Which TV Antenna is Best??

[familycruisers]

We are using the outdoor model from Radio Shack mounted to a bimini rod. For twenty some dollars we're impressed. It does have a power injector that you can cut and take straight to ships power (@12v)

[Ironman162]

Has anyone had experience with the two antenna diverse set top boxes on ebay for $120?
The are actually for tv in a moving car but should work on boats as well.
I know there are more expensive versions available in Sydney around $500 that works on the same principle of two antennas in diverse mode.
Any ideas are welcome

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[redsky49]

We've had quite good success from a Glomex 12V powered omni mounted at the top of our mast. Received signals as far away as 60 miles.

[Ironman162]

Thanks Red sky, I'm in a good reception area on a mooring but the swinging of the boat and the movement makes tv reception difficult.
I have a cheap omni directional antenna from Whitworths much not much hight as the motor cruiser doesn't have a mast.
How does your Glomex antenna cope with movement?
Many thanks for your posting!

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[Stumble]

If you have the space, the Dish Network Tailgater is supposed to work very well. Of course you have to pay for Dish network service, but it certainly comes with hd tv.

[Ironman162]

Do you know if there is a Provider in Australia?
I have a dish and a decoder but the dish mounting that can track the satellite while the boat moves very expensive!

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[ranger58sb]

Originally Posted by Ironman162

Thanks Red sky, I'm in a good reception area on a mooring but the swinging of the boat and the movement makes tv reception difficult.
I have a cheap omni directional antenna from Whitworths much not much hight as the motor cruiser doesn't have a mast.
How does your Glomex antenna cope with movement?
Many thanks for your posting!

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

We have the 12v Glomax omni for broadcast ("air") TV as well, doesn't seem bothered by boat movement.

-Chris

[Stumble]

Originally Posted by Ironman162

Do you know if there is a Provider in Australia?
I have a dish and a decoder but the dish mounting that can track the satellite while the boat moves very expensive!

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

No idea, but the new generation of tracking mounts are pretty cheap. I just replaced ours on the powerboat and the equipment was only about $400. I have no idea however what works in Australia sorry.

[sailvayu]

For Broadcast over the air here in the US I recommend Glowmex as well. I have tried a few other brands and types and the 10" amplified Glowmex is by far the best I have used. Having good cabling and connections is very important as well
This may help too
Living Aboard ZenTV on a boat

[klmmicro]

I watch very little TV and have no "commercial" television service, "air", cable or sat at home. I do have a powered antenna mounted to my starboard spreader and it provides great reception! It is made by Shakespeare, though I am not sure the exact model.

It seems to be unaffected by any of the boats motion. Regardless which antenna you go with, you will most likely want to mount it high. A few of my dock mates have theirs mounted on their Bimini and they all say that they are not happy with the reception.

[Bear]

I would like to try the tv antenna de jour . Is that the actual name of the antenna . Thanks Bear Gold Coast Qld

[S/V Antares]

We have what is known as a "Hinckley Halo" which is a simple 16 '' hoop of aluminum. Works well at the top of the mast but I added a MHOU "Jolt" amp and it works very well even in remote areas.

[wingless]

For me the Glomex has been holding up fine for 14 years.

The installation is a very important factor.

My recommendation is to use a continuous, uninterrupted section of quad shield coax, I use RG6. The best option is to use a solid copper center conductor. Almost all sources are for the copper clad steel center conductor, which is okay.

The other recommendation is for a high-quality compression connector. I use the T&B Snap-N-Seal compression connector. There are other very good similar high-quality options available.

[capt-couillon]