell you a 3.5' piece of 2x4 for $10 and they have a 50 year warranty. I have worked with some of that. They also sell stainless steel fasteners, galvanized mesh (but only in >$100 rolls), quick clamp (kee clamp) set screw pipe fittings,

]For the structure, I thought about building a box truss (minus the diagonals) out of 1/2" PVC pipe and T fittings for lower wind load than using ReHDPE lumber. UV resistance is a concern with the standard plubbing pipe, though pipe and fittings are available (at much higher cost) with UV inhibitors from greenhouse supply companies.

For the mesh, the stuff you are likely to get in hardware stores is galvanized steel and costs about $0.50 per square foot. To get stainless steel mesh, you will probably have to order online at a cost of around
$6.25 per square foot with a $75 minimum order (about enough for two antennas depending on size). Rust on the mesh is more of a cosmetic issue and an avian issue since you aren't trying to attach wires to it.

Lead (solder) and zinc (galvanizing, zinc plating, paint) are toxic to birds. This is why bird cages aren't made out of galvanized wire. Wild birds may be less likely to chew on your antenna than domestic ones and do so less often. Hot dipped (typical hardware cloth) is worse than electroplated. The zinc itself rusts, while protecting the steel, making a powder that comes off easily on your hands or a birds beak. http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww14eii.htm

Using quality materials you can spend as much as a commercial antenna.
You can buy a winegard PR-8800 for $43, a channel master 4228 for $60, or an Antennacraft Super G1483 hoverman that claims to outperform 8-bays at
Summit Source. It is possible to outperform a commercial antenna. Many are designed to support obsolete channels and they are designed for mass production and to fit in boxes.

Ballpark estimates:
- Plastic lumber: $10
- Stainless mesh: $45 (need two to meet minimum order)
- Stainless antenna elements and feedline: $2?
- Stainless hardware: $8
So, you are looking at $65 in parts (qty 2) for a quality homebrew outdoor antenna. You can shave a lot off this by using inferior material, but you may find yourself climbing a ladder to repair, replace, or repaint your antenna. Cutting corners on the mesh, by using galvanized, saves the most money and impacts performance and lifetime the least and lowers the cost to around $25 (not counting shipping).

Set screw pipe fittings (Kee Klamp, Quik Klamp, etc.) can be used to construct antennas, antenna masts and support structures, and to provide more adjustability. Most antenna mast systems don't allow you to adjust elevation angle. These pipe fittings are available in aluminum or galvanized steel. Survived one year immersed in salt water (plus Hurricane Katrina). An erector set for grownups.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...2#post14133492

[EscapeVelocity]

Edited/added comments to RS UFO and Terk HDTVa and Picture Frame antenna on front page. Added Winegard MS-2000 MetroStar to The Dugout.

[EscapeVelocity]

Comparative review of several antennas including the GE Optima, RS 1838, and RS Double Bow.

UHF Reception Links and Tips


Review of the RS Double Bow Tie

My Search is Over!

[EscapeVelocity]

Terk TV-5, Silver Sensor, and Terk TV-1 came in today.


I noticed my TV Fool info is also missing 24 (real channel 40), is missing as well. Im in a low depressioin, but this is flatland. Ill post the info for just the zip code to show the stations and the difference.

Fascinating, it seems that WTAT 24 Fox and WMMP 36 MyTV may have moved to a new tower. I dont recall them being located in different directions at a different distance, now 27 miles. That may account for why WTAT is now one of my strongest stations and 36 is floundering(it always was floundering really.)

edit: Ah, here is part of the clue....

