Inchworm!!!

[JeffreyWilliamson]

Did you build the antenna?

How did it work out for you?

[Inchworm]

1. Workin on it!

:rofl:

My original didn't get any "digital" channels on the box... BUT!

When I flipped through the channels without the box (with built antenna) I got freakin PBS!

Oddly, I got zero on any channel. I'm guessing that the TV actually descarambles digital and that's why I got PBS there but not on regular antenna.

I'll keep tinkering.

Oh! All solder is conductive? and.. lol.. the point in the bowties is ok just being separated, or must it be shielded from one another?

Thanks for PBS, that's enough for it to be worth gathering hangers and scrap wood :D

:yourock:

[JeffreyWilliamson]

2. I caught that solder tip in the original thread.

I didn't solder anything, just screwed it down and let the washers hold it all in place. The only place that should be insulated is the wire crossover at each end. Since the wires lay across one another, one must be wrapped in some kind of plastic tape to keep them from touching. Other than that you should be fine.

Do not let any of the washers, once screwed down, touch one another, or the signal will cross.

Did you plug it up at your house or one of the others? I remember you mentioned you personally are about 80 miles from the signal source, but relatives lived closer, around 50 miles. 50 should work. You may need to add the amplifier, but in the end that should cost no more than a smaller, powered antenna. Additionally, elevation may help. The land is pretty flat here, (South Texas Coast), and so I can get the signal at ground level. There are no hills here.

[Inchworm]

3. Do you understand that 300 to 75 ohm thing?

Theres is a possibility that I place the new antenna where my old one is out on the fenceline. I have old fashioned 300 ohm stuff run out to there and switch it close to the box.

Does the antenna itself have an "ohm?" hehe

:dunce:

[JeffreyWilliamson]

4. You should be able to take the wire you have...

And screw that into the center washers on the antenna, then connect it to the transformer closer to the box. That transformer will look like this:



You will need to take each side of the 300 ohm wire and screw it down on each side of the transformer, and then the transformer itself should slip over the coaxial jack on the box.

[JeffreyWilliamson]

5. Actually that's not so great a pic...

Here:



The transformers usually come in a pack with both types. If you go to Wal-Mart or Radio Shack, you should be able to get a package with both for about $4.00.

[Inchworm]

6. Thats what I have now

the image you posted goes into the amp then cable from there.

But.. if the antenna is 75ohm, I'll need to change 2x. 75 to my long wire (300) to 75 again at the tv.

I'll read up on it in morning, but just hearing Charlie Rose almost made me blow a gasket :D

:)

[JeffreyWilliamson]

7. Don't worry about the numbers, just the connection...

Wire from antenna to box, then box to cable. If everything's plugged in, it will work, don't worry.

[Inchworm]

8. ok ok

I have now seized from TV worry :D

:rofl:

[JeffreyWilliamson]

9. All well and good.

Report back on your progress, frequently. Big Brother needs to know how the television "Viewer" project is going.

[Inchworm]

10. I ain't on teh grid!

:rofl: