Thread: NE Seattle
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Old 23-Jan-2015, 5:19 PM   #4
Tristan
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 20
Quote:
Originally Posted by GroundUrMast View Post
#1: No, I have no experience with the Digiar product. I have been quite happy with the real time signal metering functions of the SiliconDust HDHR tuners. With a WiFi connected laptop or tablet, I can manually select any channel and observe signal strength and quality in real time while at the antenna, as I adjust location and aim. http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=820 & http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=14059
Great idea! If I understand correctly, the antenna signal is received by the SiliconDust unit which then distributes via Wifi (or ethernet)... so I can stand on my rooftop and watch the signals on my laptop in real time. Anyone with experience with the iOS app(s)? Do they have the same signal meter functions? Mac version of the software?
Another thought I was contemplating: the HomeWorx HW180STP has a pretty nice signal meter... I might try attaching to my RCA TV, then I can run the HomeWorx receiver from an inverter/car battery that I have. I can accomplish this with no extra purchases, although the concept of streaming TV signals to computers/devices is intriguing

Quote:
Originally Posted by GroundUrMast View Post
#2: Combining two UHF antennas gets very complicated, very quickly...
I think I'll try to stay away from this can of worms

Quote:
Originally Posted by GroundUrMast View Post
#3: None that come to mind... But scour through the hardware / mast / mounting options at 3starinc.com
Thanks, I'll look over what they have! I wonder if I can attach a short connector pipe to something like this:
http://www.3starinc.com/universal_sw...ase_mount.html
with another mount on the connector pipe, allowing me to mount the DB4e or DB8e upright (and the use the swivel base mount to tilt upward slightly). This may get too rickety...

Quote:
Originally Posted by GroundUrMast View Post
#4: I can understand it seeming odd, but yes, the differences in frequency, exact antenna locations, power levels and the obstructions between the transmitting and receiving antennas all play significant roles in the differences you are observing. The wave lengths are all less than 3 meters... and the UHF frequencies are all less than 1 meter. As a result moving the antenna just a few inches can produce very noticeable changes in reception.
Makes this project challenging... not sure I'll be able to find the one spot to receive everything I want

Thank you again.
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