With all of the channels available to you in the New York-Philadelphia area, you should not decide on an antenna based on one channel. WKOB broadcasts on RF-02. It is likely to continue to broadcast on RF-02 in perpetuity. However, between the Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas, virtually every VHF channel is used. In the case of RF-12, it is used twice--by WPXU-LD (RF-12) and by WHYY-DT (RF-12). RF-09 and RF-06 are each used by two stations. Having neighboring stations on the same RF-channel is not limited to the VHF band. RF-43 is used by two stations.
With the proper antenna aimed properly, you may receive every station listed on your TV Fool Radar plot. In the case of WKOB, this should be one of your easiest stations to receive. A non-amplified set of rabbit ears should do the trick. You can pick-up one during a quick trip to your nearest drug store.
Antenna design is fascinating. Learning this skill will teach you a lot about practical physics and electrical engineering. However, as a means to pull-in WKOB, it is a waste of time. I recommend that you set as a goal to receive every channel on your TV Fool Radar plot.
Whether you buy your antenna or build your own, your task is directed by the actual channels that you are trying to receive and the environment in which you will receive them:
- The data entry page for your TV Fool Radar plot is found here. Enter your exact address. For the height of your antenna, enter 20 ft or more if you have a choice. If you are limited for some reason, then enter that height. It might be useful to explain the antenna height constraint if you have one.
- Create a new thread in the Help with Reception area of this forum. Post a link to the resulting web page that displays your TV Fool Radar plot in your original post of the new thread. Include information about your residence such as whether it is a single family dwelling, high-rise apartment building, etc. If there are obstructions that may interfere with your reception such as trees around your home or tall buildings, describe them and the location relative to your residence. If you are considering an indoor antenna, then describe the location within your residence and the nature of the materials used to construct your residence.
If you still want to design your own antenna, then examine the software that has been recommended to you. You may also find a plethora of books on the subject at the
ARRL bookstore.