Showing posts with label indoor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indoor. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Terk Indoor AM Antenna ADVANTAGE Review

Terk Indoor AM Antenna  ADVANTAGE
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I'm a stickler for performance, and have high expectations for electronic equipment... especially when I hear fellow users raving about a certain product.
After getting the Terk AM Advantage to use primarily with my CC Radio, I have to say I'm not dissappointed. Giving it 5 stars would be saying that it goes beyond my expectations. The 4 star rating means that it comes pretty damn close!
Anyway, it does a fine job. The great thing, is that it can be used with ANY radio with or without external antenna terminals. I find it seems to work better without the hookup. Tuning the stations can be a bit tricky at times. The dial is slightly off and registers a station a few kHz higher than it is, and must be turned various ways near the radio to accurately do its job. It even seems to do quite well at being able to resist stronger signals that are adjecent to weaker ones.
For the AM DX'er, or lover of good `ol AM radio in general, it's an answer to a prayer!

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TERK AM antennas fit the needs of every household by providing simple, practical solutions together with high quality radio reception. Enjoy your favorite news, sports and talk radio with this premium indoor AM antenna with the pin-dot pre- tuning which allows you to tune the antenna to the desired frequency. There are no wires needed this antenna works right next to or on top of the radio.

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Friday, September 21, 2012

Terk Technology HDTVi VHF/UHF HDTV Indoor Antenna Review

Terk Technology HDTVi VHF/UHF HDTV Indoor Antenna
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To start, your antenna is only as good as the signal that is reaching your home! The HDTVi does a great job on receiving UHF signals, a very good job on VHF signals. From alot of reviews of antennas, it would appear people are clueless on HDTV reception. For your local reception, I'd check out the forum at the following address. They have information and experience going back a couple years on HDTV reception in many cities. So before trying to wrestle with antennas, first make sure you aren't searching for nothing. When I started, I couldn't find ABC not because of the antenna, but because the station was transmitting for four days! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=7e85bb49c56fa3787e7ed73e6ec7473d&forumid=45
I tried 5 antennas, an old one, the HDTVi, the Terk TV5, Radio Shack amplified antenna (15-1880), and Philips' amplified antenna (SCA050). The best reception was received on the Radio Shack, however, the amplifier needed to be higher for reception of CBS while it had to be lower for FOX or FOX wouldn't come in. This was bothersome. I was also able to get a weak NBC signal unlike any other antenna I had, but the signal just wasn't strong enough. The TV5 had mediocre coverage. It was able to get UHF decently, but it was fighting to get upper and lower VHF. The Philips and HDTVi had similar reception, but the HDTVi wasn't amplified which meant I would have more options regarding moving the antenna around, such as placing in the attic without worrying about plugging it in.
Ultimately, as far as UHF was concerned, each antenna had similar results. It was in VHF that the antennas were a bit different. As far as ranking the antennas for reception:
1) Radio Shack's 15-1880 Best
2) Terk HDTVi Very good
3) Philips SCA050 Very good
4) Terk TV5 Decent
The Terk HDTV wins out because of the lower price, the fact that it is unamplified, had very good reception, and took up the least space. One last comment would regard the coax cable you use. I tried using some coax (about 30 feet) just laying around to hook up the receiver to the antenna. The signal just wouldn't carry the distance. When I used a much higher quality coax that came with the installation of my sat dish, the signal came in loud and clear.
If possible, I'd recommend get a few antennas at the same time and make sure you can return them, most stores have 30 day policies. Plan on spending a week on gaining the best reception with the best antenna for your home.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Terk Technology HDTVi VHF/UHF HDTV Indoor Antenna

With over 1,000 stations in more than 200 markets broadcasting digital television as of 2003, 9 out of 10 households can now receive free high-definition (HDTV) signals when using the right antenna in conjunction with an integrated HDTV (or with a set-top box and an HD-ready television). Most antennas are large and unwieldy and need to be mounted outdoors or in a cramped attic. This is not an option if you live in an apartment or condo, or if you don't want the hassle of installing an antenna yourself. The solution? A quality indoor antenna that can pick up all local HDTV channels; one that will look great next to your television, and one that is easy to install: Terk's HDTVi indoor antenna.At the time of its release, the HDTVi was (and may yet be) the only indoor HDTV antenna optimized for both UHF and VHF reception, channels 2 to 69. The HDTVi elegantly solves the aesthetic challenge of integrating a log-periodic-type element assembly in an indoor antenna. It's tuned for optimum HDTV reception with a unique design that uses log-periodic elements and dipoles for receiving both UHF and VHF HDTV broadcasts, bringing you more stations than lesser antennas.You can easily route the antenna's output cable in 2 directions (front or back) for flexible cable management, and the antenna connects easily to your set-top box or television (integrated HDTV--with built-in ATSC tuner--required for direct connection).Its high gain picks up distant stations and its high back-to-front ratio rejects unwanted signals. You can mount the UHF antenna element vertically or horizontally, as experience dictates.What's in the Box Antenna with integrated 75-ohm cable, instruction manual, and warranty information.

