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EV's Recommended & Top Rated DTV Indoor UHF/VHF Set Top Antenna Review Round-Up Guide - Page 9

post #241 of 3229
6/26/08 at 12:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

There seem to be 3 of them, the ANT706, ANT711, and ANT806. Anybody know which one is more commonly available, which ones have been discontinued, etc?

I purchased an ANT806 at the Wal-Mart in the southeastern part of Niles, Illinois (there's another in the northwestern part of the same town) Tuesday, June 24 (coincidentally, the day my CECB coupons would have expired if I hadn't used them), so if it's discontinued, it's remaindered but not gone.  Wal-Mart had a few more on the shelf, next to the ANT1500 boxes.
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post #242 of 3229
6/26/08 at 11:32am
Curious if anyone has tried tying two of those little RS bow ties together?

I'm thinking to separate them by about 5" with the feed lines joined in the middle to a balun (roughly emulating a DB2)...

It would be a fun experiment. Especially to compare against the popular Silver Sensor.
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post #243 of 3229
6/26/08 at 11:58am
Thread Starter 
Great idea wblynch, I wonder what that does with the impedence and loading? Maybe seperate them by 7", too.


Winegard HD-4400 and Channel Master 4030 came in today.
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post #244 of 3229
6/26/08 at 1:19pm
I got two at lunch time so I'll play around with them tonight and over the weekend. Gotta try them upstairs and downstairs both, to see what difference it makes.

I think I'll chop the feed lines and join them in the middle, like the YouTube DIY's.

If you think 7" is a better spacing, I will use that. I was only guessing...
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post #245 of 3229
6/26/08 at 2:36pm
Thread Starter 
Here is a pic of my newly assembled Winegard 4400. I dont think the build quality matches that of the Channel Master. Also the Channel Master came preassembled. Winegard 4400, some assembly required. Also, the picture led me to believe that a mast mount was included, it was not. Furthermore the brass plated steel bolts didnt come with matching nuts and washers...those were steel. One more thing, some of the front element assembly's elements/whiskers didnt fold out perpendicular to the sub-mast....the plastic behind them has grooves which the elements/whiskers settle into for support.

The front post and the back post come preassembled, but you have to twist out the elements and then join them together.

It is however very light weight. Rough guestimate, this Quad weighs only slightly more than the Double Bow Channel Master 4220.

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post #246 of 3229
6/26/08 at 2:41pm
Thread Starter 
Here are the pics of the CM 4220. I liked that it came pre-assembled, and the quality materials. The reflector screen is pretty hefty and stout. Also the reflector screen seems to be out of a flat plane.

Please excuse the quickie ghetto mount. The bracket on the back should be flat with the reflector screen and the U bolts tight to the mast.



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post #247 of 3229
6/26/08 at 2:47pm
Thread Starter 
wblynch, let us know how it goes. :thumbsup
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post #248 of 3229
6/26/08 at 2:51pm
Thread Starter 
Are those pics too big, its between that size and the smaller size on some of the other ones I posted? Someone please advise.
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post #249 of 3229
6/26/08 at 5:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

.... I just got an RCA ANT108, and Im impressed with it. It seems to be fairly well built, nice and tight.

I agree that the RS Single Bow Tie has greater UHF gain than the RCA ANT110; just about everybody ought to try one to see how it works at your location. My suburban location slightly below the crest of a hill, two miles from a major airport and near (but not under) a flight path, is a challenging one for indoor antenna reception.

RCA's ANT108 and ANT110 may be identical, just with different product numbers depending on the retailer - unless one has longer-extending VHF ears. Both of these might be slightly stronger for UHF reception than the ANT111 (with a smaller, rectangular UHF loop) sold at Wal*Mart and Best Buy.
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post #250 of 3229
6/26/08 at 5:23pm
As time goes by, I've become more impressed with the Philips MANT510. It isn't able to work miracles - there are still some local stations I can't quite pull in - but I've noticed this powered antenna seems to reject certain types of multipath interference and maintain signal strength better than quite a few others I've used.

The MANT510 seems to also have a decent quality amp. Could someone shed some light on this, and comparison between the MANT510 (with its flat-panel UHF array) and the MANT410?

The Radio Shack 1868 "Delta", a nonamplified antenna, has performed competently as well. It can provide a stable UHF signal. Has anyone tried using this with an amplifier?
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post #251 of 3229
6/26/08 at 5:47pm
Thread Starter 
Channel Master 4030.

