Local Channels-Antenna Help

[hello]

I live on the first floor of a small apartment building in Midtown. Got rid of cable a few years ago and not interested in getting it again. I have a set of rabbit ears for my TV and I was able to get digital channel 6, 19 and ION. I bought a converter to see if that would help and if I move the antenna around I can now get Fox (23)and Cool TV in addition to the previous channels. But for the life of me I can't get ABC, NBC or PBS which are the ones I really want. Any tips or tricks to get these stations?

[Hoss]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how-to/tv/build-your-own-digital-tv-antenna

You'll need to point it toward Coweta.  I tried this and it works great.  I used 12-gauge Romex for the copper wire that I had around the house.

Other than that you'll likely need to purchase a pricey commercial antenna, if you're not too techy to build.

[Conan71]

That or see if the landlord would allow an aerial on the top of the building.

[hello]

I see. Can't do any of that so I guess I'll keep things as is. Thanks for the replies.

[patric]

Unlike newer TVs, most converters were built as cheaply as possible to be competitive with the federal coupon program, and lack amplification.

If you want to continue using a converter, the fix is likely to be either an amplified antenna, or an in-line amplifier for your existing antenna.

[Hoss]

Unlike newer TVs, most converters were built as cheaply as possible to be competitive with the federal coupon program, and lack amplification.

If you want to continue using a converter, the fix is likely to be either an amplified antenna, or an in-line amplifier for your existing antenna.

But amplified antennas only work as good as the antenna created.  If the amplified antenna only brings in noise, then all you'll get is amplified noise.  Most store-bought antennas are crap.  Aerials won't work unless they specifically state they're made for digital.

The DIY antenna link I posted is proven to work by more than just the link I provided.  Do a search for it on YouTube.  I had an amplified, $30 antenna.  The non amplified one I built worked 10 times better.

[patric]

But amplified antennas only work as good as the antenna created.  If the amplified antenna only brings in noise, then all you'll get is amplified noise.

All true, but it sounds like the OP has addressed some issues of orientation that might affect that, and probably didn't know that cheap converters lack the stage of amplification commonly seen in the front end of current TV tuners.
Now, what are you seeing as the difference between a "digital" antenna and one built in the days of analog?

[Hoss]

All true, but it sounds like the OP has addressed some issues of orientation that might affect that, and probably didn't know that cheap converters lack the stage of amplification commonly seen in the front end of current TV tuners.
Now, what are you seeing as the difference between a "digital" antenna and one built in the days of analog?

It's not so much the change in the antenna as it is the reduction in the amount of power a digital transmission typically uses.  They all pretty much use the same thing; UHF, it's just that something that was good picking up good ole channel 8 ten years ago won't amount to a hill of beans...especially rabbit ear type antennas....with the reduced power the DT has.

[Ed W]

I think antenna and feedline performance deteriorate over time as copper and aluminum develop surface corrosion.  Twin lead is supposed to be replaced periodically, especially if it's exposed to the elements.  So an old set of rabbit ears won't work as well as new ones --- supposedly.  I'm just a bit skeptical.

It's unlikely that you have enough space for a conventional VHF/UHF antenna.  They're quite large, though the extra gain provided by a Yagi or log periodic is respectable.  A UHF-only antenna may be small enough to hang in a closet, but the channels you're interested in are still in the VHF range, I think.

So your best bet would seem to be an amplified antenna from a reputable manufacturer.  I saw many similar looking units with diverse price points.  The Antennacraft spec sheet says there's a -15.8 db loss in the low VHF, with the amplifier supplying 16 db of gain. Given those figures, I'd probably avoid one of these antennas.

http://www.radioshack.com/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/1500201_SP_EN.pdf

[godboko71]

Is the cities station only on cox or do they broadcast

[heironymouspasparagus]

I think antenna and feedline performance deteriorate over time as copper and aluminum develop surface corrosion.  Twin lead is supposed to be replaced periodically, especially if it's exposed to the elements.  So an old set of rabbit ears won't work as well as new ones --- supposedly.  I'm just a bit skeptical.

Shouldn't as long as the connections are gas tight and don't loosen over time.

3M and Raychem have some sealing heat shrinks that can protect outside in UV, rain, and other weather.  Works for a long time - many years.

[patric]

Is the cities station only on cox or do they broadcast

No Over-The-Air broadcast.  Carried on Cox and online at http://www.tgovonline.org so you don't really need Cox.

[rdj]

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/how-to/tv/build-your-own-digital-tv-antenna

You'll need to point it toward Coweta.  I tried this and it works great.  I used 12-gauge Romex for the copper wire that I had around the house.

Other than that you'll likely need to purchase a pricey commercial antenna, if you're not too techy to build.

Are you selling these at the Tulsa Flea Market?  I saw someone selling this there recently.

[Hoss]

Are you selling these at the Tulsa Flea Market?  I saw someone selling this there recently.

Nope.  Don't live far from there though...I hate the traffic it creates.  I'm surprised no one has been killed over there yet by automobile/truck/RV.

[Conan71]

Damn you Bing Thom!

I can't hear "channels" in a Tulsa context without seeing this: