Social Feed

Dylan Jake Jake

Last reply Dec 1, 2021 · posted in Over the Air Television By RabbitEars.Info

Does a more respected, more expensive preamp make a difference?

Currently I have a

PBD HDTV Preamplifier, TV Antenna Amplifier Signal Booster, HD Digital VHF UHF Amplifier, with 4G LTE Filter

I struggle with 1 channel during the day, it might pixelate a little bit every 5 seconds or so just slightly. If I was to swap to say

Winegard LNA-200 Boost XT HDTV Preamplifier

would it make a difference?

30 Replies · 14613 views

Load Replies (30) Reply Legacy View

arlo

Mar 4, 2021

I'm not sure of the KT-200. Performance looks real nice. High gain in preamps is important if you live way out in the sticks like I do where you don't have any strong signals in the area. Just like an SDR preamp, many TV preamps boost across the whole range of VHF/UHF. Especially those inline bullet amps like Radio Shack sold.
Better ones will have notch and bandpass filtering. But still have a fixed (or variable if you have such a model) gain.

If you're using common high quality coax and you had the opportunity to check sig. strength close to the antenna and end up losing a whole lot at the termination to the TV. Me? I'd consider just biting the bullet and getting some good low loss commercial 75 ohm coax and good connectors....and make one run of it. Extra connectors, splices to make up for length only adds to signal loss. In a low signal area the best RG-6 you can get isn't going to help if it has a high dB loss. And the extra shielding just helps keep RF noise isolated. I don't have any, so I don't notice the difference at all really between what the cable company left me and quad shielded. But that's me.

Yeah. Overload on strong transmitters has been a problem for a long time. External inline channel specific filters are available to attenuate those signals in these cases. I don't have to worry about that in my area. Not at all.

I just caught an Antenna Man review of of the Televes T-Force preamp. Brilliant! Somebody has actually thought of an AGC integrated into the thing. And the ability to use 2 antennas, both UHF/VHF. Not like others where one port will be for VHF and the other for UHF. That's cool.

BUT. What makes me wonder is if you get strong station overload and the AGC kicks in and lowers gain, what happens to the gain on weaker stations further away? I mean, all signals are passed down the coax and the preamp doesn't know what station your TV is tuned to. That part sounds kinda' sketchy. So I guess putting a notch attenuator for the strong station BEFORE the preamp at the antenna would work. I don't know.

primestar31

Mar 4, 2021

arlo said:
I'm not sure of the KT-200. Performance looks real nice. High gain in preamps is important if you live way out in the sticks like I do where you don't have any strong signals in the area. Just like an SDR preamp, many TV preamps boost across the whole range of VHF/UHF. Especially those inline bullet amps like Radio Shack sold.
Better ones will have notch and bandpass filtering. But still have a fixed (or variable if you have such a model) gain.

I just caught an Antenna Man review of of the Televes T-Force preamp. Brilliant! Somebody has actually thought of an AGC integrated into the thing. And the ability to use 2 antennas, both UHF/VHF. Not like others where one port will be for VHF and the other for UHF. That's cool.

BUT. What makes me wonder is if you get strong station overload and the AGC kicks in and lowers gain, what happens to the gain on weaker stations further away? I mean, all signals are passed down the coax and the preamp doesn't know what station your TV is tuned to. That part sounds kinda' sketchy. So I guess putting a notch attenuator for the strong station BEFORE the preamp at the antenna would work. I don't know.

I bought, and tried just last week the Televes preamp based on Antenna Man's review. It's junk compared to the KT-200-Coax. It has a 4-6db NOISE (NOT .4, but FOUR to SIX db), and my lowest power stations pixelate with it.

I removed it, and put the KT-200 back in place. I can't recommend the Televes.

televestech

Apr 23, 2021

primestar31 said:
I bought, and tried just last week the Televes preamp based on Antenna Man's review. It's junk compared to the KT-200-Coax. It has a 4-6db NOISE (NOT .4, but FOUR to SIX db), and my lowest power stations pixelate with it.

I removed it, and put the KT-200 back in place. I can't recommend the Televes.

I think this requires some clarification. The 560483 is a poor choice for your application. Please, allow me to elaborate. This dual broadband input preamp is intended to provide a solution to combine two broadband antennas on a budget, as such, it has an input broadband combiner, which inevitably increases the effective NF of the system. It is a great solution for many scenarios where a customer wants or needs to combine two antennas overlapping bands, but due to the nature of the combination, it is quite obviously not the ideal choice to be used for just one feed, be it coming from a broadband antenna or by diplexing several band-specific antennas, which seems to be your situation. This is particularly true in a fringe situation, as in that case the system is losing precious C/N by the broadband combination that it might need to meet the decode threshold. Not because the amplifier is "bad" by any means (it actually provides much better filtering, flatness, and gain regulation compared to most of the commercially available amps currently offered in the market) but because of the input RF combination needed for the intended application. The same thing would happen if you stuck a two way splitter in front of the single preamp you are using. This is actually mentioned in the amp's manual:

Screen Shot 2021-04-21 at 4.11.52 PM.png

The actual NF of the active itself is pretty much in line with that of the unit you are using (which in reality is not .4dB). The right product for one feed would be the one input, P/N 560383, or in a fringe situation with two antennas, use two individual preamplifiers and combine after, once the aerial feeds have been preamped and the NF of the system established. I hope this clarifies a little better. These are really very good units when used as intended. If you have the opportunity I suggest you try the 560383, which provides the most accurate repack filtering in the industry nowadays and individually adjusts the VHF and UHF independently ensuring an optimal amount of gain is applied to each band over time avoiding overload.

Reactions: Tower Guy

primestar31

May 7, 2021

primestar31 said:
I bought, and tried just last week the Televes preamp based on Antenna Man's review. It's junk compared to the KT-200-Coax. It has a 4-6db NOISE (NOT .4, but FOUR to SIX db), and my lowest power stations pixelate with it.

I removed it, and put the KT-200 back in place. I can't recommend the Televes.

In the last week, I was able to swap out the Televes 560483 dual-input preamp, for the Televes 560383 single inout preamp. I've been in the process of checking and realigning my antennas to peak them to the arc. I have access to an H30D3 cable meter to do this. I've changed things up a bit since posting some results in this thread:

Televes preamp synopsis

This post will be a bit long-winded, but I think it all needs to be given for background. My outdoor antenna system which is at about 25ft at present and installed with all PerfectVision 3Ghz swept RG-6 quad-shield & Thomas & Betts snap n seal connectors, consists of an AntennaCraft Y10-7-13...

www.satelliteguys.us

I now have BOTH my VHF High & UHF antennas going into the UVSJ, and the output of that going directly into the Televes 560383 preamp. The results so far, appear to be way superior to the Kitztech KT-200 preamp. From what I understand, the Televes has split-band amplification. Meaning the VHF & UHF preamp signal paths are adjusted independently.

I only have a single RF 12 VHF station, but even with the Y10-7-13 high gain antenna, was only getting a average signal level. I didn't want to amp it with the Kitztech, because that has no filtering, and VHF is especially sensitive to noise in the area. It's now up 10dB, and showing max signal on my Tivo diags screen (72/29, which is highest you can get for OTA on a Tivo Roamio, after it's internal AGC kicks in).

I'm only using a single UHF antenna for all the rest of my DMA's UHF station arc. 2 blow-torches on each end of that arc, some "not blow-torches" in the middle, and WFFC-LD low power station more or less in the dead middle. I'm about 5-6 miles beyond their furthest contour. I'm aimed directly at that station with the HDB91x. I now get a 55-57% signal strength and 23dB SNR. With the Kitztech, that was in the 40's for signal, and 16-17dB SNR.

My blowtorch stations aren't hurting that station, and the Televes preamps internal agc appears to be keeping those stations from overwhelming and swamping out WFFC-LD.

Once I'm positive that I have my antennas exactly where I want them for balance and stability, I will lock them down, take readings with the Televes for posting. I will them swap back to the Kitztech and its power inserter, and take readings to post that for comparison.

However, I now MUST retract what I said above in a previous post about the Televes 560483 dual-input preamp as "being bad". It simply was the wrong choice, for my system and needs.

As good of results as I am seeing now with the Televes 560383 single input preamp with stability and handling possible overload in my arc, yet pulling out that low power station, I'd have to say the dual input would be just as good, IF used under the proper situation it's designed for.

So, upshot from me is, after trying MANY preamps over many years, the present Televes is superior to everything out there. IF you feel you need a preamp in your antenna system, you shouldn't hesitate to buy the appropriate one from Televes, and try it for yourself. Just make sure you get the right version for your needs. Contact them and ask what would work best if you are unsure.

Reactions: Captain Midnight

Captain Midnight

Nov 26, 2021

primestar31 said:
In the last week, I was able to swap out the Televes 560483 dual-input preamp, for the Televes 560383 single inout preamp. I've been in the process of checking and realigning my antennas to peak them to the arc. I have access to an H30D3 cable meter to do this. I've changed things up a bit since posting some results in this thread:

Televes preamp synopsis

This post will be a bit long-winded, but I think it all needs to be given for background. My outdoor antenna system which is at about 25ft at present and installed with all PerfectVision 3Ghz swept RG-6 quad-shield & Thomas & Betts snap n seal connectors, consists of an AntennaCraft Y10-7-13...

www.satelliteguys.us

I now have BOTH my VHF High & UHF antennas going into the UVSJ, and the output of that going directly into the Televes 560383 preamp. The results so far, appear to be way superior to the Kitztech KT-200 preamp. From what I understand, the Televes has split-band amplification. Meaning the VHF & UHF preamp signal paths are adjusted independently.

I only have a single RF 12 VHF station, but even with the Y10-7-13 high gain antenna, was only getting a average signal level. I didn't want to amp it with the Kitztech, because that has no filtering, and VHF is especially sensitive to noise in the area. It's now up 10dB, and showing max signal on my Tivo diags screen (72/29, which is highest you can get for OTA on a Tivo Roamio, after it's internal AGC kicks in).

I'm only using a single UHF antenna for all the rest of my DMA's UHF station arc. 2 blow-torches on each end of that arc, some "not blow-torches" in the middle, and WFFC-LD low power station more or less in the dead middle. I'm about 5-6 miles beyond their furthest contour. I'm aimed directly at that station with the HDB91x. I now get a 55-57% signal strength and 23dB SNR. With the Kitztech, that was in the 40's for signal, and 16-17dB SNR.

My blowtorch stations aren't hurting that station, and the Televes preamps internal agc appears to be keeping those stations from overwhelming and swamping out WFFC-LD.

Once I'm positive that I have my antennas exactly where I want them for balance and stability, I will lock them down, take readings with the Televes for posting. I will them swap back to the Kitztech and its power inserter, and take readings to post that for comparison.

However, I now MUST retract what I said above in a previous post about the Televes 560483 dual-input preamp as "being bad". It simply was the wrong choice, for my system and needs.

As good of results as I am seeing now with the Televes 560383 single input preamp with stability and handling possible overload in my arc, yet pulling out that low power station, I'd have to say the dual input would be just as good, IF used under the proper situation it's designed for.

So, upshot from me is, after trying MANY preamps over many years, the present Televes is superior to everything out there. IF you feel you need a preamp in your antenna system, you shouldn't hesitate to buy the appropriate one from Televes, and try it for yourself. Just make sure you get the right version for your needs. Contact them and ask what would work best if you are unsure.

