[C320-list] Boat TV //// Try a preamp at the antenna side of the signal to boost antenna performance

[Rick Sulewski]

John,

I experienced real good performance out of my "Boat Antenna" (circular
design hosted up with the halyard) before the switch to digital signals.

When I had to begin using a digital converter, I got very sketchy
performance from the Boat Antenna.

After experimenting with various powered and unpowered antenna alternatives
I finally achieved great digital signals from even under powered TV stations
when I added an outdoor residential TV antenna preamp attached to the Boat
Antenna frame. 

I now also run coax to the digital converter and pick 4 times as many
signals, all with exceptional reliability and clarity than ever experienced
before. The number of channels and level of reception now exceeds what I had
before the switch to digital broadcasts. The preamp costs about 35 dollars
when purchased online. Radio Shack does not have the preamps that work well,
but have inline amps that do not do the job necessary to amplify the initial
signal at the point of signal reception.

Rick
My-Ria 277

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Warren Updike
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 3:27 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Boat TV

I'd be interested in anyone's experience with masthead antenna and digital
signals. 

There are a few in our marina with an unpowered unit they haul up on a
halyard when in port or at anchor. It's a circular design of tubular
aluminum about 18" in diameter. I think that works OK for them. 

We tried one of those small powered digital antenna (GE) looks like a liquor
flask hanging in my rigging. I ended up taking it back, and going to my
local ham shop and asking there about an antenna recommendation. They told
me they have had better luck with some of the un-powered units. I bought a
recommended indoor antenna and just stick it out of or under the fwd hatch.
We usually get a few stations no matter where we are on the Chesapeake Bay.
Our tuner will report far many more stations than we actually get a signal
for; and, about half of those we can see are so pixilated and interrupted
that they can't be watched.

Some of the local stations dropped their power level after the switch to
digital. I was told the FCC required them to do that. 

Bottom line, I don't much give a hang. Aside from the weather, I only have
the TX for kids and DVDs. Think I need a laptop.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay


-----Original Message-----
From: Jerry [mailto:jbrown03 at sympatico.ca] 
Sent: Sunday, December 20, 2009 8:47 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Boat TV

If you buy a TV with an ATSC tuner (as opposed to an NTSC tuner) you will 
not need a digital converter box.  I believe it is now mandatory that all 
new TV's sold in the US are fitted with this type of tuner which is able to 
read digital signals directly saving cost and space.  In Canada you still 
have to look carefully as there are still NTSC only TV's out there......... 
Our digital TV conversion is scheduled for August 2011 (may get delayed) but

there are "test" signals in some major markets and if you are near the US 
then you can ss the US signals.  Here in Toronto I get about 20 digital US 
and Canadian channels directly into my ATSC tuner equipped big screen TV at 
home.

On the boat the performance of my analogue optimised antenna at the masthead

running through a digibox (USB tuner on my laptop with VGA out) to the TV is

poor.  When I unstep the mast next year for a routine inspection I will 
replace the antenna.  I have not decided which one I will buy then.

Regards

Jerry Brown
Indigo #1137

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Ray Durand" <durand.mail at verizon.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 2:48 PM
To: <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Boat TV

> I installed a new antenna this year when I bought a new digital TV.  It's
> the Philips model MANT940.  I've been very happy with it - works much 
> better
> than the Shakespeare antenna that I used previously.  Mounting orientation
> doesn't seem to matter.  Amazon has it for $30 with free shipping.
>
> Ray Durand
> #822, Marina del Rey
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of 
> jpmesa at aol.com
> Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 9:21 AM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Boat TV
>
>
> I was wondering what Digital TV converter box and TV antenna where being
> used out there on boats. I have seen several boats with the round antenna 
> up
> the mast.  Thanks, John Mesa   Holokai 2
>
> PS: I'm thinking about setting it up at our Condo!!!
>
>