TV Antenna

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

I got my portable TV/DVD yesterday and now I'm contemplating what to do about an antenna. The FM radio was easy, a little wire that goes around the top of the head compartment gets fabulous reception in Tampa Bay.

But the TV antenna part is a bit more challenging.

First, have any of you folks ever tried adapting the VHF antenna for use as a TV antenna also? Perhaps a little coax cable with the right connectors on both sides would work. Not sure if VHF for radios and VHF for TV's is the same, anyone know?

Of course, I suppose that won't work for the UHF channels but I think most football games are on VHF.

The other idea is to spend some money (about 80 bucks) for one of these boatenna's that can hoist up a halyard. Of course, my VHF antenna is already on top of the mast so that is why that came to mind.

Anyone ever tried one of these?




http://boatenna.com/framesample1_000002.htm

[baldbaby2000]

I made one of those from copper tubing and stuff I had laying around and a 40 foot piece of Radio Shack 300 Ohm twin lead with a transformer at the TV end. I used twinlead because it's light weight, cheap and you can close the hatch on it. I think you can get it at Home Depot too. I haven't had a lot of time to evaluate my antenna. Compared to an unknown type of antenna that the sound people installed somewhere in the foam in the V berth overhead, my home made one doesn't seem to work a lot better.

One is described here:

http://www.geocities.com/bill_dietrich/ ... l#StereoTV

I've never tried the VHF antenna on TV. I don't think you'd have very good luck on TV. TV uses a horizontally polarized signal for reduced noise while the VHF is going to be vertically polarized. That's aside from the fact that the VHF is a designed for a narrow frequency range that doesn't include the TV bands. You may have some luck using it on FM.

[Tahoe Jack]

Hope this doesn't double post...here it is again. We chose the Triax brand antenna which is mounted near the mast head. We posted a mod last season....under electrical and lighting...seems like it was titled Mast Head ...etc. The Triax comes with a small amplifier which we placed inside the head, opposite our swivel mounted LCD TV which is on the salon side of the forward head wall. We also use a short 'jumper' cable which allows use while parked on road trips. The mount we chose allows 90-deg swivel to reduce road drag. We are pleased with the performance....now, if there was something of merit on the TV...
Take a look at the mod. Tahoe Jack