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Sunday, September 16, 2012

Terk AF-9330 AM/FM Indoor Amplified Tower Antenna Review

Terk AF-9330 AM/FM Indoor Amplified Tower Antenna
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I was hoping to improve reception on a few stations , so I decided to replace the twin lead dipole (passive) antenna that came with my new tuner with the Terk Tower. I have the AM Advantage loop and that works fairly well, so I figured this powered antenna would be a lot better.
Well, bad reasoning. On FM, it doesn't work NEARLY as well as a 32" piece of plain old wire on any of my radio recievers. In some cases, stations that could be tuned reasonably well with *nothing at all* attached to the FM inputs, and no internal antenna, could no longer be received with the Terk Tower attached.
Those that could be tuned with the antenna attached had grotesque distortion. This despite turning the gain adjustment dial in either direction. It was functioning, as at low levels of gain, the station dropped off completely, and definitely changed as you moved it. So it wasn't just broken. I could get barely acceptable reception on a few stations with micro-fine adjustments of the dial. But even at best all stations had all sorts of fuzz and dropouts. You could turn it up enough to swamp the receiver ACG circuit, but the distortion never goes away as you turn it down the point of losing lock completely.
On AM, it doesn't make it worse, but it doesn't help, either. On all the weak stations I have tried, I simply can't tell the difference in the results. Once again, fiddling with the gain control changes it, but at maximum boost, it's pretty much what I was getting with the the teeny little loop antenna that bolts to the back of the tuner. At lower gain settings you just can't hear the station at all.
For all intents and purposes, it just doesn't seem to work, I tried it on 4 different tuners/radios in 4 different places in my house, and in every case it made the FM reception MUCH worse than the stock antennas, and AM reception no better than the stock or internal antennas. I'm probably going to break it open and try attaching different lengths of wire in place of the stock antenna, and see if that helps. But I get the impression that the booster amplifer just isn't up to the task of passing 107.7 MHz., and introduces too much distortion at FM freqencies. It almost has to be - because a plain old wire that length is MUCH better.
Even though it was pretty inexpensive, I was very disappointed with this antenna. You'll get FAR better reception with a bent coat hanger. And that's free with your dry cleaning.
(addendum - I finally broke my antenna open, and now it's clear why it doesn't work on AM any better than a stock antenna. It's because inside the tower, for AM, is a small, unamplified, loop antenna! It's not even connected to the circuitry. Which begs the question of why turning the dial affects the AM performance. I speculate that the AM loop and the FM amplifier are interfering with each other - and that the AM is getting into the FM amp, causing modulation at the FM subcarrier frequency, hence, really fuzzy FM reception - and also dragging energy out of the AM loop more or less depending on the FM amp setting. BTW, the FM antenna is a piece of bare copper wire running the length of the antenna. Short answer is still the same - it's junk, don't waste your money)

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Increase your FM reception with the TERK FM Pro Indoor/Outdoor Antenna, which utilizes a patented horizontally polarized, half-wavelength (98MHz), folded dipole design to maximize FM signal reception of even weak and distant stations. The FM Pro's figure-8 pickup pattern captures signals from in front of and behind it with equal strength, allowing optimum positioning for reception of weaker stations as well as stations up to 100 miles away. The FM Pro features a patented Dual-Drive ultra-low noise amplifier that can be set to high gain mode to correct for signals that are too weak or bypassed for optimal reception of strong signals. The amplifier is connected directly to the antenna element for the shortest signal path and lowest noise. Installation is fast and easy. This ultra-durable weatherproof indoor/outdoor FM antenna can be installed under the eaves of a roof, on a windowsill, or placed as a rooftop antenna. Its housing can be painted to blend smoothly into its surroundings.To insure the highest-quality signal transmission, the Indoor/Outdoor Antenna includes a threaded F-connector for connection to RG6 or RG59 75-ohm coaxial cable (sold separately).