I thought this simple slim metal loop amplified RE & Loop might be pretty good. It is. It comes with a 6ft detachable coax cable and a wall wart for power. Build quality is good. One special feature is dual 75 ohm coax outs on the back, not switched. They are both active, so you can use it with 2 devices at once, like a VCR and TV, or Computer Tuner Card and TV, etc. Its all black design is low key. I dont know whether the knob on front is for amp level or fine tuning, Ill look into that. One other note, there is no LED power on indicator light. Channel Master also has similar looking models, 4010 and 4020, both unamped with the basic model 4010 not having the fine tuning knob. They are stocked at my local Tru Value, I know the owner pretty well, Ill see if I can take them home for a quick test run.

PS, the loop is more adjustable on this one than the RCA ANT108, but all you have to do with the ANT108 is turn the whole unit, to move the loop in azimuth.


DB2 with Channel Master 7777 amp
RS 1880
RCA ANT1500 amped
RS DA-5200
DB2 unamped
Classic Single Bow Tie
Winegard SS-3000
RCA ANT108 (very similar to the RCA ANT110 and the Philips MANT110 and others)
Channel Master 4030
Philips MANT940
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications.... amped
RCA ANT1500
Philips MANT 510
RS 1868 Delta
My First Attempt at the Coat Hanger Antenna, Youtube Video Specifications
Jensen TV-931
RS 1870



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post #252 of 3229
6/26/08 at 5:50pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by seatacboy View Post

I agree that the RS Single Bow Tie has greater UHF gain than the RCA ANT110; just about everybody ought to try one to see how it works at your location. My suburban location slightly below the crest of a hill, two miles from a major airport and near (but not under) a flight path, is a challenging one for indoor antenna reception.

RCA's ANT108 and ANT110 may be identical, just with different product numbers depending on the retailer - unless one has longer-extending VHF ears. Both of these might be slightly stronger for UHF reception than the ANT111 (with a smaller, rectangular UHF loop) sold at Wal*Mart and Best Buy.

:thumbsup
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post #253 of 3229
6/26/08 at 6:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by seatacboy View Post

The Radio Shack 1868 "Delta", a nonamplified antenna, has performed competently as well. It can provide a stable UHF signal. Has anyone tried using this with an amplifier?

I have. And similar to the RS Single Bow Tie, it performed worse with an amp attached. I wonder if Im overloading.

You might want to look into bandpass filtering Seatac. Filter out as much as possible the offensive interference.
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post #254 of 3229
6/26/08 at 6:50pm
Round 2 over here. We got a Samsung DTB-H260F set top box for my hidef monitor in the bedroom. Dragged the old RCA ANT120b rabbit ears/loop combo in there and were able to pull in the two strongest signals... but need something to pull in the other 4 channels we actually watch. Darn basement apartments!

The window ledge in there is thin, so that rules the Silver Sensor we use in the living room out... and I'm not sure what 50+ feet of coax and splitters would do in pratical terms.

Tonight, we picked up the RCA ANT1500 on a whim. Yeah, long story short: it's no good in a basement apartment. Also, contrary to what the box says, it is VERY directional. Setting it in front of the window didn't help. Did manage to pull in one extra channel by facing the flat side south and resting the panel on top of a doorway.

Tomorrow, going to take the ANT1500 back and perhaps buy an inline amp for the rabbit ears/loop.
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post #255 of 3229
6/26/08 at 7:16pm
Thread Starter 
What kind of signal levels are you getting with the RCA ANT120B on the Samsung H260F?
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post #256 of 3229
6/26/08 at 8:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

What kind of signal levels are you getting with the RCA ANT120B on the Samsung H260F?

2 to 5 bars. It actually pulls in more signal in the middle of the room than the ANT1500 (which does zip). When put on top of the door frame, the ANT120B and ANT1500 both clock in 5 bars on the stronger channels... the 1500 just happens to lock in that extra channel.

Not a raging endorsement for a $50 antenna... at least, not compared to the ANT120B which is just a typical rabbit ears / loop.

That's why I figure I'll give amplification a shot -- maybe I just need to boost what's already there?
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post #257 of 3229
6/26/08 at 8:54pm
Thread Starter 
Yeah, $50 is too much, at $30, it may be worth it for some for its aesthetic value. Its signal level fell into a great range for amping at my location, looks like.

Cheap RE&Loops are pretty darn good, from my testing.

