Affiliate Link to the antenna 👉 bit.ly/3yEI1tg Affiliate Link to Channel Master antennas with higher VHF gain: bit.ly/3pZIjDZ bit.ly/3EZ5Mt5 📡 Do you have reception problems? Consider an antenna recommendation from me below! antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
I installed the CM4228 at our cabin in the boonies of the Adirondack Mountains. All web transmitter feedback indicated there would be NO channel reception. Happy to say we receive 8 and many times 12 channels - with (channel master) amplified signal from Burlington VT - which is 85 miles away - as the crow flies. This is simply an outstanding antenna.
40 years ago I used to sell the Finco 4 and 8 bay bow tie antennas, much like this one. They were the big performers back in the day. They didn't have any VHF elements though. The Channel Master antenna is pretty pricey, but so was that Finco 8 bay back in the day. I worked at an electronics store in Corning, NY from 1972-2007.
I have one that I bought 30 years ago. Put it up to receive uhf stations 65 miles away, was totally surprised to receive vhf-hi stations from the same city/distance. I still am using it!
This is the antenna I'm currently using and it works fantastic. It's holding up really well since putting it up in October of 2017. The VHF performance is actually quite good I was thinking I was going to need a separate VHF antenna but it's great. In also using the Amplify preamp as well as the CM 8 port distribution amp. As well as the CM compression fittings.
Back in 2013, after wanting to get off cable TV as they had just raised rates on me again, this was my antenna of choice. I have been very happy ever since. A great backup for when the internet goes out or if you just want to check the locals. For me it was worth every penny.
I recently bought a VHF/UHF splitter that you mentioned recently (off Amazon) and it’s life changing. I finally have good VHF reception by using a long dipole antenna because apparently no one makes a indoor antenna anymore that has good VHF dipoles
I am glad it worked in your situation. It made my UHF reception worse and did not help vhf noticeably. I have just wired 4 aluminum recycled rabbit ear rods to the back of my 8 bay antennas direct db8 and that seems to have drastically improved my reception. Thanks to Tyler for pointing out the reflector difference. I also googled 8bay TV antenna hacks and saw several discussions on reflector modifications.
We have been using the older version of this antenna since the digital conversion in 2008. The antenna is pointed to Boston 42 miles away in terrain challenged New England. We use a separate VHF-hi antenna (Wingard YA-1713) pointed to the NH stations. Both are mounted on the west gable of the house. The older version was known to pick up VHF-hi but from what I've heard the new one is even better. Second your recommendation of this antenna from fringe viewers. Even though it is pretty large I think it has less wind resistance then long non-bowtie antennas, that is important here in the frozen north. We pretty much are able to receive all the stations we are interested in watching with this setup.
I made a 4 bay years ago with a fridge grill as the reflector. The directions are super easy. The trick is making the elements and leads symmetrical. You can tune them by adjusting the length of the whiskers if you want to enhance a certain range. Cost me maybe 20 bucks. Was it the best it could have been? Probably not, but it worked.
I started making my own bow tie antennas years back too, I've now been using my diy vertically stacked 8-bay with good results for the last 6 years, with a little bit of maintenance on it once a year. I bring in a solid signal at 60 miles from the major network towers, all 2-edge. fun & cheap.
@@mscir Just search for DIY bow tie antenna. The materials are not important. They Just have to be solid enough to mount the elements and leads to. the whiskers need to be the same length, and the leads also need to be symmetrical. make sure they don't touch where they cross. It doesn't even need a reflector, but it helps a lot, and brings in VHF. The size depends on the frequency your trying to pull. That dictates the size of your whiskers. Everything else is in relation to those. Edit: for reference I was pulling all the stations on the Island in Niagara, and my local stations from my residence near Pearson airport in Toronto. About a 30 degree arc
I took two Cm4221HD with the caps off and the balun flipped and moved forward. Combined with a low loss combiner especially desigmed for this purpose on an 8 Bay Backplane. Tilted up by 0.2 inches. Boy does this antenna rock now with getting stations solid 93 miles away ! My location is Gilford, New Hampshire !
Thank you, that is the antenna I picked up about 6yrs ago and never regretted it. I also added a Channel Master signal booster and 4 way spliter for distribution to my house
I had a Channelmaster 4228 installed back in 2012. Was wondering why PBS Savannah, GA (both virtual and RF channel 9) had the best reception from the back of the antenna. This video provided the answer. Thanks, Tyler. Keep up the good work!
Concur with everything you said. Yes, I also initially went the cheap route with the same cheap UHF antenna YOU mentioned trying to pick up a station 69mi south. I learned that it was originally designed for HI band UHF, chan 60-72! (A real OLD design) I re-engineered it by re-installing the reflector 2 inches further back from it's original design. That doubled it's signal for the lower UHF band, and made it actually an adequate performer! But it was still only 4 bay. I could now receive physical channel 29, 69mi due south, but it was unwatchable. Just spotty. I had a 17% signal originally and after moving the reflector back further 2" , that got my signal up to 28%, but still not really watchable. So I spent the big bucks and got the 8 BAY CM4228HD. WoW! That got my signal up to 48% and combined with a signal amp, now have a solid 57% SOLID signal (min) with absolutely NO dropouts, no matter what weather. This channel operates from a 1600ft tower at full power. VHF on this antenna is fine, but even if you look at the CM specs (5DB gain) , it's not designed to be great, but it's totally adequate for local physical VHF-HI signals we have up to 30mi away. If you notice how CM combines both antennas, those long harness links act as active VHF elements! My antenna simply sits on a deck about 10ft elevation from the ground. Due to trees, it's the only place I can get a solid signal from this distant station, but it's SOLID in that location. Any other height or location doesn't work. I get some signal as I go higher, up to 30ft., but not as good as the signal at the 10ft. elevation on that deck. That's why I tell people, before you invest in an expensive antenna, find out WHERE your best signal is! Location, Location, Location!! And it can be at any height or area of your yard if you have trees. Then, once you find your best signal, experiment with higher quality antennas to get the signal you need. But of course you can NEVER go wrong with the CM4338HD! Nothing else measures up. It's a proven, general design that was used heavily back in the 50's, but with the addition of VHF capability, it's even better! Please note for others that the CM-4221HD(4 Bay) does NOT do VHF. ONLY the 8 Bay version does VHF. So if you purchased one of those cheap 4Bay antennas mentioned by Tyler, remove the reflector and remount it further back and you'll have a decent performer, vs. junk.
In comparing VHF and UHF TV signals to free satellite TV signals, VHF signals are like linear satellite signals. Longer waves that require larger antenna elements/larger satellite dishes. UHF signals are like circular satellite signals; smaller and more compact, requiring a smaller antenna element/smaller satellite dish (like Dish Network or Bell). I have a cheap 4-bay that picks up channel 2 in my area, but not super reliably I might add. Another great video, Tyler.📡📡
Good comparison , VHF is like C Band and UHF is like Ku Band in terms of antena dimension and signal propagation. For those who are interested in satellite TV C Band has the frequency band between 3.7 to 4.2 GHz and Ku Band has the frequency between 10.75 GHz to 12.75 GHz. C Band requires a dish larger than 1.8 meters (71 inches) and Ku Band requires a 100 cm (39 inches) dish even smaller.
@@Nicholas_Chris In making a general comparison in terms of antenna size relative to wavelength size, bigger wavelength, bigger antenna. Even Ku band signals (circular vs. linear) are different in terms of their size and how they travel through the air. Circular signals are small, compact and travel in a corkscrew type pattern. This is why services like Dish Network and Bell can use an 18-20” dish, whereas linear signals used for free satellite TV in North America use 33-39” dishes. Linear signals travel in lines, both horizontal and vertical, and need a larger dish. C band would best be compared to Low VHF. Long wavelengths requiring an 8 foot antenna or satellite dish.
@@NorthcoasterHobby Common to who? I am aware of vertical signals, and horizontal. Never heard of a helicial signal. Unless in was in reference to light polarization, even then it's a weird one.
this type of antenna copes best with UHF, because it is constructed under UHF. The full-wave dipole still has a working range in VHF, which is why the antenna catches this frequency. In Poland, this type of antenna is popularly called: grid, it is a 8 dipole synphase antenna. Best regards
Interesting review of this antenna. I live in Northwest Indiana, about 45 miles from the signal coming from Chicago. In 2010, I replaced an old rooftop mount antenna with two of these on the same mast. My intention was to aim one at Chicago, and the other at South Bend, however I ended up hanging them together, both aimed at Chicago. These antennas are strong performers, and have been through all kinds of extreme weather for 10 plus years. If you need a good antenna, this is most likely the one.