Glad to hear that you're having a better experience. I have a 383 that has been really hard to beat. Really handles DX well too. Ever get a chance to compare it to the KT-200?

primestar31

Nov 26, 2021

Captain Midnight said:
Glad to hear that you're having a better experience. I have a 383 that has been really hard to beat. Really handles DX well too. Ever get a chance to compare it to the KT-200?

Yes, it replaced a 2015 version of the Kitztech KT-200. The older one that has no filters. The Televes 560383 beats it, and keeps my system up and running better no matter what weather is doing, etc.

Reactions: Tvland1

Captain Midnight

Dec 1, 2021

primestar31 said:
Yes, it replaced a 2015 version of the Kitztech KT-200. The older one that has no filters. The Televes 560383 beats it, and keeps my system up and running better no matter what weather is doing, etc.

I'm glad that Televes is available for us OTA peeps now. I had been using older Winegards that had not let me down but definitely were designed for a different time. I even used HVAC foil tape to "shield" one Winegard AP-8700 preamp

Reactions: i_no_nutin, k.r. and primestar31

View all replies (30)

Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply 57 minutes ago · 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....

68625 Replies · 2678587 views

Load Replies (68625) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: c-spand

long_time_Dish

Today at 12:40 AM

Lonely Street - Kansas

dishstaller

Today at 12:46 AM

Lonely is the Night - Billy Squier

long_time_Dish

Today at 1:41 AM

Lonely People - America

Reactions: ClarkGable

hwkn

Today at 2:50 AM

PEOPLE Are Strange-The Doors

Reactions: ClarkGable

ClarkGable

57 minutes ago

You're Still A Young Man - Tower Of Power

View all replies (68625)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Today at 3:12 AM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Whiskey Pick: Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omPQDqqbatQ

Direct YouTube Link - Whiskey Pick: Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 12 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

JSheridan

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 2:09 AM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

All DMA's now Western Arc

I know HipKat said that they were working on conversions but we got the official news yesterday right from Dish that starting next month all DMA's will be on the western arc, and all customers will be assigned to that. That's gonna mean a lot of customers around here aren't gonna get Dish unless there are exceptions. Too many mountains and trees.

171 Replies · 4781 views

Load Replies (171) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: That American Girl, MikeD-C05, AkaDoubleG and 6 others

MikeD-C05

Sep 26, 2026

I don't know why DISH doesn't just start a streaming version of DISH and then if you can't see the western arc you go with streaming versions and then they could keep customers if they had good internet speeds. I mean Sling TV could be changed to Streaming DISH TV if they wanted since both companies are under Echostar. Then you would still be able to use your ota antenna with Air TV devices like I do with Air TV Anywhere with 4 ota tuners.

Reactions: That American Girl, Foxbat, dishdude and 2 others

Scott Greczkowski

Sep 26, 2026

MikeD-C05 said:
I don't know why DISH doesn't just start a streaming version of DISH

I have the same wish.

Reactions: JSheridan, MikeD-C05, dweber and 6 others

Strega

Friday at 10:01 PM

Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Jimbo

Friday at 11:17 PM

Strega said:
Even if you are broadcasting old SD-only shows, I would think advertisers would still want their commercials to look good.

Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

Reactions: charlesrshell

Mister B

Saturday at 7:35 AM

Jimbo said:
Advertisers on SD channels are probably Far and Few, very hard to find, they have very few viewers to watch them.

I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

Reactions: Almighty1, savarese04 and charlesrshell

slow_poke_pete

Yesterday at 10:40 AM

Mister B said:
I watch mostly SD channels (H&I, Start and ION, etc.). There are plenty of advertisers, this time of the year it is mostly Medicare Advantage plans, auto extended warranties and the occasional walk-in-tub. They know who is watching.

can't forget the little blue m&m's

Reactions: Almighty1, charlesrshell and telstar_1

charlesrshell

Yesterday at 11:23 AM

slow_poke_pete said:
can't forget the little blue m&m's

That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

Reactions: Almighty1, slow_poke_pete, MikeD-C05 and 2 others

bnewt

Yesterday at 3:30 PM

Scott Greczkowski said:
I have the same wish.

