Antenna - Base Station CB Antennas

Continuing with our research into the CB craze of the mid 70s we'll take a look at what were considered the elite antennas when it came to having a CB setup. While the truckers may have ruled the roads and channel 19, it was the everyday hobbyist who ruled the airwaves from his home, and rule they did.

If you were on CB and really wanted to impress people with your booming voice over the airwaves you had no choice but to set up a base unit. Not only were the units themselves powerful but the antennas that people put up on their roof tops could have given some rival TV stations a run for their money.

Choosing a CB antenna for your base station was not easy. There were plenty to choose from and they all had their pluses and minuses.

One of the most powerful, yet most frustrating was the ever popular Moon Raker. This was a beam antenna that looked very similar to TV antennas, most having 3 elements mounted on an 11 meter base. These were called regular Moon Rakers. However, there were beam antennas that had up to six elements on them. They were referred to as a Moon Raker 6. These things were huge. The problem with them was that they were directional antennas. What this means is that depending on what direction your antenna was pointing that was where you got your best reception and transmission. So if you were speaking to somebody who was south of you and your antenna was pointing north you had to turn the antenna 180 degrees in order to get a decent reception. This got to be a pain after a while. The plus side was that these antennas were so powerful they could cut through anything once you had your target zeroed in.

Another popular base antenna was what was called the "Big Stick". This was really just a very long fiberglass antenna. They were usually about 10 to 15 feet long. They weren't as powerful as the Moon Raker but they transmitted and received equally well in all directions and therefore were great all purpose base antennas especially if you were in a centrally located area where you had a number of people you could speak to in all directions. Also, Big Sticks were relatively cheap next to a Moon Raker that sold for a couple of hundred dollars. A Big Stick was about $70.

For people who didn't have a very large budget, there were base station antennas made that quite honestly were not much more powerful than their mobile counterparts. When you take the lack of power of these antennas into account against their price tag of about $50, it made much more sense to go with a Big Stick.

The biggest problem with all of these antennas, especially in the old days, was that they were constantly interfering with TV receptions. Today with cable, things are not quite as bad.

Even though CB isn't as popular with homeowners as it was 30 years ago, you can still see these bad boys on roof tops if you look close enough. Just make sure you stop the car first before taking a look.


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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Antennas
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Antenna Basics

An electrical device designed to receive and transmit electromagnetic waves is called an antenna. Antennas are commonly used in radio, television broadcasting, cell phones, radar and other systems involving the use of electromagnetic waves. Since electromagnetic waves can pass thru any medium at a certain frequency, this simply means that antennas can work not only in air but also under water and even thru solid ground. An antenna is also defined as an arrangement of conductors that generate electromagnetic field as a reaction to applied alternating electrical current or induce an alternating current between its terminals when placed in an electromagnetic field.

The word antenna became popular because of Guglielmo Marconi, an Italian scientist. Marconi was testing experimental wireless equipment in the Alps of Salvan, Switzerland way back in 1895. A tent pole in Italian is called l'antenna centrale and Marconi was using the term antenna to describe the pole that serves as the transmitting and receiving elements of his wireless equipment. Today, the term used by Marconi is now being used uniformly to refer to this type of equipment. Antennas are usually intended for communication applications involving radio waves. Although other communicating systems that utilize electromagnetic waves other than radio waves still use antenna to refer for their transmitting and receiving elements.

There are two basic types of antennas. The omni-directional antenna radiates electromagnetic signal equally in the three dimensional plane while the directional antenna radiates the signal more in one direction. Adding conducting elements such as a rod or a coil and varying their spacing, direction and length can create a specific antenna with specific properties. By connecting several antennas to a common source, it becomes an antenna array that has a directive radiation pattern. The conductive means for conveying signal energy between the active antenna and the source is called antenna lead-in while the components between an amplifier and the active antenna is called antenna feed.