I had this type of antenna back in 2009 with a built in amplifier. The power inserter had a rotating knob and you could adjust the gain (like some active splitters). There were no digital channels in my area only analog and I say it's the best antenna on the market but it wasn't a Channel Master it was a different brand. In my Area the VHF High Band could be received with the rabbit ears and the picture was very good, the problem was with the UHF Band (especially band 5). The antenna had an excellent reception on UHF band especially on Band 5 (which was hard to receive). As for VHF the picture was crystal clear, even better than analog cable. I could receive UHF channels from 40 km away thanks with the amplifier built in. Unfortunately I gave it away. I was amazed how it performed with the analog UHF channels.
I have been using this bad boy for a couple years in my master bedroom, hung above the TV on the wall, in my L.A. townhome. The only channel it won't pick up is 9-1...no loss there. A good investment based upon your recommendation.
I bought the Channel Master Ultra 60 to replace the junk antenna with the built in rotator. I’m Shootings from Oxford NY towards Binghamton NY and I’m receiving all the stations broadcasting out of Binghamton NY and also receiving stations broadcasting out of Scranton PA no problem. I definitely recommend this antenna with two 👍🏼👍🏼 up
I use this Extreme 80 as l live outside of Atlanta. I have two preamps in line giving me about 42 db of gain above the rated output of the Channel Master. I get a max of about 45 channels but paired it down to a mere 30. The system allows me to see HD and a great picture. This is is good as l live NE about 60plus miles from the transmitters. I use of course RG6 and a straight run from antenna to amplifiers. Then to the 4K TV. Great picture!and great surround sound too. 👍🏻👍🏻
I bought this antenna through Channel Master's website. Works excellent, I must agree with your analysis. I was having problems with reception using a even though I'm in a relatively flat plane from the 880' transmitting antennae just 11 miles distant. A dense copse of trees behind my house are 80-100 feet high which blocked enough of the signal using my old Clear Stream 4 antenna that stations would freeze or go into digital schizophrenia mode (I guess you'd call it pixelation). All problems went away after installing this antenna at eave level 12 feet off the ground. I noticed the Clear Stream was more sensitive to direction than this antenna. Weather also seemed to have a detrimental effect on the Clear Stream. Again, the Channel Master made all those problems go away.
This is the kind I have, I have it connected to a preamp in my attic. I got pretty good reception when I first set it up a few years ago, but now I see 7 channels that have some pixilization. Possibly due to tree growth or channel repack.
Reminds me a lot of a Channel Master 8-bay bowtie antenna i had in the 90s to receive analog uhf channels from 100 miles to the north of me. I was very happy with it , especially when i coupled it with a good antenna amplifier.
Purchased one of these from Fry's back in the day for about 33% below msrp. It still works great here in the 30040. Originally used it to benchmark Comcast video quality and was a big influence in changing my streaming provider.
I just out this antenna in my roof in Freehold, NJ. It is on a mast about four feet above my second floor roof. I get 63 channels from New York City with excellent signal strength.
This is the antenna I have. I cut the cable cord and went from $220/month to $70 for internet. I get everything out of Birmingham 60 miles away and a vhf station 35 miles in the other direction. I hooked the internet up to my TV and found I can get tons of channels through Samsung smart TV for free.
0:50 Great! Now I need to upgrade again. LOL! I’m currently running a CM Yagi style antenna but I don’t recall the model right now. I recently upgraded my TV from a 1080p made in 2012, to a 4K LED made in 2021. Using the same antenna, all the TV channels that I received or ALMOST received came in perfectly clear and I receive an additional number of channels (about a couple dozen) also. So if you’re running an older TV, I recommend upgrading your TV so you have a newer digital tuner inside-even before upgrading your antenna.
I have a CM 2 bay model like that and been using it for years. It's a solid performer just not as omnidirectional as I would have liked. I was thinking about getting another one to get better coverage in another direction but don't really have that big of a need to do it.
I'd like to see Tyler do a video on this problem. It's a fairly common problem. If you're trying to pick up a distant station, with a high gain antenna, often that antenna won't receive channels off to it's side very well, unless they are close. It's not a problem easily solved. Years ago we had a rotor to turn the antenna, but that's a hassle. And if you have a distribution system in your home and someone wants to watch one channel vs. the other, then you. have a fight over the rotor! Some people simply use a splitter and combine 2 antennas in different directions, but that splitter DECREASES your signal 3DB which can kill the distant channel you are attempting to receive. Maybe they make some amplified combiners to more efficiently join antennas???