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Saturday, August 18, 2012

Audiovox AF1 AM/FM Amplified Stereo Antenna Review

Audiovox AF1 AM/FM Amplified Stereo Antenna
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I bought the Terk antenna in an attempt to pick up some AM and FM radio stations I was struggling with on my new bookshelf stereo system. Perhpas because of my apartment building, or the quality of the stereo, the antenna didn't offer me much success in picking up stations any better than the factory-provided antenna. I did notice improvement in the static (or lack of it) on stations that were already tuning in fairly well (they went from great to excellent), but the stations that were tuning in "poorly" got no better with the Terk antenna. Overall, it was probably not worth the money paid.

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The AM/FM Q makes it possible to enjoy stations that were previously unlistenable by combining Pin-Dot Pre-Tuning with controlled amplification. Sometimes a station is too weak to hear above the static&##151;often because it is too far away. To counteract this, the AM/FM Q contains a built-in amplifier (originally developed for the satellite industry) that strengthens signals while automatically tuning out noise and interference using TERK&##146;s Pin-Dot Pre-Tuning system. The Pin-Dot Pre-Tuning adjusts the antenna to match a specific frequency which reduces the static in a signal. Although amplifiers do strengthen signals, stronger is not always better. The AM/FM Q allows you to control the level of amplification while continually optimizing the desired signal for better reception. The AM/FM Q also features two discrete antennas in one: an AM and an FM. Placing an AM and FM antenna to close too each other can negatively impact reception. That&##146;s why the AM/FM Q&##146;s AM antenna flips back&##151;away from the FM antenna&##151;and features patented Non-Coinduction&##153; circuitry to isolate the antennas from each other and preserve radio reception. All adapters are included. Specifications: *Reception Pattern: omni-directional *Frequency Range: AM - 540 to 1700 KHz, FM - 88 to 108 MHz *AM Gain: +15 dB *FM Amplifier Gain: -20 to +44 dB *Noise Figure: AM - 1.5 Db, FM - 3 dB *FM Impedance: 75 Ohm adaptable to 300 Ohm *Dimensions: 4-3/4 H x 6 W x 4-5/8 D.

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Sunday, July 1, 2012

Terk FM-50 Indoor/Outdoor Dual-Drive Amplified FM Antenna (Terk FM50) Review

Terk FM-50 Indoor/Outdoor Dual-Drive Amplified FM Antenna (Terk FM50)
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I have a Yamaha HTR-5750 receiver which I was using with a Radio Shack FM amplified antenna. I had tried various ways of improving my FM reception including the classic 300 ohm twin lead folded dipole antenna. The rabbit ear setup helped but still did not yield satisfactory results. I still had difficulties receiving some nearby FM stations that were considered moderate strength stations.
I installed the TERK FM-50 inside my home hiding it behind a curtain valance. I did use the amplifier mode and was able to receive all of the FM radio sources listed on the web at the "radio-locator" service, some as far away as 30 miles.I was able to receive all of the radio stations in stereo mode with no evidence of noise. Previously I was unable to receive some of the stations even in non-stereo mode and several of the stations had objectionable noise content in the stereo mode. The stations range from very strong to very weak. I was able to pull one station rated as very weak from 22 miles.
Given my experience, I would highly recommend the TERK FM-50. It was a very simple installation. Since the actual antenna is protected by an outside casing, I was able to use the assembly in contact with drapery material with no significant degradation in performance. I appreciated the technical performance of the antenna and my wife appreciated the fact that I was able to completely hide it.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Terk FM-50 Indoor/Outdoor Dual-Drive Amplified FM Antenna (Terk FM50)

Indoor or outdoor, the Terk FM50 amplified FM antenna will make sure that you get high quality reception for your radio, receiver, or other FM device no matter what direction the signal is coming from.

