DTV antenna for truck

[990adv]

When I updated the stereo in my truck I put in a double DIN stereo with a large video screen. Of course I also put in a DTV tuner. Currently I am using the antenna that came with the tuner. Fine while stationary and oriented the correct direction but the picture locks up and blacks out while moving. Even not quite right it is totally freakin awesome having local TV in the truck when I travel.

Here is some detail.

The stereo is in a 2004 full size Chevy truck. I already have multiple antennas for amateur equipment. I have two ICOM radios in the truck. A 2820(one antenna) and a 7000(two antennas, 6m 2m 70cm and HF). Plan is to put a scanner in the truck also(Uniden Home Patrol). I would like the scanner and DTV tuner to use the same antenna. Remember, the TV signals are horizontally polarized.

The question.

What antenna will be best? Seems I will need something omnidirectional and both vertically and horizontally polarized. My thought is an MP Antenna Super-M Ultra Mobile.

Other ideas? Previous experience?

Thanks

PS I do not watch the TV while driving. Just listen and let the passengers watch.

 

[fineshot1]

This posted info request may be a first for this web site.

Not sure, but i don't think they make a dual polarized mobile DTV antenna
but your gonna probably have to do some google searching to find one if
they are made.

You may have to install two antenna's - one for each and you probably do not have
enough real estate on that truck to do so as it sounds like you have used most of it
up. Good luck & keep us posted on any progress - sounds interesting.

 

[W2NJS]

DTV is known to be very hard to keep in sync while a vehicle is moving and to date there's not much, if anything, that can be done about it.

 

[990adv]

Fineshot1 Check out the Universal Radio Inc. website. Go to Scanner antennas. Scroll down to MP antennas. The Super-M Ultra Mobile is described as dual polarized.

Maybe I should buy a cheap mag mount Radio Shack scanner antenna to do a little testing. Stick a BNC to F adapter on and try it out. Wonder if a simple vertical scanner antenna will be all I need?

W2NJS-Now that is not what I want to hear. Ha Ha. Thank you for the information.
While driving around Dayton at the Hamfest I had a couple channels that came in great. I assume very local. This was with the 6 inch, crappy little dipole it came with. I am optimistic that better reception can be achieved.

What about a Diamond D-220? Anybody have any experience with this antenna?

 

[fineshot1]

Fineshot1 Check out the Universal Radio Inc. website. Go to Scanner antennas. Scroll down to MP antennas. The Super-M Ultra Mobile is described as dual polarized.

Take a look at the pic and tell me if you see any elements in the horizontal plain. ( none )

Its an nmo mount with a bunch of vertical elements of varying length and some are bent slightly.

For $110 + shipping I am sure you can find or make something much better than this junker although
if your in a strong DTV signal area anything will pick up signal.

EDIT: In addition the claim "receive range is 25 to 6000 MHz" is bogus.

 

[990adv]

fineshot1 Quote:
Originally Posted by 990adv
Fineshot1 Check out the Universal Radio Inc. website. Go to Scanner antennas. Scroll down to MP antennas. The Super-M Ultra Mobile is described as dual polarized.

Take a look at the pic and tell me if you see any elements in the horizontal plain. ( none )

Its an nmo mount with a bunch of vertical elements of varying length and some are bent slightly.

For $110 + shipping I am sure you can find or make something much better than this junker although
if your in a strong DTV signal area anything will pick up signal.

EDIT: In addition the claim "receive range is 25 to 6000 MHz" is bogus.




I think excitement for finding the "perfect antenna" overwhelmed my critical thinking skills. After having slept on it and reading what you have written it does seem a little unrealistic.

As I posted earlier I will test out some simple vertical antennas to see what kind of improvement, if any, I can achieve.

 

[Wave]

Be careful with cynicism

YouTube - MPAntenna's Channel

I remember reading somewhere about the SUPER-M ULTRA Mobile and Base Station antennas being used very effectively for TV broadcast reception. I think the Mobile one was referenced on an RV site.