Good idea on trying amplification.


edit: Maybe try a Single Bowtie, I cant remember if you need VHF Hi, or not.
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post #258 of 3229
6/26/08 at 9:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

Cheap RE&Loops are pretty darn good, from my testing.

I am quoting this for emphasis. People have said it before and my experience has borne this out: Do not underestimate the $5 cheapies.

I'm going to see if I can track down an inline amp for under $20 locally and report back.

I look forward to your continuing tests. When you're all done, I think I may try out the best "cheapie" on the list just to see how it works in our basement dungeon. I'm beginning to think that's our main problem here, being under or at ground level.

P.S.: Did try the single bowtie. It's just too effing hard to find a stable spot for it. I get signal fluctuations like mad and no one spot seems to satisfy it for long.
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post #259 of 3229
6/27/08 at 6:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

You might want to look into bandpass filtering Seatac. Filter out as much as possible the offensive interference.

Bandpass filtering is something I'd like to learn more about.
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post #260 of 3229
6/27/08 at 6:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by fajitamosaic View Post

P.S.: Did try the single bowtie. It's just too effing hard to find a stable spot for it. I get signal fluctuations like mad and no one spot seems to satisfy it for long.

Alas, you put words to my dilemma.

The 5-inch round UHF loop in the RCA ANT110 (and its apparent identical twin, ANT108) seem to be less frustrating than the single bow tie in my location. I would really like to find a good bandpass filter.
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post #261 of 3229
6/27/08 at 6:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by EscapeVelocity View Post

Channel Master 4030.

EV, thank you for reviewing the CM 4030. I've seen no other online reviews of this antenna. In your evaluation, how placement-sensitive was this unit?

Fry's Electronics superstores sell this unit for about $35.
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post #262 of 3229
6/27/08 at 10:15am
Thread Starter 
RCA ANT1020, Terk HDTVa, and RS 1892 UFO, came in today.
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post #263 of 3229
6/27/08 at 10:54am
I'm still waiting for the RS DA-5200. All the photos have been very informative. Great job!
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post #264 of 3229
6/27/08 at 10:59am
Thread Starter 
Here is another one for you. Looking forward to your observations comments.

Channel Master 4220 vs DB2. This one is too close to call. Ive had this on up for a couple of days, and I cant discern heads or tales between the 2. Both have break ups during windy conditions, but I think the Channel Master has slightly higher gain on my weakest station Ch. 36 (real channel 35) digital. This setup is the CM4220 + CM 7777 amplifier + 50 ft of quad shield copper on steel RG6 coax. Same as with the DB2.

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post #265 of 3229
6/27/08 at 1:58pm
Thread Starter 
Sorry for the diversion into Roof Mounted Outdoor Antennas.

I installed the Winegard HD4400 today. Here are some pics.



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post #266 of 3229
6/27/08 at 2:01pm
Thread Starter 
Here are comparative pics of the CM 4220 and the DB2, plus a closup of the DB2 mount, etc. As you can see, the DB2 has only one mast mount vs the CM 4220's 2 brass plated steel mounts, and the CM4220 has larger 8" galvanized steel whiskers compared to the DB2's 6 3/4" aluminum whiskers. PS - I bought the DB2 used, and it had been mounted outside for an undetermined amount of time, it is not brand new like the others.



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post #267 of 3229
6/27/08 at 2:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by golinux View Post

I'm still waiting for the RS DA-5200. All the photos have been very informative. Great job!

Just gonna go unpack it now.

Wish you could optimize your photos more. The download time (and expected timeouts) are KILLING me on dialup.

Are you saving your photos for web?
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post #268 of 3229
6/27/08 at 2:12pm
Thread Starter 
Here is an interesting graph, I found. Incidentally, this thread is coming up on page 2 of google search for many combinations of terms in the title plus a few others in comination with "Indoor Antenna." Some on page 1, and some on page 3 to 5. And we are averaging 500 clicks a day.

Omgili Buzz Graphs
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post #269 of 3229
6/27/08 at 2:24pm
Thread Starter 
golinux, Should I downsize them to the smaller size, I asked that question earlier. I have a choice between 640x480 and 320x240. The smaller photos are 320 and the larger 640.

I can also ask Seatac to edit his posts and stop duplicating pics. Im sure he wouldnt mind.

640x480 is about 200kb to 250kb, 320x240 is about half that, I think.
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post #270 of 3229
6/27/08 at 3:35pm
Thread Starter 
I looking for a free web image optimizer now golinux.
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