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TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

The technical side of broadcasting. Think IBOC is a sham? Talk about it here! How about HDTV? Post DX reports here as well.
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CK-722
Posts: 1284
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 3:53 pm

TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by CK-722 »

Is THAT where they got the idea for the 486-SX?

Same (x, y, z), different (t)

Your bullet missed my trial balloon.

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Artificial Intelligence is a Child that needs a Parent to guide it through.
sfpcc
Posts: 700
Joined: Thu Jan 11, 2007 3:05 pm

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by sfpcc »

Our house switched to cable in 1982. Before that I kind of remember a device that turned the antenna from inside the house. It made a distinctive grinding noise. can anyone else out there recall such a thing or am i confusing it with something else?
CK-722
Posts: 1284
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 3:53 pm

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by CK-722 »

That was the rotator control box. It coordinated the movement of the control box knob or indicator and the rotator motor.
Is THAT where they got the idea for the 486-SX?

Same (x, y, z), different (t)

Your bullet missed my trial balloon.

RTN Price. Not guaranteed. As of 12:30, 157.71 Down 0.22.

Artificial Intelligence is a Child that needs a Parent to guide it through.
tapeisrolling
Posts: 276
Joined: Sat Dec 04, 2004 9:07 pm
Location: go ahead, I'm listening

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by tapeisrolling »

There was a Channel Master rotor on the roof when we bought the house (83) and used it till it died after got parked upside down during a roof replacement in 94. I could get Cleveland to watch the Monday Night Football Game blacked out in Detroit. It was the greatest invention for TV watching back in the day.
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HD74
Posts: 655
Joined: Mon Dec 06, 2004 4:53 pm
Location: SOMEWHERE BEHIND THE RACKS

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by HD74 »

A rotator is still just as valuable, antennas still work the same way as they did back in the monochrome days.
I’ve got an Antennas Direct Clearstream 4 45’ in the air with a Channel Master rotor and can pull 5 markets. (Not the LP’s) :hat
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
Deleted User 3751

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by Deleted User 3751 »

I have a Channel Master fringe antenna with a rotor that I've had up at 43 feet for 28 years years with a signal amp on it and it works great for off air HD. Toledo looks like local TV from Livonia. I can also pick up Lansing in HD.
CK-722
Posts: 1284
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 3:53 pm

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by CK-722 »

Big Signal wrote: Fri Feb 14, 2020 10:26 am I have a Channel Master fringe antenna with a rotor that I've had up at 43 feet for 28 years years with a signal amp on it and it works great for off air HD. Toledo looks like local TV from Livonia. I can also pick up Lansing in HD.
Which model do you have?
Is THAT where they got the idea for the 486-SX?

Same (x, y, z), different (t)

Your bullet missed my trial balloon.

RTN Price. Not guaranteed. As of 12:30, 157.71 Down 0.22.

Artificial Intelligence is a Child that needs a Parent to guide it through.
Deleted User 3751

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by Deleted User 3751 »

I can't remember the model number but it is the 100 mile range antenna. I see that the ones for sale currently are model # CM 3020.
CK-722
Posts: 1284
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 3:53 pm

More Antenna Links

Unread post by CK-722 »

The amazing thing is how some designs have changed very little, and some have returned after falling out of favor, even HDTV designs.

https://www.earlytelevision.org/antennas_1950.html
Is THAT where they got the idea for the 486-SX?

Same (x, y, z), different (t)

Your bullet missed my trial balloon.

RTN Price. Not guaranteed. As of 12:30, 157.71 Down 0.22.

Artificial Intelligence is a Child that needs a Parent to guide it through.
organman95
Posts: 626
Joined: Mon Aug 31, 2015 9:49 pm

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by organman95 »

My grandparents had a rotator for the antenna. As I recall, grandpa got rid of it (and got DirecTV) when a lightning strike literally caused it to explode.
CK-722
Posts: 1284
Joined: Sun Dec 16, 2018 3:53 pm

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by CK-722 »

Is THAT where they got the idea for the 486-SX?

Same (x, y, z), different (t)

Your bullet missed my trial balloon.

RTN Price. Not guaranteed. As of 12:30, 157.71 Down 0.22.

Artificial Intelligence is a Child that needs a Parent to guide it through.
User avatar
audiophile
Posts: 9236
Joined: Sat Dec 04, 2004 9:21 pm
Location: Between 88 and 108 MHz.

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by audiophile »

LOL, but those of conflicts aren't all bad. I had an armstrong rotator - open window and turn pipe. It was and Radio Shack FM-6 and HH Scott tuner.
Ask not what your country can do FOR you; ask what they are about to do TO YOU!!
k8jd
Posts: 626
Joined: Fri Jun 28, 2013 3:35 pm
Location: Commerce, MI

Re: TV FM Antenna Nostalgia

Unread post by k8jd »

I just bought a rotor for my HF and VHF small yagis (50 and 28 MHz) that is a few steps above the small TV antenna models, cost near $300 plus shipping. Some of the Bigger HF antenna arrays need a rotor with some horsepower, costing over $ 1000 !
For a while I had a small TV rotor for my 6 elememt FMBC antenna I used for DX listening !
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