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kcoriginal

Last reply Jan 30, 2012 · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

Best damn OTA antenna array, period. At any price. Which one?

Ok, so the Title says it all. It's a bit of yellow journalism, I know... and it's kinda a take-off of that sports show with a similar name...

I am looking for the current opinion of what is absolutely the best damn antenna period.

Now, I am not rich... but considering how much a switch from subscription programming to Free OTA will $ave our family... I wanna know what's the BEST of the best....

thx, in advance!

kc in SATX

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southofi-10

Nov 20, 2011

Yes,I checked the thread out,but it lists no channels in Louisiana,Texas or Mississippi.
It would be great in the central states to keep the old giant antenna for full blown vhf if thats what it takes.
Seems alot of people want you to think the low band is gone.Many "new" antenna designs are for vhf high and up.

Tower Guy

Nov 21, 2011

southofi-10 said:
Yes,I checked the thread out,but it lists no channels in Louisiana,Texas or Mississippi.

KCWX real channel 5, FREDERICKSBURG, TX .

Do you want to try that again?

Low band VHF does not penetrate buildings very well.

navychop

Nov 21, 2011

Tower Guy said:
KCWX real channel 5, FREDERICKSBURG, TX .

Do you want to try that again?

Low band VHF does not penetrate buildings very well.

I thought VHF penetrated better than UHF. Difference in lower/upper or do I have that backwards? Did Europe turn over VHF to cell phones?

Jim5506

Nov 23, 2011

VHF, being a lower frequency bends over the horizon much easier than UHF, but building penetration it is not as good at as UHF.

My vote for the BEST antenna is the Finco 400-A.

It hasn't been made for probably 50 years, but we had two of them at Carlsbad, New Mexico and were able to regularly pick up Midland/Odessa TX stations (VHF) 100 miles away and on more than one occasion I was able to receive channel 28 out of Lubbock, TX which is 175 miles away.

there are plans out there for building yourself one of these TV antennas based on the original patent documentation submitted by Mr. Finney back in the 40's.

We used these antennas because our NBC station is 75 away with quite a clear black and white picture (this was before color TV).

navychop

Nov 23, 2011

And LINK.

gordonkearse

Dec 13, 2011

Wingard makes an 8200U that is cheaper than the 3671 Channel Master. The specs look pretty good on it. I put a signal amp on my 3671 (CM7777). I'm getting 30 channels at night and 20 during the day. Wingard also has a signal amp that is about 20 bucks cheaper with similar specs. I pointed my antenna at Savannah, GA and get Augusta, GA on the backside. That way I didn't need a rotor.

ghz24

Jan 30, 2012

finco 400-a-s

I would second the nomination of the finco 400 as best deep fringe home brew for VHF high. Even toning down the gain a little to keep SWR below 2.7 ( 2.3 max actual in last model) gives 11.5 -13.5 dBi net gain. And some 400s models hit 15 dBi at one optimized channel (but SWR climbs above 2.7 at more than 1 channel away from the channel optimized for... usually) The 400-A included notches to give UHF reception as well. Models show UHF performance is less than spectacular even though it hits a max of 14 dBi raw gain at channel 32-33. I don't know what gave such good results (175 miles to Lubbock TX) but the antenna models out at a net gain of 11 dBi at channel 28. So I suspect it was something besides just the antenna. I investigated this antenna mostly because I saw reviews that compared it favorably to a CM 4251 but sadly it doesn't. Also note this is a large antenna at ~ 8.5 x 7.5 feet.

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mheisen

Last reply Today at 3:43 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Hopper 3 with Hopper plus internet connection problems

Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

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Almighty1

Yesterday at 2:50 PM

mheisen said:
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

I have a DISH Hopper 3 (Software H713) with Hopper Plus (Software P15403). I have not tried streaming services but I primarily watch TVB Jadeworld international package which is only available by streaming and when I have an issue, I usually have to go to a non-streaming satellite channel first before the streaming channels will work again. What software versions do you have and what is the error message if any are showing on your screen? or is that Dish downloading logo just stuck and never finishes?

