new antenna recommendation

[v1rtu0s1ty]

hey guys,

~2 years ago, you helped me select the antenna I need for my area. You guys suggested to me VU-90XR from Radio Shack. It's still on the roof and doing its job. I can receive all HD signals but a bit weak on channel 2(CBS). Also, rotating my antenna and pointing it to Rockford, antenna could hardly receive broadcast. Rockford transmitter I guess is about 63 miles.

I'm moving to a new house by August and would like to do it again. However, I want to have a non-Radio Shack brand. The place I'm moving is somewhat similar to the distance where I am at now. Can you guys recommend me a really stronger antenna? I was reading an article a while ago about directional antenna, however, it mentions that I may need to increase the height of it due to the curvuture of the earth. Looks like I don't like the idea of increasing the height due to strong storms in our area. I think, I was reading the longest antenna being marketed by antennasdirect.com.

I can go as high as $250 for an antenna as long as it will make me happy. :D

So guys, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Neil

[Ratman]

Channel Master:

antenna = CM3020 or Winegard PR7052
rotor = CM9521A
Pre-amp = CM7777

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Channel Master:

antenna = CM3020 or Winegard PR7052
rotor = CM9521A
Pre-amp = CM7777

Ok. I will take a look at it. Last night while waiting for replies, I search other threads and noticed that CM 4228 is a very strong and appealing antenna. What can you say about this model?

EDIT: I was wrong with the Radio Shack I mentioned above. I have VU-120XR model. I also have Radio shack rotator.

Looking at my old antenna specs, it says there:

Mounts on roof
• VHF range: 120 miles
• UHF range: 90 miles
• FM range: 90 miles

While CM3020 is:
• Deep Fringe (60-100 miles)
• UHF 60 Miles
• VHF 105 Miles

Is Radio Shack telling a lie about their capabilties?

Thanks,

Neil

[Ratman]

Most all antenna distance specs are very 'generous' with their estimates.

The 4228 would be very good, but Channel 2 will be a problem since it's low band VHF.
You could always mount a separate VHF only antenna...

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Most all antenna distance specs are very 'generous' with their estimates.

The 4228 would be very good, but Channel 2 will be a problem since it's low band VHF.
You could always mount a separate VHF only antenna...

So how do you compare 4228 with 3020? Is 3020 stronger than my VU-120XR?

[Ratman]

The 3020 and 120XR are probably comparable.

The (8 bay bow-tie) 4228 is better for UHF (IMO). The 3020 and 120XR are Yagi's (UHF). Tough to compare a large/long yagi to a big 8 bay. Each have pros and cons.

I'd say.... keep what you have.

[tigerbangs]

if you want a one-antenna solution for UHF-VHF, you can do better than the Channel Master Advantage 3020. Look at the Channel Master Crossfire 3671, the Winegard HD 8200, or the Wade-Delhi VU-936SR with the optional VU-8PZ powerzoom UHF accessory> These antennas, although harder to find than the Advantage 3020, far surpass it in build quality and signal pulling ability. The Channel Master Crossfire 3671 is widely available for $110.00, making it a bargain among the listed antennas Combine them with a good preamp like a Winegard AP 8275 or a Channel Master Titan 7777 and a good rotator, and mount it securely on the roof, and you will have a top-notch deep-fringe antenna system that will serve you well

http://www.channelmaster.com
http://www.winegard.com
http://www.wade-antenna.com
http://www.channelmaster.com/pdf/AntInstallGuide.pdf
Antenna Installation Guide

[kevinw]

Are you still aiming for the Rockford stations or going to try for the Chicago ones?

[v1rtu0s1ty]

I was hoping that I might find good HD sources at Rockford and if possible, Milwaukee but I guess, it's too far. I remember driving 90 miles from my house to our office in MKE.

I will take a look at the Channel Master Crossfire 3671, the Winegard HD 8200, or the Wade-Delhi VU-936SR. :D

[mac_bridger]

The 3020 does have a significantly better range than the VU-120. When comparing Radio Shack antennae to Channel Master, divide the Radio Shack range by 2. (A tip I picked up here.) I've found in my own studies that Channel Master lists "effective range" while Radio Shack lists "maximum range".

The 3018 is about equal to your VU-120. Anything above that should be an improvement.

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Looks like I'm going to go with the Channel Master Crossfire 3671. :D