Why?
A lot of people do not have fast internet.
That is why they use satellite

Reactions: HipKat, telstar_1 and charlesrshell

NYDutch

Yesterday at 7:40 PM

bnewt said:
Why?
A lot of people do not have fast internet.
That is why they use satellite

DISH will happily sell them a Starlink system and service.

Reactions: Foxbat and charlesrshell

telstar_1

Yesterday at 8:12 PM

Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

Reactions: charlesrshell

Foxbat

Yesterday at 9:01 PM

telstar_1 said:
Why didn't Charlie end up launching starlink

Because he didn't have a fleet of reusable rockets. Starlink works because SpaceX is able to launch hundreds (thousands?) of their Starlink satellites for what a single geostationary Internet satellite costs to build and launch on a disposable launcher.

Reactions: HipKat, charlesrshell and NYDutch

telstar_1

Today at 12:08 AM

But how is it reusable if it's disposable

slow_poke_pete

Today at 2:09 AM

charlesrshell said:
That's what my wife calls my Viagra!!

My gf is 29 years younger than me :shh

Reactions: HipKat

View all replies (171)

dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Today at 1:03 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Well crap....Donnie Iris died today

RIP dude. Always liked his music. He was 83

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH5Arbm47IQ

1 Replies · 25 views

Load Replies (1) Reply Legacy View

dishstaller

Today at 1:03 AM

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFmPEgNuELM

dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Today at 12:39 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Yosemite HD

This video was put up shortly after I was able to take my family out to Yosemite in 2011. No AI.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6-2fVsFV8E

0 Replies · 14 views

Replies Reply Legacy View

dishstaller

Pub Member / Supporter Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Yesterday at 11:41 PM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Might want to watch this before you buy a new vehicle battery

Love this guy's channel. Looks like Walmart has thrown in the towel when it comes to conventional car batteries.

I bought a new AGM battery from Walmart about a year ago, it is already needing replacing. I thought about just buying a regular battery but from what I've read, that might not be a smart move. Might check my Forscan program and see if I can change the battery type from AGM.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awe7kY5nvdU

18 Replies · 201 views

Load Replies (18) Reply Legacy View

harshness

Sunday at 11:33 AM

When you need a battery, you need a battery.

If you can wait, new technologies are on the not-too-distant horizon.

You're probably doing something wrong if you're only getting a year out of an AGM battery. Heat and infrequent charging both significantly reduce lifetime.

dishstaller

Sunday at 12:53 PM

harshness said:
You're probably doing something wrong if you're only getting a year out of an AGM battery. Heat and infrequent charging both significantly reduce lifetime.

Huh? How can I be doing something wrong.....I took out the original battery, that was 6 yrs old and put in a new one.....kinda hard to screw that up. I figure it was just a bad battery....it happens.

The biggest takeaway I got from this video was the Walmart batteries only had something like 85% of battery life left even though they were brand NEW. The ones from O'Reilly all tested 100% of life left.

Jimbo

Sunday at 1:01 PM

dishstaller said:
Huh? How can I be doing something wrong.....I took out the original battery, that was 6 yrs old and put in a new one.....kinda hard to screw that up. I figure it was just a bad battery....it happens.

The biggest takeaway I got from this video was the Walmart batteries only had something like 85% of battery life left even though they were brand NEW. The ones from O'Reilly all tested 100% of life left.

And the Walmart ones mostly had very little warranty.

My last AGM (using now) I got from O Rielly's, its the Super Start ... I got the Platnium, they had several to choose from.

telstar_1

Sunday at 1:14 PM

He sounds like he's trying to sell me a pocket hose.