I agree that would be a good idea for a video. CM makes a omnidirectional dipole. I think most people are trying to pull in coverage from one particular direction so yagis make more sense. Attenuating weaker stations from other markets is part of the benefit. The omnidirectional antennas are more for marine and automotive/rv use. I like getting as many out of market tv stations as I can but I'm a weirdo.
Called a local Audio/Video small business and the guy tried to sell me on an antenna that he was selling for much less than Amazon. What brand, I ask. "Channel Master" Sounds great right? So we go to the store and they have the display. I'm leary because I know if I need to return it, it will be a giant "we'll we can give you a store credit." Long story short, they were selling them with no box, no instructions and there was no Channel Master logo anywhere. I'm glad we left the store. If it sounds too good to be true..... Haven't gotten ours from Amazon yet. Thanks Antenna Man!!
A cousin of mine has this antenna. He can get all Baltimore TV Stations 70+ miles away and several VHF stations, even from Washington DC and Harrisburg PA, all 70+ miles away
Will sizing an Antenna for 80 mile range hurt if the range is closer to 40 miles or am I just wasting money for an 80 mile and need to go to a 40 mile range?
I have one of these in my attic pointed at Washington DC....about 43 miles away. Maybe overkill, but I wanted the extra gain to offset the attenuation due to being mounted inside my attic space. My HOA isn't into antennas and I didn't want to spend my energy fighting them. It is a solid performer for DC and Maryland channels. One of the weird interference problems I have is that helicopters and Osprey aircraft from Quantico Marine Corps Base cause freezes and breakup of the channel. Luckily it only lasts for a few seconds. I call it the "look of freedom." We also have the "sound of freedom" from the ranges associated with the base.
An HOA or local government that tries ban outside antennas will be violating federal law. Don't know if you'd be able to recover legals costs + some compensation if they were stupid enough to fight. Yeah, we sometimes get interference from jets out of a shipping hub about 30mi away. Starts about midnight. Also, strangely, us 'bags of water' walking around in the bedroom under the attic antenna can sometimes affect reception. I think some signal energy is bouncing off of us.
My parents asked me to check their place for an antenna. The original finally gave up the ghost in high winds. This will be the one I am going to put my money on for sure. Thank you for testing the unit Tylar. Did you try to double the antennas by putting one antenna on top of the other say 3 feet apart for higher gain if needed ??? Peace VF
I made one of these out of wire hangers, pvc pipe, a few slats of wood and an amplified connector, then made a 30"x40" window screen covered w/ tin foil for the reflector. Cost 35$ and works about the same.
I have used this antenna for a couple years now. I placed it it my attic and seems to work really good. Not sure if there would be anything better in my 01201 area code.
I have had this antenna since 2012 and l get 62 TV stations. I have it mounted in the attic with a preamplifier and split for two tv's. it doesn't seem to matter witch way i pointed it picked up every thing. the majority of stations are about 40-60 miles away.
I liked this antenna. But I've been trying out different antenna from time to time. But this is a great antenna. If I aimed it North, I could pickup Greenville and Little Washington roughly 115+/- miles away It picks up the local Wilmington stations at 40 miles, sometimes picking up Myrtle Beach
I've been using the Channel Master CM4228 antenna for approximately 49 years. And the weather has taken its toll on it. I've lost 4 of my bowties and it still performs excellent, using RG59 coaxial cable. And when I say I lost my bowties, I mean they're on the ground. The antenna is mounted on a 40' tower. Signal strength of all but one station is less than 45%. I'm about 70-80 miles west of Huntsville AL. I'm sure if I upgraded to RG6 coax cable I could improve that signal quite a bit. The antenna looks as if it is made of rust. If I swap over to RG6, I may as well put up a new antenna. Or, do you think the bowties could be reattached and possibly perform as well as a shiny new antenna ?
At 49 years, that is at least 3 times the expected life of a TV antenna. Agreed, if you are swapping the cable then you should swap the antenna, too, while you are at it. As you know better than any of us, Channel Master makes a quality product.
My biggest antenna concern in Canada is how it will stand up to high winds, heavy snow loads and freezing rains. I don't want to be climbing and shoveling my roof in February to get to it to make repairs. It would have to wait until April or May.