There are certain parts of an antenna that perform a distinct function. A few of these parts are the reflector and director. The reflector is usually a metallic plate or screen that reradiates the electromagnetic radiation coming from or going to the active antenna and adding a component in an opposite direction to the velocity of the interrupting electromagnetic wave. The director on the other hand, works in a similar manner but adds a component on the same direction to the velocity of the interrupting electromagnetic wave. Most antennas are made up of simple vertical rods. These simple antennas are inexpensive and are omni-directional with respect to the horizontal plane. However, the direction that the rod is pointing at is a null area where the antenna can't receive or transmit. Theoretically, signals transmitted by an antenna can travel at great distances and at the speed of light. In reality, the speed of the signal is affected by the medium it is passing thru. Radio waves can even penetrate solid materials such as a non-conducting wall. Some solid materials however, may totally reflect the signal and in essence, not allowing it to pass through.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Antennas

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RV Satellite Antenna

The first thing that you should know about RV satellite antennas is that there are three types: satellite radio antennas, satellite cable television antennas and satellite internet antennas. These antennas also come in portable models and affixed models, as well as regular and low profile models. You will want to select the RV satellite antenna that is right for your communication and entertainment needs.

The type of RV satellite antenna that you have, your service carrier and the type of satellite signal you are trying to pick up are all going to impact where you will be able to pick up a signal. Most satellite services will be accessible in the continental U.S., however, if you live in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Puerto Rico, Mexico or the Caribbean, then you may find that satellite cable, radio and internet services may be limited. However, recent updates in satellite technology make some satellite services available to anyone who has a clear view of the southern skies.

One of the satellite systems that you can select for your RV is the EchoStar Satellite Network. This network is what operates the Dish Network. It currently uses 14 different satellites with orbits ranging from 61 degrees West to 148 degrees West. This satellite network uses both Ku Band and Ka Band links, however, the Band that your satellite dish accesses will vary depending on what satellite your service is linked to and what cable satellite package you select. Your satellite dish model will also impact which satellite you will use to link to programming.

There are dozens of satellite dish antennas that you can buy. However, your choices are going to be limited to what antennas are designed to pick up the signals transmitted by your service provider. For example you will need a MotoSat portable antenna if you want to receive MotoSat mobile internet service while on the go, you will need a Sirium Micro Dot Low Profile Antenna or Sirius Magnetic Car antenna to pick up Sirius radio signals, or you will need a Winegard or King Dome satellite to pick up satellite TV signals.

When you are on the road you can feel detached from your family, friends and business. Fortunately you now have access to satellite internet and radio service. All you need to get connected is a service provider, a modem and a truck satellite antenna. Stay connected to the media sources of your choice with RV satellite antennas. Choose from satellite radio, satellite cable and satellite internet antennas. Understand your broadband internet satellite dish by learning about its components.

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HDTV – HDTV Explained

You have probably heard of HDTV but you may be confused by all of the new terminology. The maximum resolution on a standard analog TV is 720 X 480 pixels, which is about 337,000 total pixels. HDTV is part of the Digital TV specifications which has many different video resolutions. The two main resolutions to be concerned about are 720p and 1080i. The "p" means progressive and "i" mean interlaced, in both resolutions every second has 60 frames of video. Progressive resolution puts 60 full frames on the screen every second. Interlaced resolution puts 30 frames of only odd lines and then 30 frames of only even lines up every second. Some people find that the interlaced video causes flickering. Find more information at www.whathdtv.info

The 720p video resolution is 1280 X 720 pixels, which gives 921,600 total pixels and the 1080i video resolution is 1920 X 1080, which gives a huge 2,073,000 pixels.

It is personal choice as to which resolution you prefer, the best way of finding out is to go down to your local retailer and look for yourself.

The sound on HDTV will sound better than it did on your analog tv, some HDTV programs include Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, but you will need the relevant speakers to be able to take advantage of this.

You will have to buy a new HDTV. Some HDTVs come with built-in tuners, while others do not. The tuner converts the signal into something that your TV can recognize. HDTVs that do not come with a tuner are commonly called "HDTV Ready." An HDTV without a tuner is worthless.

It is possible to view HDTV on your pc, you can do this with ATi HDTV Wonder, it comes with its own antenna to pick up airborne HDTV signals, it also has inputs for cable and satellite signals. A benefit of this is that you can play and record any show you want on your computer.

Lucy Bartlett is a proud contributing author. Find more articles here. For more info visit HDTV Resources or Ratings and Reviews

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2009 HDTV Basic HDTV Buying Tips To Save Money and Avoid Mistakes People Make

The difference between HDTV and regular TV is night and day, like the difference between black and white. HDTV is an amazing visual experience. Due to the upcoming 2009 Digital Conversion Law which is wiping out Analog TV Broadcasts, many people are now buying HDTV for the first time. The following are a few basic tips for anyone buying HDTV that will help you avoid major purchasing mistakes and save money Use this as a rough guide. These are my opinions only, which you can do with what you want.