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mheisen

Yesterday at 6:11 PM

Almighty1 said:
I have a DISH Hopper 3 (Software H713) with Hopper Plus (Software P15403). I have not tried streaming services but I primarily watch TVB Jadeworld international package which is only available by streaming and when I have an issue, I usually have to go to a non-streaming satellite channel first before the streaming channels will work again. What software versions do you have and what is the error message if any are showing on your screen? or is that Dish downloading logo just stuck and never finishes?

I'm on H713 on the Hopper and P15403 on the Hopper Plus. It shows internet connection issues and doesn't finish loading the various services. I see the "loading circle going around. Sometimes I get a message saying that the service is having trouble loading my content and to check the internet connection.

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Almighty1

Yesterday at 6:33 PM

mheisen said:
I'm on H713 on the Hopper and P15403 on the Hopper Plus. It shows internet connection issues and doesn't finish loading the various services. I see the "loading circle going around. Sometimes I get a message saying that the service is having trouble loading my content and to check the internet connection.

Did it ever work correctly before? Hard to say what the problem is. Usually for streaming, it will show the Dish logo with lines sweeping down to show downloading, never seen the circle issue. Did you try a manual reboot, red button reset, power cord unplug/replug to see if it makes a difference.

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slow_poke_pete

Today at 3:38 AM

Almighty1 said:
Did it ever work correctly before? Hard to say what the problem is. Usually for streaming, it will show the Dish logo with lines sweeping down to show downloading, never seen the circle issue. Did you try a manual reboot, red button reset, power cord unplug/replug to see if it makes a difference.

Might be worth just to ditch the hopper plus. No issues here on h713

slow_poke_pete

Today at 3:43 AM

mheisen said:
Over the past few weeks, I have had problems connecting to streaming services (Netflix, HBO et al). When I go to the TV's native Channels, I have no problem. The Dish internet troubleshooter shows I have a good internet connection. I'm wondering whether it's an issue with my internet provider or a problem with the Dish software on the Hopper Plus. Anyone else seeing this?

Buy a roku and dump the hopper plus you'll be better off. If you have a smart tv you don't need either one. No hopper plus here and no issues!!!

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Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 12:44 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

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long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 2:42 PM

Take It Easy - The Eagles

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Yesterday at 4:54 PM

Take It as It Comes - Steve Winwood

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Yesterday at 5:26 PM

Take The Money and Run - Steve Miller Band

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Run Joe -- Louis Jordan and his Tympany Five

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The Long Run - The Eagles

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Gary Toma

Staff member Pub Member / Supporter Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 12:19 AM · posted in DIRECTV Technical Resources Forum

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 10/28/2026

The TPN Map Excel Presents all DIRECTV Channels:

National (50-States or wide/NAT+PR beams)
Local (Local-Into-Local or narrow/Spot beams)

Additional tabs provide:

OTA the (Over-The-Air) Database
VOD (Video On_Demand) Records
Offline Records
Engr Records
Net Decoder a graphic presentation of all satellites and transponders

Domestic Satellites
@99W...... D11, D14
@101W.... D16
@103W.... D12, D15
@110W.... D5
@119W.... D8

Understanding the TPN Map

Making Sense of the TPN Map Display Conventions

DIRECTV_TPN_Map_261028.xlsx 1,878 KB

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doctor J

Wednesday at 7:26 AM

Weekly Analysis for 10/28/2026:

Weekly_Analysis_261028.xlsx 16 KB

KyL416

Wednesday at 8:31 AM

ElectionHQ mixes testing with BBC News, CNBC, CNN, FBN, FNC, MSNOW, NewsMax and NewsNation

Some more reshuffles

Updating the TMSIDs for KSBI and KQCW to use the cable feeds with Thunder games instead of the OTA feeds

An additional commercial PPV channel is now on 9530

coolman302003

Yesterday at 5:38 PM

Monday 11/2 is a full slate for NBA League Pass as all 30 teams are playing and 14 out of 15 total games are on NBALP. Only one national TV game on Peacock/NBCSN (Thunder @ Cavs).

DirecTV is even having to use several MLB EI channels (from 745-748) and a NHL CI (770) channel to fit all of them in the guide close together. 5 games at 7:30 ET, 3 games at 8 ET, 2 games at 8:30 ET, 1 game at 9 ET, 3 games at 10 ET. Luckily NHL CI is light on Monday (3 games on CI).