I live in east central Missouri near St Louis. I had a similar 4 bowtie element installed on my roof and found it stood up to severe winter weather very well. Our winters are brief and probably mild compared to Canada but we still get the occasional heavy snow, ice, freezing rain and strong winds. Just make sure its securely mounted and the pole is long enough to peak out of deep snow fall. Best of luck to you!
I noticed on some of your videos you are receiving a viewable picture on low signals ....(47%?). My tv does not show a picture unless it's at least 67-68%... I even bought a a new tuner that you suggested.....no change....using the standard rg6.
Great Job. I watch as time permits and this was some great info. Dnk much about Patreon but will find you. Currently configuring cellular booster by Cel-fi Go, still and don't watch much tv as no time and news is so full of beans.
It would be ideal if I could use the mast you showed and install Both Cel-fi and TV antennas. 🤔 Do see a conflict with performance ? Pls advise as time allows.
Hey P.K. thanks for supporting me as a channel member. You can install both the cell phone and TV antenna on the same mast. Just keep them at least 3 feet apart.
And to think that we antenna nerds were upset when this "new" CM-4228 was introduced at $85... now it's twice that. Regardless, this is one of the better antennas available and remains a classic. The 4221 provides nice reception at half the price, but may not be enough for true fringe areas and lacks Hi-VHF as I recall. I wouldn't bother with the 4220.
I’m getting U.S. channels in Montreal from Mount Mansfield Vermont 75 miles away with no problem with the exception of ABC WVNY that’s on channel 7.1 which is borderline. No big deal as ABC has lousy programming anyway. I do have the antenna feed into the Channel Master CM-3414 indoor amplifier that brings in the U.S.. Stations at 87%+. I’m also able to pick up PBS from Lyon Mountain in New York with the antenna pointed at Mt. Mansfield Vermont. A great antenna I highly recommend, too bad I can’t say the same for the FCC or the CRTC here in Canada.
I had their earlier, heavy steel version in 2005 and at my difficult reception location, aiming was critical for UHF so I changed to the Antennas Direct 91XG (at one time I had 3 in opposite directions.). The later versions of the Channel Master were not as good for high band VHF.
The 91XG is usually considered to have a narrower forward beam. Did you find aiming was easier with the 91XG? I have the older 4228 made before 2009 and am lucky nearly all our major stations 45 miles away are within 7 degrees of each other with the exception of one independent station that's coming in from the rear on rf ch 12.
How does this compare to the big UHF Yagi antennas you reviewed? I have heard this antenna is better because it is stronger on the lower uhf band where most of the channels are now,?
I used the knock off AnTENNA of this one with amp at the antenna and booster RIGHT before HD HOME RUN BOX. Works great and all tower are 40 plus miles. I get 45 channels which skme are redundant.
Noticed how the bow tie antennas are mounted out of phase for better signal strength. This is a multi antenna UHF antenna. Question that might help multiple folks: can two antennas be mounted at 90 degrees (ish) to get signals from two different driver or broad cast antenna locations? There are two clusters of broad casters - one north north west and one south south west of zip code 23508, Norfolk Virginia. A complicated answer is welcome.
I used to live in Ghent and the indoor antenna I used picked up the stations in Norfolk and Portsmouth, but not WSKY. I've seen photos of Antenna Direct's DB8 setup with one set of bays pointing one direction and the other facing 90 degrees. I don't know if the CM-4228 allows the elements to be positioned at different angles.
@Casey Hartman No, because the reflector elements are continuous from one side to the other. 1:39 and particularly 2:12 I have a Stellar Labs 30-2430 dual quad bay bowtie antenna in my attic. (It looks to be the predecessor to the "knock off" Tyler showed at 1:01. Given I got it on sale for $40, the cost to performance ratio is good!) One panel is aimed at the local transmitters to the NW and the other to a distant set to the SW. Unfortunately, I have a line of oak tree to the west which presents a challenge, particularly on windy days. It did not work consistently for the distant city until I saw Tyler's review of the Televes T-Force Dual Input Preamplifier model 560483. th-cam.com/video/lxD_fmqnpcI/w-d-xo.html I got one and replaced the combiner with the preamp. The filtering and independent gain settings for each input made life pretty good. It still suffers from the trees sometimes, so I'm thinking of dedicating the whole thing to the distant city and getting another, smaller, more attic friendly directional antenna to deal with the local channels. I also need work to find sweet spots for reception. Difficult with a large antenna in an attic full of trusses. Easier with two independent antennas, assuming I can avoid multipath issues.
