Transition is here, I need VHF/UHF antenna with 60+ mile range - HELP!

[TomCat4680]

The transition is happening and I was wrong, I need VHF for one of the stations I like after all (I thought my RS U75R would receive it, but no such luck). Whats a goof VHF / UHF antenna with at least a 60 mile range on both bands?

[CasualOTAer]

I'll let someone else suggest specific models for you, but I do want to make a few points.

If you go to a mid to large size LPDA combo antenna, you should think about adding a rotator, too. Your tvfool plot shows stations all over the compass. A "long-range" combo antenna is going to have a smaller beamwidth. If you can't turn it, I don't think you'll be happy with the results. [I hope your OTA tuner has an add-on scan or manual add feature.]


Looks like some of those channels you may be shooting for have co-channel interference warnings from tvfool. Could be that what you need is a long boom model with a good front-to-side ratio (and a rotator).

I know this is a DX forum, but I wonder if the expense of a big antenna/rotator would be worth it to you - especially if you still end up with spotty reception of your desired 60mi stations?

If you don't want to mess with a rotator, you might try something along the lines of
this (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=HBU22), and point it due South. With luck, it might still pull in your nearer stations while managing to pull in real channels 7 and 10. I think I'd leave off the 12dB amp for starters though. It's 3dB noise figure makes me worry that it might do more harm than good. I'd sooner raise the antenna a bit higher, instead of using that amp.

Just some shooting from the hip thoughts about your situation. The more experienced DXers here might have contrasting views.

[TomCat4680]

All I want is the Detroit stations. Like my sig says, I have DirecTV AM21 which only lets you pick 2 markets (I'm not interesting in any of the other stations on the list because of this)

I picked A. Flint (mine), which I can get with great results already and B. Detroit (best PQ in state and nearest market).

I need the VHF because WJBK is now gone in the daytime since its real channel is now 7 instead of 58.

WDIV, WXYZ, WMYD and WWJ come in good still mostly. the others (WPXD, WADL, WKBD and WTVS) are spotty. I want to actually watch them all the time, not just at night when DXing conditions are good.

[Jim Thomas]

Have you considered a Channel Master 4228 with a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp? I know you will say the 4228 is a UHF antenna, BUT, I use one at 25' and receive Denver's 7, 9, and 13 very good, at 45 miles distance from their towers. By its design, it picks up high VHF very well, in addition to the UHF channels.

If you seriously consider this setup, I know where you can find a new 4228. They are very hard to find right now with the DTV crunch.

[TomCat4680]

Have you considered a Channel Master 4228 with a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp? I know you will say the 4228 is a UHF antenna, BUT, I use one at 25' and receive Denver's 7, 9, and 13 very good, at 45 miles distance from their towers. By its design, it picks up high VHF very well, in addition to the UHF channels.

If you seriously consider this setup, I know where you can find a new 4228. They are very hard to find right now with the DTV crunch.

I bet theyre not truely VHF any more, seems crowded to have that many now with the conversion. 7, 9 and 13 are probably just their virtual channels now, NOT their actual physical channels. Am I wrong?

[Jim1348]

Actually, some VHF high channels will turn off NTSC and then move back to their original VHF channel in ATSC format. For example, 9 & 11 in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market are coming back to VHF 9 & 11 and abandoning the UHF assignments they have occupied for a while now.

[Jim Thomas]

I bet theyre not truely VHF any more, seems crowded to have that many now with the conversion. 7, 9 and 13 are probably just their virtual channels now, NOT their actual physical channels. Am I wrong?


KMGH-DT IS broadcasting on RF 7
KUSA-DT IS broadcasting on RF 9
KBDI-DT IS broadcasting on RF 13 (and remaps to 12).
So I know what I'm talking about and you should seriously consider it.

[k6sti]

For TV channels 7-13, try this:

http://ham-radio.com/k6sti/vhftv.htm

Brian

[Jeff-MA]

Have you considered a Channel Master 4228 with a Channel Master 7777 pre-amp? I know you will say the 4228 is a UHF antenna, BUT, I use one at 25' and receive Denver's 7, 9, and 13 very good, at 45 miles distance from their towers. By its design, it picks up high VHF very well, in addition to the UHF channels.

If you seriously consider this setup, I know where you can find a new 4228. They are very hard to find right now with the DTV crunch.

I'll put in another vote for the 4228, though mine is the older version. They actually advertise the new one as being able to work on the VHF-HI channels. Mine does a fine job receiving WHDH-DT 7 (just moved to 7 Friday night), WNAC-DT 12, and WPRI-DT 13. I was also getting WMTW-DT 8 last night, with some tropo to Maine.

http://www.starkelectronic.com/uhf.htm

[danw5211]

Channel Master 4221HD with a Winegard AP2880 Dual 75 Ohm Input Pre-Amp (AP2880) on a CM 3900 J-mount in the attic.

I'm receiving 95% of the stations in the Mobile/ Pensacola area listed at 115 to 116 degrees... After sunset.
Haven't tried elevating the antenna yet. It does fine in the attic. Except I'm concerned about the heat and the pre-amp.

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d663dccfe436470

The -18.4 NM(db) level seems to be the cutoff for the 155 degree heading on the antenna.