TVFools new 6/27/2008 update----300ohm

[EscapeVelocity]

Philips Silver Sensor




Fit is terrible on this wobbly unit. It comes in 3 sections plus a coax cable of thinish construction. The base and arm snapped into place firmly but the arm and antenna elements didnt and were loose-ish. Furthermore, the arm had lateral sway when any amount of pressure was applied. And the fins are easily bent, though they bounce back into place. This unit is very lightweight. Perhaps this unit could be improved with some clay or silicon caulking in the right places. The fin pattern is a bit different on this one than the Terk HDTVa. The SS performed on par with the Terk HDTVa, including its finickyness and fussyness. Geez, its getting hard to place antennas on this list. I almost want to move the CM4220 and the Youtube above the Terk HDTVa and Silver Sensor, because of their fussyness.

Pics coming soon.

Performance rankings.....based on EV's observations....Rough Guide

Channel Master 4220 with CM 7777 amp on roof
DB2 with Channel Master 7777 amp on roof
RS 1880
RCA ANT1500 "electrified"
RS DA-5200
RS 15-1892 UFO
DB2 unamped indoors
Classic Single Bow Tie
Winegard SS-3000
Terk HDTVa
Philips Silver Sensor
Channel Master 4220 unamped indoors
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications unamped
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and the Philips MANT110 and others)
Channel Master 4030
Philips MANT940
RS 1868 Delta
RCA ANT1020
RCA ANT1500
Philips MANT 510
Jensen TV-931
RS 1870

[EscapeVelocity]

Twin Lead FM Dipole - Radio Shack



Tried this one out for the heck of it. Attached the indoor matching transformer/balun that came with the MANT510. Tacked it up in the North facing window. Brought in my 2 strongest digital channels...with minor to moderate dropouts. That is all. It seemed to be on the verge of bringing in a couple of more stations, which showed video resolution data on the channel info bar.

And Im moving the Terk HDTVa and the Silver Sensor a bit, these just required too much attentiveness and adjustment to get all of the channels. The fixed Youtube was picking up my 3 strongest stations just laying on the couch. Im even tempted to put the RCA ANT108 above them. However, these antennas are highly directional and that is their special play, which makes them very useful for those with stable multi-path, like in big cities. So you really have to dig deeper than just glancing at the rankings.


Performance rankings.....based on EV's observations....Rough Guide

Channel Master 4220 with CM 7777 amp on roof
DB2 with Channel Master 7777 amp on roof
RS 1880
RCA ANT1500 "electrified"
RS DA-5200
RS 15-1892 UFO
DB2 unamped indoors
Classic Single Bow Tie
Winegard SS-3000
Channel Master 4220 unamped indoors
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications unamped
Terk HDTVa
Philips Silver Sensor
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and the Philips MANT110 and others)
Channel Master 4030
Philips MANT940
RS 1868 Delta
RCA ANT1020
RCA ANT1500
Philips MANT 510
Jensen TV-931
RS FM Dipole
RS 1870

[EscapeVelocity]

RS 1170 amplifier on the way.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search

HDTVprimer lists specs as and comments...

Gain 12db
Noise 6db

The 15-1170 is modest but problem free. It is a good 2nd amp in a very long cable.

[dattier]

EV,

Have you received any reports about (what I'll call for ignorance of a better term) stick antennas, such as the Philips MANT950 or the RCA ANT806?

Right now my ANT806 is working OK indoors, but I'm sure it would do better outdoors, if I had the means and skill to mount it.

[EscapeVelocity]

I havent gotten to them yet, I will.

Im gonna return some antennas and select quite a few to keep, for hopefully an instrument measured shoot out.

Ill probably pick up all 3 stick antennas and keep the best one for the shoot out.



Edit: Thinking about adding link and reference to the local threads in the introduction on front page....perhaps combined with the trial and error commentary on how to pick an antenna that is perfect for "you."

[EscapeVelocity]

Alright, I got out the CM4220, DB2, Single Bow Tie, and Youtube all on the same 12 foot coax, and back to back within minutes. And the CM4220 and DB2 were virtually tied, with the nod going ot the CM4220, and the Single Bow Tie coming in 3 but with respectable performance, followed closely by the Youtube. These were tested in the middle of the North facing corner window. In addition the Winegard SS-3000 got a bump above the Single Bow Tie. Additionally I tested the RS DA-5200, and it stands just slightly above the Double Bows, with it I used 2 6ft coax cables and the power injector. Also it and all of the units in this little mini test picked up my alternate PBS station 23 miles on the backside without adjustment. Here are the adjusted rankings.