In my comparison to a DB8e Vs. CM4228. DB8e .....35 UHF channels CM4228 .....18 channels This was pointing at Buffalo, NY at a distance of 70 miles to Grand Island, NY and 104 miles to Colden, NY so I aimed between these two locations of Buffalo, NY Transmitters. Performed several tests and the Channel Master always can up short. I will do the test again in a week. I would say the DB8e is the better performer.
hi - i have a cm4228 which i use indoors as i think the indoor antennas are poor - i am looking to but a db8e and your is the 1st time i have seen anyone compare these 2 ant - do u have more info u can share ? i am on ground floor w/ a south facing window, i am in downtown toronto ON ont canada would like to get cdm and usa [buffalo] channels - my postal code = m6k 2y3 - i would appreciate any info u could share
I'm in the deep fringe. All stations are 45-60 Miles away with multiple hills between. I'm also in the bottom of a small valley. All the stations I'm trying to get are in the same direction. For purely UHF, I've had best reception using a long UHF Yagi like the Stellar Labs 30-2370 or the similar Antennas Direct 91XG. In a head-to-head comparison the Stellar Labs UHF Yagi has better signal strength than the Channel Master 4228HD. I made a Gray-Hoverman and had similar weak reception. Just by looking at the specs I can see why. The gain of the Channel Master 4228HD is 5-12 dB across its bandwidth (174-700MHz). The UHF Yagi's gain is 14-17 dB on (470-862 MHz). The Channel Master 4228HD can pickup anything in-front of it. Full 180 degree horizontal reception. The UHF Yagi is very directional say 55 degrees. This works fine for me as all the stations I'm trying to receive are in the same direction (max 30 degrees between them). The Channel Master is built great and I'm sure it's a great antenna. It's just not right for my location. There is only a couple VHF stations (PBS) in my area. I might try adding a VHF Yagi like the Stellar Labs 30-2476. It has 10-14 dB gain on the VHF (174-230 MHz) (Channels 7-13). It seems to be pretty common to use a UHF Yagi and VHF yagi together. You hook them together with a VHF/UHF combiner. Sidenote: Another advantage of the Stellar Labs Yagi antennas is their cost. The 30-2370 UHF Yagi is currently on sale for $22.70 ($35 shipped). The 30-2476 is around $45. The Channel Master 4228HD will run you $150+.
I'm using the 30-2476 hi-Vhf antenna from stellar labs. It is a good antenna. In my area one of the few that can pull in WHTM Harrisburg's abc station on rf10.
I have one of these antennas which I installed here in Houston back before the analog shutdown / digital switchover. I'm about 25 miles east of the antennas, so it's not a particularly weak signal area. I just wanted a good antenna. As installed, I could receive all of the local channels transmitting on digital. I never checked the analog reception. However, after the switchover, local channel KUHT, which had been broadcasting in digital on channel 9, switched over to transmitting digital on channel 8 and, with that, I could no longer receive it. Coming up with a workaround to receive channel 8 (2nd antenna) was a non-trivial exercise. So, if you intend to use this antenna for VHF, make sure it will work for the channels available to you. Oh, yeah - no problem for UHF. It's a great antenna.
I appreciate that you make these videos, and I consider what you say to be important and significant - not to mention - useful. However, I have just spent the last 6 months trying to find the "ideal" antenna for me. And one thing I noted, was that since I (in central NJ) am also about 42 miles from a number of stations, including KYW in Phil., what I see, is if I record (as I have) the "quality" level (which is what you are showing here, as opposed to "signal level" - like in dBm), I see significant variation from day to day....especially if I look over say a two week period. There are times when I get "unexplained" drop-outs, which have to be due to the fact that I am receiving them over "two ridge" scenarios. So, I'm not sure if yours are LOS? My point - comparing an antenna TODAY, to what (whatever) antenna received last week, is really not scientifically accurate. If you put them up next to each other, and do and A vs B test, at any given time, it surely would be much more accurate, no?
This is why I test about 10 antennas in the same day within an hour. Every antenna within the last year on my channel was tested on the same day. I also have a base antenna to make sure the levels are normal. Your signals are marginal and thus more prone to changes in atmospheric conditions. Mine are very consistent.
