Antenna Position indicator

[timotb]

Do we always have to go outside, look at the antenna to see if is moving and which way its pointed, then try and point it in the rough direction of the desired station?

I bought one of those $30-35 directional, rotatable digital antenna kits on ebay. The antenna itself works great. The cheap system has a remote with two buttons and an amplifier with two lights. You can't tell which way its pointing from inside, or even if it is moving period. There is a green light on in the amplifier box that supposedly indicates antenna movement, but I find it's not always truthful when the motor is stuck.

I''m looking for a better antenna/rotor that can auto focus on strong signals, remember their locations and indicate the azimuth position in the house? Any thoughts? zip 44705

[timotb]

No one has an opinion?

[MisterMe]

You have two choices:

1. Mount a remote fluxgate compass (~US$800) or fluxgate compass (~US$400+) on your antenna.
2. Walk outside and look up.
3. There is a third choice. Get a better rotator.

Your choice will be determined by your budget.

[GroundUrMast]

There is a great difference in price and quality when you compare virtually all of the consumer grade TV antenna rotators with the next step up.

The HyGain AR-40 would be an example of 'the next step up'.

Other examples can be found by searching through HAM radio suppliers offerings.

[timotb]

Yes. It seems to be all about the rotor. The antenna is great at the consumer level, but not completely practical. This is why cable still wins. Thanks for all the ideas so far.

[MisterMe]

Originally Posted by timotb

Yes. It seems to be all about the rotor. The antenna is great at the consumer level, but not completely practical. This is why cable still wins. Thanks for all the ideas so far.

It is interesting that you did not specific which one of those $30-$35 rotatable digital kits you purchased. Leaving aside the fact that there is no such thing as a digital antenna, my bet is that the antenna you purchased is one of those plastic antennas with the wildly inflated reception claims. If this is the case, then your problem is not the rotator. The problem is that you purchased a piece of crap that cannot reasonably be expected to work [as advertised].

[timotb]

Its a WA830TG. AKA: Chinese piece of crap. Right now its stuck in the wrong direction. Have to go on the roof to see whats up. I have a 60 day return on this, probably will send it back.

The problem is finding a quality antenna anywhere that works. What makes and models are others using successfully? No hills or interference here in 44705

[GroundUrMast]

The WA830TG is marketed using several other names and model numbers. I can't help but wonder if they need to keep changing the identity so often because each name and model number combination develops such a negative reputation. Jammed rotator, short life of plastic parts and grossly inflated performance claims seem to be common.

Please consider starting a new thread in the Help With Reception Forum.

Guidelines when asking for help - With an accurate TV Fool report we can recommend an antenna that fits your needs.