Performance rankings.....based on EV's observations....Rough Guide

Channel Master 4220 with CM 7777 amp on roof
DB2 with Channel Master 7777 amp on roof
RS 1880
RCA ANT1500 "electrified"
RS DA-5200
RS 15-1892 UFO
Channel Master 4220 unamped indoors
DB2 unamped indoors
Winegard SS-3000
Classic Single Bow Tie
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications unamped
Terk HDTVa
Philips Silver Sensor
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and the Philips MANT110 and others)
Channel Master 4030
Philips MANT940
RS 1868 Delta
RCA ANT1020
RCA ANT1500
Philips MANT 510
Jensen TV-931
RS FM Dipole
RS 1870

[EscapeVelocity]

Terk TV-5





The Terk TV-5 is really cool looking. It is low profile, and the fit and finish were very good. Its got an Aux input and a side mounted switch to choose between them with an LED indicator. This is right next to the power on and off switch also with an LED indicator light.

It came in the box in 3 pieces the 2 rectangular "loops" and the base. Plus 6 foot detachable coax cable with nice "push on" fitting. Assembly was very easy...you just screw off the top cap and slide the "loops" into place and screw the cap back on. Its rectangular "loops" were much larger than I expected.

Performance really stunk....until I realized there was a sliding amplifier gain adjustment on the side of this thing.

Then it performed decently. Not quite as good as the RS Delta. I did try it on its side. It didnt seem to help at all. I pulled in my 3 strongest stations at my difficult location. This thing has 9" side squares (11" on the diagnol) "loops," that sit sideways and spin around its axis with a light touch. Its about 26" across, so its not small, but it is low profile. It seemed to like being either perpendicular to the tower or pointed at it longways.

Interesting design atenna.

PS-I tested the MANT510 again and its getting an upgrade. Review coming.



Performance rankings.....based on EV's observations....Rough Guide

Channel Master 4220 with CM 7777 amp on roof
DB2 with Channel Master 7777 amp on roof
RS 1880
RCA ANT1500 "electrified"
RS DA-5200
RS 15-1892 UFO
Channel Master 4220 unamped indoors
DB2 unamped indoors
Winegard SS-3000
Classic Single Bow Tie
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications unamped
Terk HDTVa
Philips Silver Sensor
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and the Philips MANT110 and others)
Channel Master 4030
Philips MANT940
RS 1868 Delta
RCA ANT1020
RCA ANT1500
Terk TV-5
Philips MANT 510
Jensen TV-931
RS FM Dipole
RS 1870

[EscapeVelocity]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

my experiences with amplified antennas here in NYC may be interesting:
most rabbit ear and loop antennas don't work at all, except for one or two very strong stations such as WABC.
The RS single bowtie works ok, but constantly adjusting it was a p.i.t.a.
the RS 1892 (UFO) didn't work very well, one was dead on arrival right out of the box, the second was very mediocre. The 15-1880 was terrible as well.
the Mant 510 was awful.
Terk HDTVa is a piece of junk, could only receive one station.
Silver Sensor is fantastic, but has no vhf, will need vhf capability when 7,11, and 13 return to vhf in 2009.
although I agree the Philips PHDTV3 is a piece of junk ( the way the rods fit into the back is off kilter and bumps into the main "triangle") it actually works quite well in my particular location, and in general is a better performer than the original Silver Sensor with a cheap RS 10db amp.

I think that you were overloading your tuner with all of the amped units. And the directionality of the Silver Sensor is very useful for big city mulit-path and interference rejection, and gives you good gain performance without an amplifier.

You may have success with the Terk HDTVi which has better fit and finish as well as VHF Rabbit Ear dipoles for VHF, as well, perhaps with a low power RS 1170 amplifier or even better a Winegard 269 amplifier.

