Best sub-$100 non-rotational digital only antenna?

I'm right between Detroit and Toledo (Monroe, MI) and want to pick up as many digital stations (not interested in analog at all) as possible without using a rotator. My antenna will be roof mounted on a two story house with little obstruction (trees, etc.). Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Here's my tvfool info:
current: 3592
post 6/13: 3593

I'm right between Detroit and Toledo (Monroe, MI) and want to pick up as many digital stations (not interested in analog at all) as possible without using a rotator.


Consider two 7-69 antennas, one aimed at Toledo, the second at Detroit. The cheapest is the Antennacraft HBU-22. The Winegard HD7694P is another excellent choice. Add them together with a backwards splitter.

You can save on shipping by stopping by Solid Signal in Detroit.

Do you want any Canadian stations, eh?

Connecting two antennas with a backwards splitter will probably hurt signal on both antennas. the bast way to have two antennas like this is to use an RF switch to switch between the two, otherwise signal will probably be worse, not better.

I definately don't want a switch. I do all my tv viewing thru my htpc and windows media center. I like setting up recordings and don't want to worry about switches and/or rotators.

Is there a good wide beam width antenna that I could point to the north and would still pick up the Toledo stations (to the south) considering the Toledo signals are mostly in the green zone? Or would I just be better off getting an omni-directional? Which models would be the best choices in either case?

The stations you want are almost 180 degrees from each other.

The first thing I would do is build one of the coat-hanger antennas that are all over the place on this forum, but do not put a back on it. It will pick up signals from both front and back and you might just get all the stations you need.

That failing, since the stations are 180 degrees from each other, you can try two IDENTICAL antennas connected with EQUAL lengths of RG-6 coax to a backwards splitter. Aim the antennas in exactly opposite directions and any cancellation they do to each other will be minimized.

drewdrick,

I second the motion for a DIY antenna first. Build the mclapp version not the utube version. See: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=100137

Another alternative is to use a HBU-22 aimed at toledo and receive the stronger Detriot signals through the back of the antenna.

Well everyone seems to have their own opinions, but if cost is an object, a DIY antenna at near zero always beats the $100.00 posted max. But given our OP's all around the clock strong signal spread, I would tend to recommend a medium or larger sized multidirectional antenna if the OP wants a commercial alternative or is not the DIY type.

Our OP has a bunch of strong signals within 60 miles, and almost as many within 40 miles.

My other comment is that the OP is in a better location than I am. Almost no matter what the OP does, he will easily get most of the available OTA networks
with duplication. And may not have enough tuner channels to get them all without some cross channel problems.

But only the Shadow and the OP know which local channels are un needed, which channels would be nice to have, and which are must have's.

Is there a good wide beam width antenna that I could point to the north and would still pick up the Toledo stations?

Some have solved a similar problem by using a Channel Master 4221 with the reflector screen removed.

Unfortunately, that isn't going to help him with the Vhf DIGITAL STATIONS in both Detroit and Toledo. You will not get idealized reception from a non-rotating antenna unless you consider two antennas connected to the TV sets via an A/B switch.

And, by the way, there is no such thing as a "digital antenna". TV antennae are VHF, UHF, or both. All digital signals are either VHF or UHF. What you want is an omni-directional VHF/UHF antenna, preferrably amplified. You may want to try Radio Shack for a local dealer, or find one online if you prefer. :)