TV Fool  

Go Back   TV Fool > Over The Air Services > Help With Reception

Notices

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 5-Sep-2014, 2:26 AM   #1
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
To switch or not to switch

As indicated in my previous thread: http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=14724 i am currently using an Antennacraft HBU33 with fair results.

I have a relative who has a friend that recently purchased an Antennacraft C490 and wants to get rid of it at a super low price. It has only been used a few months and is beyond the store's return policy. If i were to replace the HBU33 with this antenna, would there be any advantage to doing so?

Your opinions please
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5-Sep-2014, 6:17 AM   #2
GroundUrMast
Moderator
 
GroundUrMast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Greater Seattle Area
Posts: 4,773
The C490 would add the ability to receive real channels 2 through 6, a capability you have no need for, at least for now. You would also get more FM signal from the air... Which may not be a problem, but in a few cases may actually interfere with reception of one or more TV signals.

In all likelihood, you would see no difference in reception as compared to the HBU-33.
__________________
If the well is dry and you don't see rain on the horizon, you'll need to dig the hole deeper. (If the antenna can't get the job done, an amp won't fix it.)

(Please direct account activation inquiries to 'admin')
GroundUrMast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 6-Sep-2014, 7:11 PM   #3
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
I figured as much. I guess sometimes, bigger is not better.
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7-Sep-2014, 7:15 AM   #4
Stereocraig
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 472
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geezer64 View Post
I figured as much. I guess sometimes, bigger is not better.

That's usually what the guys w' the little antennas, say.
Stereocraig is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7-Sep-2014, 12:24 PM   #5
ADTech
Antennas Direct Tech Supp
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,942
"It's not the size that counts... It's how you use it!"

Sheriff of Rottingham, Robin Hood Men in Tights
__________________
Antennas Direct Tech Support

For support and recommendations regarding our products, please contact us directly at https://www.antennasdirect.com/customer-service.html

Sorry, I'm not a mod and cannot assist with your site registration.
ADTech is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 7-Sep-2014, 1:59 PM   #6
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
Funny, that's what the wife use to say and i emphasize "use to say"
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-Sep-2014, 7:54 PM   #7
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
The guy still hasn't sold the C490 and since it is a steal and could be used for backup, i'm gonna give it a shot and have a friend put it up for testing for a few weeks. We'll see what happens.
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-Sep-2014, 7:20 PM   #8
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
What, if any, performance increase would be seen between the HBU33 & HBU55
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-Sep-2014, 7:43 PM   #9
Stereocraig
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 472
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geezer64 View Post
What, if any, performance increase would be seen between the HBU33 & HBU55
It's a bit difficult to determine that, when they rate their performance in miles.
The 55 would most likely clean up anything that is borderline w/ the 33.
You wouldn't know this though, unless you tried the 33 first. If the decision has come down to these two, then I would buy the better one. You'll get your money back, eventually.
Stereocraig is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-Sep-2014, 7:51 PM   #10
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
Stereocraig, see post #1. I'm already using the HBU33 but looking to increase performance on a few channels that are borderline.
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-Sep-2014, 8:05 PM   #11
Stereocraig
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 472
Quote:
Originally Posted by Geezer64 View Post
Stereocraig, see post #1. I'm already using the HBU33 but looking to increase performance on a few channels that are borderline.

Ah yes, it's my first day w/ the new fingers =D

Sounds like you're on the right track.
Stereocraig is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-Sep-2014, 8:14 PM   #12
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
Thanks Stereocraig

I really would like better performance and am willing to fork out the additional cost of the HBU55 but the C490's price from the friend is really attractive. If the C490 isn't gonna give me better performance than the current HBU33, then the HBU55 is the next step. Trying to penny-pinch here a little and still see an increase in the performance.
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-Sep-2014, 3:11 PM   #13
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
Anymore comments on the possibility of any performance increase between the HBU33 and the C490 is appreciated.
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-Sep-2014, 4:13 PM   #14
tomfoolery
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 207


In order of gain, it's HBU33, C490, HBU55. The pdf's above are arranged C490, HBU33, and HBU 55, from left to right. Note that without the low-vhf elements, the HBU55 is the same length, but half the width. These data sheets are on Antennacraft's web site in the documents tab for each one.

If it were me, I'd do the 55 if I did anything at all, and was going to go to all the trouble and expense of swapping antennas, but it's not my money you're spending.

Last edited by tomfoolery; 12-Sep-2014 at 4:38 PM.
tomfoolery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-Sep-2014, 5:16 PM   #15
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
Very informative, Thank you Sir
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-Sep-2014, 5:25 PM   #16
tomfoolery
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 207
Just out of curiosity, what about your reception needs improving? Are certain channels pixelating, freezing, or sometimes there - sometimes not? Or is the signal strength and/or signal quality meter showing less than consistent high numbers, but the picture is otherwise solid on all channels?
tomfoolery is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-Sep-2014, 5:41 PM   #17
Geezer64
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
Pixelation and fluctuating signal strengths on some channels. The HBU33 has been re-aimed a few times and it's current setting seems to be the best. I just thought that with the pines in the vicinity, that changing out things could possibly help. One channel in particular, WVEC 13.1, should be consistent with the others but it isn't. Mild windy days and rain degrade most of the channels but I guess that is to be expected.

I've had cable and satellite mostly and am just not experienced in the OTA arena.
Geezer64 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Go Back   TV Fool > Over The Air Services > Help With Reception


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off




All times are GMT. The time now is 10:07 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright © TV Fool, LLC