I've been following this thread for a while plus one contribution...so...
kd4e wrote:
> We are out in the woods and I need a mast-mount pre-amp for
> TV signals.
>
When you say "out int he woods", are the stations close (strong
signals), far, (weak signals) or a mix?
Are they all (more or less) in one direction?
What distance ranges and headings (or bearings) are we looking at?
> This one is only $26. but I worry that it is junk which will
> fail early
For that price it *might* be a concern.
> and may
> distort signals
Which *might* be a concern if you have any super strong signals. Most
remote amps including the moderate priced ones have variable gain.
> and fail to exclude Ham signals below 6M as
> well as 6M, 2, &
> 440.
>
Which may or may not be a problem.
Some have filters, some have a filter for the FM and 2 meter band and
some don't. HOWEVER unless you have some really strong TV stations, or
the 50, 144, and 440 antennas are going to be very close and of the same
polarization I wouldn't be overly concerned to the point of losing
sleep. I would get a bit better remote preamp though
> http://www.summitsource.com/product_info.php?ref=7&products_id=5741
> AntennaCraft 10G212 Antenna Pre Amplifier 30 dB UHF / VHF / FM
>
> Has anyone used one of these?
>
>
I've not used one of those particular remote amps, but I do have two of
the Radio Shack models up which are not noted for greatness.
> Can anyone recommend a better device?
>
> Since using a mast-mount pre-amp will eliminate the need for
> a rotator
>
What makes you think it will eliminate the need for a rotator? I'm not
saying it wont, but if the stations are at a reasonable distance then
you may not even need a preamp. If the stations are mostly in one
direction and the antenna is a relatively simple one like a corner
reflector of dual bow tie with a screen reflector then it's likely you
can get away without a rotator.
I get away with out a rotator or even VHF antenna and we in lower
Michigan are keeping lots of VHF channels, both low and high band. The
UHF are generally in two directions so I get away with two fixed mounted
UHF antennas while the VHF stations are strong enough I don't need a
directive VHF antenna. It took a little adjusting of the beam headings
but not a lot. It takes very little signal for a beautiful image, but
it also takes very little of a multi path signal to cause the loss of
sync, but you'll never complain about ghosting<:-))
> it is worth the investment of a few extra dollars.
>
>
I would go with a better amp, but I think many get overly concerned
about possible problems.If it's a simple system, put it up, try it and
modify it if necessary.
73
Roger (K8RI)
> WDYT?
>
>
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