Antenna Help!!!

GHawsJR · August 5th, 2005, 04:34 AM

I need help! What is the difference between VHF and UHF? What is a Gold-Plated "F" connector antenna input? I am looking at the Zenith ZHDTV1 HDTV/UHF Digital Indoor Antenna and want to know what those fetures are! Will it allow me to watch channles 2-13? Someone help me understand this thanks!

radio1_mike · August 5th, 2005, 03:04 PM

Hi.

VHF = Very High Frequency (Ch 2 -13)
UHF = Ultra High Frequency (Ch 14 - 8x)

Frequencies are measured in Hz (cycles per second, peak to peak). Anything above 440MHz is considered UHF, anything below (that is to the HF limit) is VHF.

An F-connector is the 'cable TV'-type connector at the of the coaxial cable.

The Zenith antenna you are looking at, does get all the channels you are looking for. But it is a Yagi-design antenna- so it is directional. So you will have to adjust the antenna to pick up certain stations...

HTH-
Mike

DanU · August 5th, 2005, 03:21 PM

I checked the specs on that antenna. It WILL NOT receive channels 2-13. It is a UHF only antenna, so you can only receive channels 14 to 83. You will need a separate VHF antenna to receive channels 2-13, or just go with a dual VHF/UHF antenna.

That is no Yagi antenna. It looks like a log-periodic antenna. Log-periodics are also directional so Mike's advice to point the antenna towards the strongest signal still applies.

radio1_mike · August 5th, 2005, 04:13 PM

My bad. I have not designed an antenna for awhile.

#43 fan · August 5th, 2005, 05:01 PM

I have a question-my damily wants a new antenna, since satellite is $30+ a month and cable isn't here. I presume I'd need a "combo" antenna to get both, right [VHF and UHF]?
And, it would have to be a very powerful antenna, since Green Bay is a 100+ miles away and our current one reaches that far. Also, we have a tower height of ~30 feet. Any recommendations?

DanU · August 5th, 2005, 05:54 PM

Reather,
If all the transmitters are located in the same direction, then you can use a very high gain combo antenna with lots of elements like this one: http://www.winegard.com/offair/pdf/pr-7052.pdf .

What type of cable are you using for the antenna connection? Is it RG-59 coax or twin-lead? How long is the cable from your TV(s) to the antenna? If it's fairly long and you're using those types of cables then I would try replacing it with burial grade RG-6 coax. If you're splitting the signal several times for many TV's then I would also recommend using an amplified splitter.

#43 fan · August 5th, 2005, 11:36 PM

Yeah, we primarily watch stations to the south, but occainsonally some ~ due North. I have no idea what cable I have, but I do know I have a very small wire coming from the cable. And, it is a long cable, about 50+ feet.
Edit-I also have an antenna turner, for the current directional antenna.

DanU · August 8th, 2005, 10:57 PM

If you have an antenna rotator then your're set! Just get yourself one of those high gain antennas.

Usually the type of cable is printed on the cable itself. RG-59 should be fine for a 50' run, although you'll lose less signal if you switch it out to RG-6, especially on the higher UHF channels.

#43 fan · August 8th, 2005, 11:17 PM

Now I'll need is the $$.