tv antenna

[dm567]

What are most of you using for tv reception? There doesn't seem to be many choices out there.

There is the boatenna, and then there is the plastic discs that require 12 volts as made by shakespeare. I'm trying to avoid another 12 volt gadget. The boatenna might be a choice if it could be permanently mounted somewhere. (24" diameter) I don't like the idea of raising it each time I want to watch tv.

I have a roof tv antenna at home that is not powered and it has a long run and works great. Too bad I could fit it on top of the mast! It would make a great perch for birds too.

All ideas and comments welcome.

[RichH]

My choices
... a "UFO" about 12" dia., mast mounted ... has integral 12vdc powered amplifier.

... a 66 inch length of thin copper tube held together end to end with length of rubber tube to form a 6" gap ... all bent into a 'circle'. Flat/ribbon antenna wire feeds each end of the copper tube. Needs to be hoisted aloft to a spreader, etc. good omnidirectional ant. DIY Price about $4.00.

[camaraderie]

We use the UFO as Rich suggests and have had good luck with it. The antenna boost helps even though it is on top of our 60+ FT MAST.
Here's a link:
http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|344|295760|69526&id=69511

[sailortjk1]

You can spend about $5,000.00+ for Track vision by Raymarine, than you have to pay for a subsription to Direct T.V or any other provider and......... Your all set. Satelite T.V. on board for only a few pennies.

You would be the talk of the marina.

[dm567]

I already spend $100 a month at home for Dish Network.

I'm looking for just broadcast channels.

Dominic

[sailortjk1]

I knew what you were looking for. I just thought I would point out how ridiculous you can be about spending money on boats and equipment.

[capn_dave]

It works just as good as all the fancy expensive antennas. I just find an old bicycle rim. Then cut it on one side. Dive in a dumpster and get a piece of PVC pipe, plastic, whatever and attach it to the rim so it holds the rim together without the two sides of the cut touching. Get one of those cable adapters that you can attach by screws and the other end has a cable connector. Attach the adapter with one lead on each side of the slot. Attach a cable, hoist that sucker up the mast and open a beer.

It's that simple and will work better than anything you can buy under $200. Or I Will refund your money. It isn't real great on the UHF channels.

Coming to you live from Staniel Cay Yacht Club
PS, I do not have an INTERNET connect all the time, as I am cruising right now, I will get back to you if you have any questions.
Fair Winds

Cap'n Dave

[oscarzulu]

I was able to get 2, sometimes 3, channels with hauling up a temporary antenna. But I was absolutely amazed at the clarity and the extra 7-8 channels that I got with one of those UFO's. Definitely well worth it.
Oz

[dm567]

Which UFO specifically were you refering to?

Also, anyone tried the boatenna? Sounds like a refinement of the bicycle rim that was suggested.

www. boatenna.com if I'm allowed to post it. I am in no way associated with this site or the sale of any antenae!

[bestfriend]

dm567 - I have been interested in this too, the admiral is bugging me for TV and our marina does not have cable or wireless. Sounds like Rich has got the right idea, and I am going to give that a try. Boatenna looks good too. Its the same thing, but refined. Not sure if copper or aluminum will give you better reception. May as well start with the 4 dollar option!
PS Home Depot or Ace will sell strips of aluminum that will be easier to bend than copper tubing. You could make a knock off of the boatenna easily.