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Sunday, May 13, 2012

Terk TV-3 Indoor Amplified Rabbit Ear TV Antenna, Video Switch Review

Terk TV-3 Indoor Amplified Rabbit Ear TV Antenna, Video Switch
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Got a new HD TV? It has been said that 95% of americans can get five HD stations (unless you live in the mountains of Idaho, maybe). I get fifteen near Boston. So, this will help you out, but only if the transmitting antenna is within 20 to 30 miles (30 Km or so for you non-northamericans). A rabbit ears and the UHF loop will always help indoor reception. However, the built-in amplifier is a little on the anemic side, but it helps.
The good thing is that this doesn't cost much; if you don't think it is muscular enough, at least you haven't spent up towards $100 on it. HD TV at 720p and especially at 1080i is impressive! My favorite watching is golf games on the pro circuit - you feel you are there! You can literally see individual blades of grass!
So, this will give you a taste of what is possible. The sad truth of indoor TV antennas is that they don't transform lead into gold. You need a substantial outdoor, high antenna pointed in the right direction to get the gold standard in over the air reception.
If you didn't grow up in the heyday of TV, you may need to face the learning curve of jumping up occasionally to change the position or length of the antenna elements or strength of the amplification. It's so fifties! Enjoy!
ADDENDA:
I just got a somewhat more capable amplified indoor HDTV antenna from of all places, Radio Shack - their model 15-1892, which is a futuristic black disk with an internally rotatable antenna on a base with a 22db amplifier (which is a lot of amplification - on the order of 100 to 1000 times better than a plain rabbit ears) and a LED display and a few buttons. It has pulled in more HDTV stations than any other indoor antenna I have tried so far. It cost about $50 and is worth it, in my opinion.
I'm currently using these rabbit ears for my FM radio and it does a fine job - better with the rf amplifier turned off, actually. figure that

Click Here to see more reviews about: Terk TV-3 Indoor Amplified Rabbit Ear TV Antenna, Video Switch

This antenna is a perfect primary or secondary set-top antenna in suburban or outlying areas. It offers the performance of a high quality amplified rabbit ear antenna with the convenience of an integrated video switch.

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Celestron 47001 Compact Weather Station (Black/Silver) Review

Celestron 47001 Compact Weather Station (Black/Silver)
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Celestron 47001 Compact Weather Station
First, the good news
It has a good crisp display. Temp and humidity are displayed on external sensor. Straight-forward interface and buttons. Multi-lingual manual with clear directions. Inexpensive. Items come from Celestron, one of the leading astronomical companies with a good reputation.
Now, the problems. This is a weather station designed for Lilliputians!
1) It is tiny. I know it's called compact, but I had thought that meant relative to those large weather stations! Don't be fooled by the pictures here that make it look a decent, even large, size.
2) The size of the digits for temperature and humidity are too small.
3) Too much of the display is taken up by the sun and sky pictures and too much of the face by the buttons. That makes the numbers for the temperature and humidity even smaller than they need to be.
4) The time is BIGGER than the temperature and humidity! I don't know why these companies insist on including time, date, etc. What we want is the temperature and humidity.
5) The day and month are in the European system. That's a plus if you live in Europe, but a negative if you're in the U.S.
6) The unit we received had a large discrepancy between the sensor and receiver--4 degrees different in temperature--much larger than any I've owned or tried before. The humidity dif--of 3 points--isn't too bad as far as these units go.
7) The digits on the external sensor's display are too small--similar to those on other units, but if you're going to include them, let them be bigger so that we can see them from a distance! (We like having the outdoor sensor downstairs by the front door; main unit upstairs in the dining room. That way, you can tell temperature in either location.)
8) No barometer, so why the weather forecast--suns, clouds, or rain-- display? (And, again, why so big?)
9) The battery compartment on the external sensor had three problems--a tiny screw that has to be removed, a battery compartment cover that has to be pried off, and a rubber gasket that fell out and was hard to put back in. As to the cover, the manual says you "might have to pry it slightly with a screwdriver to get it off." What a joke! "Slightly" is an understatement. It requires a knife and lots of force. It's supposed to be to protect it from the elements, but it's poorly designed.
10) The manual is in font size 4 points--and I'm not kidding! It might even be 3 points! Be prepared to break out the magnifying glass and hold it up to your eyeball. Those Lilliputians must just love it, however.
11) Last, but not least--the base unit on the one we received did not ever show the external sensor's readings!
This is the latest stop in a long odyssey to find a basic, decent, reasonably priced, readable indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity station. We've tried several by La Crosse, Oregon Scientific, etc. Alas, this one is going back, too!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Celestron 47001 Compact Weather Station (Black/Silver)

Get the most current temperature in your area in a nice small compact device perfect for your home, office or recreational vehicle. The Celestron Compact Weather Station is a wireless, easy to set up, freestanding unit with a detachable stand or wall hanger for easy install. The wireless outdoor sensor transmits data to the receiver where the information is displayed on the LCD screen. The weather station records both indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity readings. Also includes digital time display, alarm clock with snooze and moon phase.

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