HDTV Buying Tips:

1. Not all digital TV's are HDTV sets. Make sure you are buying an HDTV set.

2.. The viewing screen size area of Wide screen HDTV set is smaller then the viewing screen of a regular TV. Widescreen is meant for a 16:9 Aspect Viewing Picture for HDTV broadcasts while Regular TV sets have 4:3 Aspect for non-HDTV broadcasts. As such the viewing area for say a 26" wide screen HDTV is much smaller then a 26" regular TV set, so if you want the equivilent viewing area, you should buy something like a 32" Wide screen HDTV. The bottom line is, if you are buying a wide screen hdtv, remember that to get the equivalent viewing area of your regular tv, your hdtv should be of a bigger size.

2. Do Not Purchase an HDTV that is not Wide screen. All HDTV broadcasts are in Widescreen which means a 16:9 aspect and will not be correctly viewed on a non-wide screen HDTV.

3. Try to buy an HDTV with 1080 Resolution instead of 720. 1080 Gives you a Better Picture.

4. Anyone using or planning to use Cable or Satellite TV, can save money buying an HD Ready set instead of an HD set with a built in HD Tuner. This simply means, that with your HD ready TV, you will receive your HDTV broadcasts direct from the receiving equipment of your Cable and Satellite Service.

5. You Need actual HD service from your Cable or Satellite Company in order to actually watch HDTV. The price is relatively low. If you do not pay for this service, then your picture is not HDTV.

6. If you get a DVR or TIVO make sure it is an HD DVR or HD TIVO or you will not see what you recorded in HD. You need an HDTV to watch HD playback from an HD DVR or HD Tivo.

7. I would buy an extended warranty just for the security of knowing that if anything went wrong with your HDTV set, you at least have the security of knowing that you'll be able to fix it or repair it right away. For me, the cost of what I paid, was worth the security of knowing I'd have my HDTV for the years to come.

8. If you go to a chain store or department store, many of the pictures you may be seeing on the TV sets on display, may not be actual HDTV broadcasts. I would call the store in advance or go to a store that specializes in HDTV where you know you will be seeing HDTV broadcasts.

9. On the whole, you will be getting better expertise from a salesperson from a store specializing in HDTV then a chain store. This is not to say, that there aren't knowledgeable salespeople at chain stores but the chances are you will find more knowledgeable ones who do this for a career. I would always ask for a salesperson who had been with the store the longest.

10. If you have a Home Theater System, the sound of an HDTV set from its built in speakers is not important. You will actually be receiving your sound through your Home Theater System from your Cable or Satellite TV provider.

11. If you have the money, I personally would recommend you spending the $50 or more dollars to buy quality component cables rather then use the free component cables supplied by your cable or satellite company to connect your HDTV as you'll probably get a better picture.

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Select The Best HDTV Antenna For Your High Definition Television

When it comes to picking a HDTV antenna it is easy to get lost in all the jargon that is used to sell antennas. This article will pinpoint the important considerations you have to make before you purchase an HDTV antenna.

First up, an antenna will be used to pick up high definition television broadcasts. You will still be able to watch HD discs without an antenna but unless you want to watch HD television you don't need an antenna.

Another important point is that unless your HDTV is quite new it will not have a built in high definition tuner or receiver. If your television does not have one of these you will not be able to view HDTV broadcasts no matter what type of antenna you are using. A tuner or receiver can be added to your television, and is commonly called a set top box. There are a whole range of these devices available at reasonable prices.

Once you have sorted out a tuner, you need to think about the HDTV antenna locations. There are two types of antennas : indoor and outdoor.

An indoor HDTV antenna is essentially used for convenience. People that live in apartments or accommodation where there is no private property to install an outdoor type antenna use indoor varieties. An indoor antenna is also easier to install. However the range of an indoor antenna is limited. If you are living in a metropolitan area and are fairly close to a broadcasting tower then it will be suitable otherwise you probably need an amplified or outdoor variety.

An amplified indoor HDTV antenna has an improved gain over the standard type. This simply means that it will have a more concentrated sweet spot where the picture reception is clear but will not have as wide a range of reception. This could mean that for one channel it will be fine but if you change channels you will probably have to fiddle with the antenna to re-establish a good reception.