I just had to replace a car battery this week and thought I'd look into LiFePo4. Amazon has plenty of them, but all have top posts and only one 'also' has side connections (Group 75).Then I read that they're really lousy in the cold. So, an AGM, but again, almost nothing with side terminals instead of top. In researching that, I read that most mfrs in recent years have dropped side terminals and gone back to the old top posts, which is surprising to me since those are more corrosion-prone, cause the battery to need more space and are generally more hazardous. Finally I just threw up my hands and bought a regular lead-acid at Sam's Club. They had a Group 75 "Duracell" with side terminals only. It was virtually the only such battery with side posts on their shelves

arlo

Sunday at 2:20 PM

Had a Die Hard in my folks cellar for over 6 years. Pulled it out, slapped it on a charger for a day. Put it in my 'Cuda and drove it around for a week of my vacation. Next year, the same. But my dad kept it topped off for me.It was a mid 80's battery in early 1990.

Flooded acid batteries like a float voltage of around 13.5-13.8 voltage.
AGM needs a float of 14.2 volts. So if you slap an AGM in where a flooded was. It never gets a full charge.
"Why do they die so fast?" Question answered. There are folks who sell voltage regulators for alternators that are designed to boost float voltage for AGM batteries.
The other way around? Flooded will gas-off a little at 14.2 volts. But seems to tolerate it pretty good.

Lithium car/bike/atv batteries. After 3 batteries in my Harley. The OEM flooded and two AGM's (before the 14.2 volt float requirement to let them live was learned). I bought a lithium for it. 4 year, no gripe warranty after having it tested by an approved store.
The thing started like Thor himself sent a bolt from the sky. Except......try to start it around freezing? Nope. Needed a heating pad.
And I usually like to park it around events in the evening with the parking light on. Looks cool like that.
We could traipse around for a few hours no worries. Hop on, fire it up, and go putt around.
Lithium? A Dakota Lithium at least. The BMS shuts it right down if it discharges below <something>.
Come back. Parking lights off. Won't start. And you know the rest. But it lasted 6 years. A lot better than 'new every two'. And the fact that powersports batteries are warranted for six, maybe nine months. Ludicrous.

I called Noco. Asked all of the right questions. Great warranty. Save some bucks ordering directly, faster service that the wally world alternative.
They addressed (or claimed over the phone) that the shut down was addressed. Sure. The BMS keeps it form being damaged. But if it is shut down because it does become low. Shut down any load (key on, parking or headlights left on) for 10-15 minutes and you get a second try to start your rig. Not a bad thing if it really works. Right?!

Exide, Interstate? Be very afraid. They ain't what they used to be. In Florida my '70 Cutlass had an Interstate (early 90') that lasted 6 years until it dropped its plates at an intersection and boiled over. In Florida, mind you. The last Interstate.....done in 2. Guys down there would suck out the acid and put water in shortly before the warranty ran out. Make it to the auto parts, get them tested. And get a new one pro rated. No more pro rating.
You can't beat an Odyssey. Napa, AC Deco (the better ones). Yup.
The mom and pop Car Quest only sells Die Hard. For a reason, the old man says. So they convinced that a Die HArd Platinum was the hot ticket for me. l will see. Stand by!

You can't cut Mr. Project Farm down. He does great tests of all sorts of things. Not sponsored and pressured to slap a little sugar on his comparisons and reviews. Compared to the Brits and Aussies with their constant overzealous and same sounding (Dave from EEVblog) rant. I like P-Farm a lot. Of course I like AvE (Boltr) too.
Reminds me to beware when wearing shorts around the garage vice.

Opinions may vary.

harshness

Yesterday at 9:17 AM

Jimbo said:
And the Walmart ones mostly had very little warranty.

The days of the 84-month warranty appear long gone, regardless of brand or where you acquired it. Warranties tend to be shorter, with much greater dependence on quick prorating.

The big problem for lead-acid batteries (whether flooded or AGM) is that the US no longer produces lead (the last smelter closed in 2013) and must import it.

Recycling covers a good chunk of the need (~70%), but it isn't free.

