Testing This Unusual Looking UHF TV Antenna.

A couple years ago I purchased one of these unusual looking UHF antennas which looked like nothing I've ever seen, much to my surprise it did a pretty good job of pulling in TV signals, but everytime I looked at its strange looking front end on this antenna I wondered if it would really make that much difference in the signal strength to remove it, and based on my signal readings it didn't seem to make that much of a difference, but experience has taught me that an antennas performance in one part of my town may not represent how well it will performs in another, so I hope to test this antenna in multiple areas to find out how it compares to others.
The model number of this UHF antenna is TA451B made by a company called leadzm.

[@morrisonAV]

Were your test numbers generated from the same position you were in next to the chainlink fence? If so, wouldn't that fence be acting as a HUGE reflector? I'd be curious to see that same test run out near 2nd Base just ro remove the effects of all the metal.

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Good question about the fence. It may have had some effect but I'm not sure.

[@electronicartis]

Those small pieces of metal used to reflect the signal as you could see some of the numbers are higher with the whole antenna intact. That's going to help with some weak signal just getting up there to start show.

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Yes it did seem to help when the antenna was fully assembled.. Nevertheless I was surprised to see how well the smallest portion of the antenna did.

[@electronicartis]

@@GrantsPassTVRepair okay I understand. have you ever tried antenna vertical or horizontal see if there's any difference.

[@victoryfirst2878]

I really like your test location using the backdrop of a baseball stop as a sort of Faraday cage. What was the best antenna you have made for the FTA tv ?? Were well done test.

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Other than picking an antenna which is designed for the band of frequencies I wish to pick up, such aspicking an antenna designed for UHF frequencies. or the upper or lower VHF frequencies, After testing 20 different TV antennas I've come to the conclusion the perfect changes with every location. but the antennas I use the most are for the combined VHF and UHF frequencies are the Winegard HD7694P and the Channel Master Advantage 45. For UHF only channels I'm often able to make my own antennas with a simple loop of wire, but when I need something more directional for the UHF channels I often go with the RCA ANT705Z, or the Winegard FreeVision FV-30BB since they are not to expensive, and locally available in our stores here. I've tried a variety of other UHF antennas but I don't have all the model numbers. I use to show up at jobs with 5 different antennas and try them all, but it seemed there was never the perfect antenna for every location .

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@GrantsPassTVRepair Thank you Grant for letting me know the pertinent information I asked for. I was going to buy the antenna you have tested, but the best one for three hundred dollars. Then I came to my senses. With all the information available on KZbin I can just make myself the antenna. I am focusing on the gray-hoverman type. Not to big easy to build and can be stacked for more gain. This I am thinking is my direction to follow. What do you think and would you tell me if you have any experience with bow tie or gray-hoverman antenna ??? Sorry for the slow response also.

[@robertogalvez3865]

Could you share the coordinates for that baseball field and the Tx farm you used? Thanks.

[@znameto]

These are verry common In Europe you find them on rooftops everywhere. Especially in Austria Germany Italy

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

It didn't seem to make much difference when removing the long front end. As of lately I often use the RCA ANT705E.

[@TheGmr140]

neat, i wonder how that simple dipole would work, next to that fence, that make a great reflector. LOL

[@dennisqwertyuiop]

good test

[@diycarhome9151]

A Chinese manufacture makes them, sold under several brand names Digiwave, StellarLabs, Extreme, etc. I got a Digiwave model. Similar to yours, not exact but close. Your right the Reflector to the rear. Then triple director boom. With upper and lower directors. I my case the directors do add extra gain, I'm able to pull in stations from Brantford, Ontario to Buffalo, New York a distance of 92 miles.

[@nigelwilliams4800]

Big wire fence in the background would make a nice HF ant for ham radio 😂

[@yorkshireplumbing]

Carlson's Lab knocked up a homemade radio antenna in a video a couple of weeks back... looked pretty monstrous.

[@robm7076]

Signal must be incredibly strong in that location that only the small dipole gives you 80-90% signal.

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Yea we have pretty strong UHF signals in that part of town.