[EscapeVelocity]

Terk TV-1



What comes in the box?

Rabbit Ear assembly with base, seperate UHF Loop, 300 ohm to 75 ohm matching transformer/balun, guid booklet.

I must say that I was a little disappointed with this unit. The loop is made to attach to an old TV which had 300ohm screw inputs on the TV itself. There is no way to join the loop with the Rabbit Ears, without additional hardware, like a splitter or combiner.

I didnt test the loop, its not quite as stout as the loop on the RCA ANT108.

So the RE's come with 300ohm twin lead hookups, but this unit does come with a matching transformer in the box. So I hooked up the transformer and then attached the RE's without the loop to the GV42LF.

And it performed similarly to the FM Dipole, being that these are basically an FM Dipole themselves with telescoping adjustments. It picked up my strongest 2 digital stations with minor dropouts, both UHF channels. Alternate PBS Ch. 16 and ABC Ch. 2 WCBD.

The build quality of the RE's is very good, and they have modern good looks. I think this would be a good choice for ganging with a better UHF antenna for there VHF Hi performance, similar to what Rick013 and golinux did.

They did beat the Terk TV-5 though...and they arent expensive. I paid $7. LOL!

Performance rankings.....based on EV's observations....Rough Guide

Channel Master 4220 with CM 7777 amp on roof
DB2 with Channel Master 7777 amp on roof
RS 1880
RCA ANT1500 "electrified"
RS DA-5200
RS 15-1892 UFO
Channel Master 4220 unamped indoors
DB2 unamped indoors
Winegard SS-3000
Classic Single Bow Tie
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications unamped
Terk HDTVa
Philips Silver Sensor
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and the Philips MANT110 and others)
Channel Master 4030
Philips MANT940
RS 1868 Delta
RCA ANT1020
RCA ANT1500
Terk TV-5
Philips MANT 510
Terk TV-1 without Loop
RS FM Dipole
Jensen TV-931
RS 1870

[EscapeVelocity]

Jensen TV-931



This unit was also a disappointmnet. It struggled with my strongest station, and failed at everthing else. It was smaller than I imagined. Came with a wall wart and permanently attached thick coax cable that was shorter than 6ft. Its amplifier gain adjustment knob was located on the back of the unit and was rudimentary.

Not recommended. I just checked this one again with the RS 1870...I dug up.

Its been on the list for a while, but this makes it official.


Channel Master 4220 with CM 7777 amp on roof
DB2 with Channel Master 7777 amp on roof
RS 1880
RCA ANT1500 "electrified"
RS DA-5200
RS 15-1892 UFO
Channel Master 4220 unamped indoors
DB2 unamped indoors
Winegard SS-3000
Classic Single Bow Tie
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications unamped
Terk HDTVa
Philips Silver Sensor
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and the Philips MANT110 and others)
Channel Master 4030
Philips MANT940
RS 1868 Delta
RCA ANT1020
RCA ANT1500
Terk TV-5
Philips MANT 510
Terk TV-1 without Loop
RS FM Dipole
Jensen TV-931
RS 1870

[EscapeVelocity]

Radio Shack 15-1870



This is a discontinued model that has automation similar to the RS UFO. But it doesnt have the performance, nor does its automation work so well..in fact its a hindrance. It has an elongated loop, that doesnt perform. I never really figured out how to operate the unit, other than by the left and right buttons, perhaps its missing its remote. Regardless, its performance is lacking and the power feature just makes it more of a pain to use.

Not recommended.

This ones been on the list for a while, but this makes it official. I checked this one and the Jensen TV-931 back to back just now.