DirecTV is providing both broadcast feeds for all League Pass games except Hornets, Magic, Bucks & Raptors that night. These are all teams that have local broadcasts via a OTA channel which is on spotbeams and have streaming deals (DTC) that are not exclusive DAZN teams which DirecTV just signed a deal with (à la Spurs, Grizzlies, Cavs, Pacers & T'Wolves). Its also very common that we don't get Raptors broadcast very often from TSN or Sportsnet Ontario on League Pass.

11/2/26 (MON) EASTERN	7:00 PM	7:30 PM	8:00 PM	8:30 PM	9:00 PM	10:00 PM
Peacock/NBCSN	Thunder @ Cavaliers
NBA League Pass	None	Pistons (745) @ Hornets	Kings (755) @ Mavericks (756)	Celtics (760) @ Rockets (761)	Trail Blazers (764) @ Nuggets (765)	Suns (769) @ Warriors (770)
		Hawks (746) @ Pacers (747)	Pelicans (757) @ Grizzlies (758)	Jazz (762) @ Spurs (763)		Raptors @ Clippers (766)
		Nets (748) @ Knicks (751)	Bucks @ T'Wolves (759)			Heat (767) @ Lakers (768)
		Wizards (752) @ Magic
		Bulls (753) @ 76ers (754)
		*No Hornets, Magic local broadcasts	*No Bucks local broadcast			*No Raptors local broadcast

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KyL416

Yesterday at 6:56 PM

Only the Knicks, Nets, Wizards, Bulls, Celtics, Rockets, Lakers, Warriors, Avalanche, Sharks and Bruins feeds will be using remaps of 24/7 RSNs that night. The rest will be relying on the part time feeds, including the Nuggets, Blackhawks and Kings who will be on their alt/overflow channels, and MSG Western NY will be live on channel 635-1 to carry Buffalo area ads during the Knicks game.

The NHL Network alternate will be live on channel 215-1 with Red Wings @ Panthers for those blacked out of Golden Knights @ Bruins on the main feed.

The Thunder @ Cavaliers game will be on one of Peacock Game Pass channels that night for commercial customers, they'll also have the back to back U-Conn Women's and Men's Basketball. One of the part time feeds will also be in use for WWE Raw via Joe Hand promotions.

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dtv757

Today at 12:19 AM

I could be wrong but the only RSN we dont have is NBC SN Philadelphia .

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Neutron

Supporting Founder

Last reply Yesterday at 10:56 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

RIP Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart died yesterday, October 28th at the age of 86. We lost yet another great actor.

Patrick Stewart, ‘Star Trek’ Captain and ‘X-Men’ Superhero, Dies at 86

He’s forever known for playing Jean-Luc Picard and Charles Xavier, whom he “admired for their morality, for their kindness, for their sensitivity, for their compassion.”

www.hollywoodreporter.com

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long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 5:22 PM

Rest in peace. Wow, so many good roles, but Jean Luc Picard will always be my favorite...

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meStevo

Yesterday at 5:48 PM

Yeah, this one is tough. RIP.

View: https://www.threads.com/@tismarkart/post/DfF4ONpkYPG

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Mr Tony

Yesterday at 8:50 PM

R.I.P.

mc6809e

Yesterday at 9:28 PM

Rest In Peace

sdfntx

Yesterday at 10:56 PM

R.I.P., Jean-Luc.

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Best damn OTA antenna array, period. At any price. Which one?

Hopper 3 with Hopper plus internet connection problems

Meta Muse Privacy Flaw Exposed Sensitive Shared Links #shorts

AI Is Turning Wannabe Hackers Into Cybercriminals #shorts

AI in the NYTimes Cooking App

Responses to PHP Flash Alert

Apple's Jump Into the Touchscreen Laptop Market

Pre-CES Tech Dispatch! 14 Gadgets in 11 Minutes !

Song Name Game Part 3!

DIRECTV Transponder Map ~ Data 10/28/2026

RIP Patrick Stewart

Patrick Stewart, ‘Star Trek’ Captain and ‘X-Men’ Superhero, Dies at 86