EarDemon

Yesterday at 11:32 PM

I've always got regular OEM Ford Motorcraft batteries from the dealership and have never really had an issue. On my old Lincoln Aviator (the SUV from the early 00s, not the CUV of today), I had some phantom drain and went though a few batteries, but that was an anomaly and with the standard warranty I got free replacements. Taking the Aviator out of the picture, I've bought two batteries in my 24 years of driving. One battery replacement in my Mountaineer, one in my Navigator. But I probably would have had another one had I kept it around longer. Didn't have the Bronco long enough, and so far still on the factory battery for my Expedition.

I run more than the average bear. Dash cam, two radar detectors (yes, I'm aware that can be problematic when using simultaneously), laser jammers and a police scanner. I'm in Buffalo, 90 degree summers and 0 degree winters. Once in a while in the dead of winter I'll get an alert from the Ford app saying remote features have been disabled to conserve battery, but it starts right up.

dishstaller

Yesterday at 11:41 PM

EarDemon said:
I run more than the average bear. Dash cam, two radar detectors (yes, I'm aware that can be problematic when using simultaneously), laser jammers and a police scanner.

View all replies (18)

Ramy

Supporting Founder

Last reply Yesterday at 11:12 PM · posted in The Sports Section

2026-27 NCAA College Football

Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.

168 Replies · 2403 views

Load Replies (168) Reply Legacy View

Reactions: Mike0616

Jimbo

Yesterday at 9:22 PM

AI Overview

College Football Playoff bracket, schedule, scores, rankings ...

The 2025–26 College Football Playoff concluded with the Indiana Hoosiers winning the national championship by defeating the Miami Hurricanes 27–21. [1, 2, 3]

Playoff Results Summary
The 12-team playoff bracket featured the following key results across each round: [1]

- First Round: Alabama defeated Oklahoma (34–24), Miami (Fla.) beat Texas A&M (10–3), Ole Miss topped Tulane (41–10), and Oregon defeated James Madison (51–34) at higher-seeded campus sites.
- Quarterfinals: Miami (Fla.) upset Ohio State (24–14), Oregon shut out Texas Tech (23–0), top-ranked Indiana rolled past Alabama (38–3), and Ole Miss edged Georgia (39–34) across the New Year's Six bowls.
- Semifinals: Miami (Fla.) advanced past Ole Miss (31–27) in the Peach Bowl, while Indiana dominant-defeated Oregon (56–22) in the Fiesta Bowl.
- National Championship: Indiana secured the title with a 27–21 victory over Miami (Fla.) at Hard Rock Stadium. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Unfortunately, there was not rankings listed in this summary

AZ.

Yesterday at 9:38 PM

And no teams deserve a bye! Injuries are the largest part of the game that you cant practice for them. Any team can suffer the worst injury at any position on any play. No favorites.

Jimbo

Yesterday at 9:49 PM

AZ. said:
And no teams deserve a bye! Injuries are the largest part of the game that you cant practice for them. Any team can suffer the worst injury at any position on any play. No favorites.

I think they are actually discussing the Top 8 get a Bye this time, if they go to 24.
Then again, I heard something about Play in games for the 16-24 teams ...

Nothing is official yet, so lots of moving parts ...

Can't wait, lets do 24, 3 years later they will want 32 :sick

Yespage

Yesterday at 9:59 PM

AZ. said:
And no teams deserve a bye! Injuries are the largest part of the game that you cant practice for them. Any team can suffer the worst injury at any position on any play. No favorites.

While the bye can help the top four teams and those the Cartels would like to protect in the playoff, I think the bye is also about making the Cartel championships mean something. One problem with a playoff is it does diminish the conference title a bit.

Jimbo

Yesterday at 11:12 PM

Yespage said:
While the bye can help the top four teams and those the Cartels would like to protect in the playoff, I think the bye is also about making the Cartel championships mean something. One problem with a playoff is it does diminish the conference title a bit.

Once the 24 gets here, there won't be anymore Conference Championships .... or so they say.

Oh what the hell, we really don't need Conferences anymore either ... :coco