[@victoryfirst2878]

I am just amazed at the performance of the antenna element by itself. This got me wondering and I came up with an idea or two. The area you are using must be a super good location for reception. Some areas are just that way. What about if you would try using a place know for really poor reception ?? I know there is no set rule for over the air TV reception. But if you would give that a try it would be interesting to see just exactly how much of a difference this type of antenna would make. Thanks for your great work for us all to learn from your video Grant. Peace vf

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Yes you're right. I'd also like to test some of my antennas in areas where the signal is very weak.

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@GrantsPassTVRepair Nice to hear from you Sir. Look forward to your tests. Peace vf

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

@@victoryfirst2878 Here is a test I did a few miles further away. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pne9Z3l4nthoZqM

[@StephEWaterstram]

In the Metro Area, You only need the CM Omni+50 30 feet from Your TV situation rooftop mounted. It's a cute little aerodynamic thing probably designed to soar through the high winds. When You have a lot of bulk to these they are messed with by the wind.

[@gamermakerhunter5449]

In indonesia there's common antenna like that use multiple director antenna mostly is 3 and 5

[@hansjrnandreasen5867]

Hi what signal meter do you use

[@keithking1985]

do ya ever feel tempted to buckle that chain link fence into a huge receiver???

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Do you mean using the fence as an intenna?

[@KevinT7274]

Looks kind of like a Televes

[@sleeve8651]

I'm saying your test is flawed ! And for a lot of reasons ! Testing an antenna configuration like that and in those surroundings, is setting the stage for many failings ! I can't imagine someone that appears to be totally clueless, taking it upon themselves, to say they are going to test this antenna ? I was going to attempt to school you, but now have chosen to just suggest you do some research on at least Antenna fundamentals ! As I would find myself trying to describe something, only to then provide a definition, in hopes you would understand ! As it really is that involved ! And I commend you at least for your interest, but I believe you have done yourself a huge disservice ! It's kind of like coming to the well to draw water, but not having anything to put it in ! 🤔....? Just Say'n !

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

In considering your point about my surroundings I agree, This test should be re-done in a better location, as I'm not sure how the fence and surrounding structures might have altered my signal readings if multipath signals are present.

[@sleeve8651]

@@GrantsPassTVRepair Well you know more than I gave you credit for ! And I'm guessing this was TV signals ? As you may or may not know, but to be fair, you need to get away from the cities ! As depending where you are , those larger cities sometimes will have several local TV stations, so that would obviously mess up your test. But too, remember height is your friend ! And then comes using good quality feed line ! Good luck on your testing ! Have fun !

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

Thank you. FYI, I've had three antenna jobs where lowering the TV antenna improved my reception, I've learned that radio wave propagation can do some interesting things. Here's an example kzbin.info/www/bejne/oou7aKN-rrFkgdU.@@sleeve8651

[@sleeve8651]

@@GrantsPassTVRepair Funny you would mention lowering an antenna ! I took a known great working amplifier for Off Air TV reception, to a friend's home, as he wanted to see what he could see. The house has a stone exterior, and has a boiler in the basement, with copper pipes running here and there throughout the house ! The only signals I could receive, happened when I laid the antenna on the floor, in front of the TV ! It was like he lived in a Faraday cage ! As to your lowering an antenna, many times signals don't always follow line of sight, but arrive only after bouncing off of something, before they find your TV ! So it's hard to tell ? And then there are the Band openings that bring signals from all directions !

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

I can relate to your story.There are many areas here in Southern Oregon, where the only signals I can pick up up reflected signals, due to all the mountains blocking the transmitter site. Sadly they are not as reliable as direct line of sight channels, but some of them are decent.@@sleeve8651

[@smythie08]

As i thought, gimmicky rubbish. Looks fancy :ut thats about it

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

It would be interesting to try this antenna in an area with weaker signals to give it a better test.

[@frankowalker4662]

@@GrantsPassTVRepair I'd like to see that, You'd have to find somewhere remote to test it.

[@GrantsPassTVRepair]

@@frankowalker4662 Yes I agree. I'd like to try this test again in a different area.