starin@abe.dec.com (Mark Starin KB1KJ DTN: 264-5596 MK01-1/A10) (09/07/88)
I have a room with southern exposure through a window, and cinder block construction all around. I have the TV across the room from the window (for convenience - I may move it later) and I get (for NY/NJ folks) 5,7,9,11,13,31,41,47,58,68 all fairly well, 4 good if I set the antenna right, and 2 just barely. 58 is NJN in New Brunswick. Rutgers folks - I am in South Tower on the South side of the building. Radio Shack lists in their new catalog an amp designed to be placed between the existing TV antennas (which came with the TV) and the TV inputs. It claims to boost reception by 10db. Has anybody used this? What do you think? >> Indoor antenna situations are compromises at best but I have >> heard of some success using either aluminum foil cut in the shape of >> a dipole or burglar alarm foil (available at RS) and mounted on a >> window. In fact, you could probably make a gain-type antenna, >> although it would be non-rotatable, with a minimum of components >> (see below). LAZY-H ANTENNA 468/f 468/f ------------------ ----------------- \ / \ / \/ NOTE: I drew this antenna from /\ memory so I'll have to get back / \ to you on the verical spacing. /| |\ ------------------ | | ----------------- 468/f | | 468/f | | | | o o 300 ohm feed As I recall, you move the tap up and down on the phasing line for the best match. I think gain is around 4 - 5 dB. I'd try passive means of building up your gain before using electronic means. Good luck and I'll send you the vertical spacing dimension tomorrow. ______________________________________________________________ Mark Starin KB1KJ US NAVY RADIOMEN DO IT Digital Equipment Corp. WITH MORE FREQUENCY Merrimack, NH (603)-884-5596 DECWRL::"abe.dec.com!starin" ______________________________________________________________