Thus the best option is an HDTV outdoor antenna.
Outdoor antennas are effectively defined by their size and directivity. Omni-directional antennas will receive signals from all directions. Omni or multi-directional are good in areas close to a broadcasting station however they do not have the range of a directional antenna.
Directional antennas are like amplified antennas in that they have a greater range of reception in a definite direction. If a broadcasting tower is far away or the HD signal is weak then a directional device is best.

Therefore it is important to find out where the broadcasters of HDTV are in relation to you. In the US this can be done by checking out the Consumer Electronics Association antenna guide. This uses a color coded chart to specify the geographical locations ability to receive TV signals. A green color is the best reception and an omni directional antenna will suffice. The weakest signals are coded pink/violet and a directional antenna would be needed. The chart does not cover indoor antennas.

Outdoor antennas are best as they give you more control however they may not always be convenient. Indoor antennas are small and easy to install but the reception may not be good. If you go down the indoor route then consult a cable TV technician/salesperson or find out if people in your apartment block are using indoor antennas successfully.

Find reviews on the latest home theater components, including Home speaker systems and projectors for home theater systems at .http://www.hometheaterreviewed.com Adrian Whittle writes reviews and features on home theater equipment and accessories.

Antenna Boosters For HDTV

Got a choppy HDTV signal? So you are watching on tv your favorite basketball team playing for the championships but suddenly the tv signal has gone wild. You stand up and fix the antenna. You try switching it on and off hoping that you can retrieve the channel. But then your effort is to no avail.

Your tv antenna has failed to pick up a strong signal probably because your home is far from the signal tower or there is something that hinders your tv antenna from getting a strong signal as emitted by the signal tower. There is a solution to that.

Why not get a tv antenna booster? The tv antenna booster will surely allow you to watch your favorite shows on tv without the worry of losing that channel again.

Before you get a tv antenna booster though, you must first know the kind of antenna which your tv possesses. Here are the basic types of tv antennas and some significant terms to take note of.

The HDTV Antenna

For a better understanding, there is no big difference between the antenna used for the HDTV as well as with the DTV. Some of the most unscrupulous personas in the marketing industry made a fallacy out of these antennas for the sake of getting their products ranking first that the rest of the competitors. This issue has greatly affected the honest antenna producers and they had to re-label their products to avoid losing their income.

In connection with the HDTV antenna, there are a couple of important terms that you must familiarize yourself with. Gain refers to the quantity of the signal that the antenna will be collecting. Beam width is all about how directional the antenna can be. Lastly, bandwidth refers to the manner of how the gain differs with the frequency. This emphasizes that a narrowband antenna can receive more channels clearly while some channels may appear vague.

The Dipole Antenna

The Dipole is the simplest antenna used for the tv. The variants of the dipole antenna include the bow tie that contains a wider bandwidth with it, the folded-dipole which is able to solve any problem on efficiency, and the loop which is one type of the folded dipole. All of these kinds possess the same amount of gain and the same pattern on the radiation.

The dipole antenna has with it a positive gain since it does not equally radiate towards all directions. As the general truth goes, a tv antenna should radiate in very few directions. In the United States, the tv antennas are usually placed horizontally. That is why no signal will be picked up by the tv antenna if it is placed in a vertical manner.

The Reflector Antennas

Reflector antennas function by means of the radio waves which are reflected off from a conducting plane. The reflector antennas are common to utilize the double bow-tie variant since it contains a large bandwidth.

The Yagi Antennas

The elements in a Yagi antenna are arranged on an echelon. There is the boom which is a long element that serves to connect all of the parts. There is no current contained in the boom. Since the boom is an insulator, the antenna likewise carries on the same function. The reflector is the rearmost element in the Yagi antenna.

The other element is known as the driven element and the rest of them are termed as directors. Of all the types of antennas, the Yagi antenna is said to be the most magical.

After knowing the type of antenna you've got, you can now start your search for the most appropriate HDTV antenna booster to use. Your choice ranges from the MG 950, MG1090, MG 952, MG 825, and many more.

Before you go and throw your remote through the tv screen in frustration why not find out all about the HDTV antenna? There is more to it than just plugging the cord into the wall and expecting the TV to perform to the best of it's ability, check out the data for HDTV info here.

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