Channel Master 4220 with CM 7777 amp on roof
DB2 with Channel Master 7777 amp on roof
RS 1880
RCA ANT1500 "electrified"
RS DA-5200
RS 15-1892 UFO
Channel Master 4220 unamped indoors
DB2 unamped indoors
Winegard SS-3000
Classic Single Bow Tie
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications unamped
Terk HDTVa
Philips Silver Sensor
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and the Philips MANT110 and others)
Channel Master 4030
Philips MANT940
RS 1868 Delta
RCA ANT1020
RCA ANT1500
Terk TV-5
Philips MANT 510
Terk TV-1 without Loop
RS FM Dipole
Jensen TV-931
RS 1870


________________

[EscapeVelocity]

New Category added - The Dog House

Jensen TV-931 and RS 1870 added to The Dog House and removed from The Dug Out.

[EscapeVelocity]

Contacted Channel Master about getting a CM 4040, we'll see.

[seatacboy]

Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity

Terk TV-1
I must say that I was a little disappointed with this unit. The loop is made to attach to an old TV which had 300ohm screw inputs on the TV itself. There is no way to join the loop with the Rabbit Ears, without additional hardware, like a splitter or combiner.

I didnt test the loop, its not quite as stout as the loop on the RCA ANT108.

So the RE's come with 300ohm twin lead hookups, but this unit does come with a matching transformer in the box. So I hooked up the transformer and then attached the RE's without the loop to the GV42LF.

And it performed similarly to the FM Dipole, being that these are basically an FM Dipole themselves with telescoping adjustments. It picked up my strongest 2 digital stations with minor dropouts, both UHF channels. Alternate PBS Ch. 16 and ABC Ch. 2 WCBD.

The build quality of the RE's is very good, and they have modern good looks. I think this would be a good choice for ganging with a better UHF antenna for there VHF Hi performance, similar to what Rick013 and golinux did.

EV, did you have a chance to try out the TV1 REs turned upside-down for UHF as suggested at the "TV Rabbit Ear" web site? They suggest using rabbit ears for UHF like this:

The axis of the angle formed by the rabbit ear points toward or away from the desired station, sort of. The antenna elements should be stretched out as long as possible, as you get greater gain and directivity as the elements get longer. This is not like VHF where you should adjust length according the channel wavelength

[EscapeVelocity]

Hey, I was beginning to think I was talking to myself.

No, but Ill try it out.

Also I think I just found the gain adjustment on the Terk TV-5. Im gonna give it a go again. Maybe another boneheaded move on my part.....now that Ive trashed it up and down the street.

[EscapeVelocity]

RCA ANT1500

Ive run through just about every antenna Ive got today and Im much more in tune with what is going on. And this one is getting an upgrade as well. When placed in the middle of the North corner window on the same 12ft coax cable, this unit kept up with the Double Bows. It wasnt the electrification or amping that did it that first day of testing. It was the location afforded by the extra 6ft of cable. And this thing sings over there. Its only missing one of my weakest stations....the other with heavy dropouts.

All that comes in the box is the unit with the non detachable coax. And that little bar that tucks into the unit to make a stand. Bumps on the backside plastic for keeping it off the wall, if you hang it with the 2 screw head mounts on the vertical center.


Channel Master 4220 with CM 7777 amp on roof
DB2 with Channel Master 7777 amp on roof
RS 1880
RS DA-5200
RS 15-1892 UFO
Channel Master 4220 unamped indoors
DB2 unamped indoors
Winegard SS-3000
RCA ANT1500
Classic Single Bow Tie
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications unamped
Terk HDTVa
Philips Silver Sensor
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and the Philips MANT110 and others)
Channel Master 4030
Philips MANT940
Philips MANT 510
RS 1868 Delta
RCA ANT1020
Terk TV-5
Terk TV-1 without Loop
RS FM Dipole
Jensen TV-931
RS 1870

[EscapeVelocity]

Alright, Im gonna have to rewrite the Terk TV-5 entry. I had the gain adjustment, which is a sliding switch on the side of the unit, all the way down. With it on reception was much better, but not great.

I also retested the MANT510 and its getting an upgrade. Im getting good at understanding my location and testing the antennas....at least when I dont boondoggle it up. LOL!