Stupid antenna tricks

[sixpointoh]

Okay, I've been messing around with DTV in Whitewater for a while now.

Setup:
WinTV-D card w/ latest available software
Windows XP Pro
Radioshack bowtie/reflector amplified antenna

Environment:
Cement block apartment building surrounded by other apartment buildings by a university -- each building 4 stories each.

I can get WTMJ-DT consistantly and cleanly. WISN is just a touch too weak. I used to be able to get MPTV 35 but not anymore (don't know why). I can get PAX DT consistantly if I set my antenna to get WTMJ. I cannot get a single Madison station. On good nights I might be able to pick up stations from Rockford.

My question is, I live in an environment where I simply can't place an antenna high enough to get a real signal. Lets just say I had every liberty but that of putting an antenna on the roof. What could I / anyone with some basic degree of technical expertise do to make a bigger and better antenna?

[Johnny Legion]

After being in the same situation, I decided to try out a number of options. I happen to live in a concrete jungle with a large 6 story building blocking a direct path to most of the broadcasting antennas.

I bought the bow tie antenna from Radio Shack and had mixed results with strength of signal. I even bumped the gain up, but I could never get a solid signal on most of the channels. I finally bought the silver sensor antenna, and with the addition of the amp, I was able to pull down all the signals including Fox6. I have to aim the antenna to two different locations to get all the channels, but at least I can say that I have had some success with using only indoor antennas.

Another indoor option that may be worth trying:  DB2
http://www.antennasdirect.com/IndoorAntennas.htm


Good Luck,

Steve

[sixpointoh]

Hmm, I've read a little about other antennas such as that. Mentally, I don't quite understand how signal capturing works, but the bowtie I have works miracles. I'm going to have to try that. Thanks for the reply! This could be fun.

[John L]

6point0,

   I got the same PC TV Card, the Win-TV-D and I have a outdoor antenna plus its amplified and I get ALL the Milwaukee stations, incl DTV along with WFLD-TV and WFLD-DT Chicago.  My antenna height is roughly 35'.


   Before I connected to the outdoor antenna, I experimented with a indoor antenna and only got half the stations.  I'd be able to get WCGV-DT signal but no video or audio.


-John L.