If you need help figuring out the ideally antenna sign up for an antenna recommendation for me below. www.antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
@@AntennaMan Thank you for that. I have watched quite a few of your videos and appreciate you sharing the info that you do/did. However I don't believe I ever heard you say that key point - about the testing before......that you test them the same day, within the hour. Thanks for sharing that.
@@AntennaMan This info about your testing methodology is great! I'd been bothered by the fact that you compared each antenna to the previously tested one. This would seem to make comparisons between antennas several reviews apart difficult given possible difference in season, weather, time of day and other conditions. Batch testing alleviates these problems, at least within the batch. I still think it would be better to compare performance against a single reference antenna instead of or in addition to the previous one. When you finally get to the next batch, the difference between reference results will allow comparison antennas from different runs. I'm curious about factors that do produce variation at your location. Are trees a factor (wind/season)? How much time of day variation do you see? Weather can always produce differences.
Wish I had bought this over the Televes DatBoss LR Mix. The Televes is ok. But VERY directional. I needed a wider pattern. But I can’t afford another antenna. I already use a CM3020 as well. lol
Tylar, would this channel master antenna compare to a gray-hoverman zig-zag antenna Sir ?? How does this antenna compare to the Televes Dat Boss best antenna ??? Thanks
A commercially designed antenna will typically out perform a homemade gray-hoverman design. If you want to see how this antenna compares to the Televes LR Mix, watch my video review of it below: th-cam.com/video/Sk0NiIffdj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=urDEfEQXdHxE11oR
I have a similar 4 bowtie element purchased from antennas direct for $49 USD. Its performed well for me but I'm mid range distance from the towers, about 35 miles with few to no line of sight interference. I plan on moving another 17 miles out within 7 months but the reception should still be good.
There's a used one I my area of Colorado mountains for only $20. Think for $20 is a OK to gamble if will work compared to buying new. Now I only get 2 channels.
What is an HD antenna? There’s no such a thing as an HD antenna. Antennae are cut for frequency response, not modulation types. Interesting correlation is Shortwave. There are AM stations, Single Sideband point to point stations, and digital or analogue signals of all types and kinds but can all be picked up on an antenna cut for a section of electromagnetic spectrum. It can’t be any easier than that.
@@winterburden All antennas can get HD signals. They real thing to know if you got VHF channels you want to get, then the antenna needs to have elements that cover VHF.
Installed couple hundred Antennas in the Florida Keys During 80's and 90's. Wanted to see current things. Was Interesting to see channels only go to 36. Think they Originally went to 83? Then 69? I Used Channel Master and Winegard. Both Very Good. Twinlead or Flatwire which is Balanced, Coax is Unballanced. You use a Balun to connect the 2 BAL UN(BALlanced UNbalanced) If you are not going to use an amp. Twinlead is the way to go. Less Loss, Better Signal. BUT You NEED Standoffs to keep away from Pole, Laying on Roof, anything. Was watching Signal with Signal Level Meter, when lifting Twinlead off the Roof, you saw the Signal Jump up. If you had a Strong Station knocking out other Channels, you could add a Trap and Tune Out(reduce)Offending Frequencies. I Stacked 2 VHF Antennas and was able to pick up Cuba, channel 13. Didn't understand Spanish. I also took a 6' Channel Master Parabolic UHF Antenna, remove the Center piece, And Attached a Single Bay UHF Antenna Facing in. Was able to get Ch 51 UHF from Miami in Lower Matecumbe. Was for Papa Joe. Had Stocks on that Channel back then. A Good UHF/VHF Amp was Channel Master 0060. Great Amp.
Won't work for my OTA situation unfortunately. .... Have a peculiar multipath interference problem here which affects my older TiVo Roamios and Bolt OTA DVRs on some channels. And the only way I've found to eliminate it is with an 8-level bowtie panel antenna where I can independently adjust the two panels' orientation (one panel has to point east, the other to the east-northeast). So while I like the idea of the "continuous back reflector" for better VHF reception. You obviously can't separately angle the panels with respect to each other on this model.
Really good, thanks. I am thinking that this would be good for people who have travel trailers. Living here in SOUTH WEST LOUISIANA, we may have to leave because of Hurricane 🌀. So this would be generally good for people having to camp somewhere! 🌪💨
Excellent review. Could you please explain how the reflectors enable this antenna to receive high VHf signals in contrast to my antennas direct db8, which does not. Thank you.
I would like to know if I can modify my reflector to be able to get high VHf. I tried the antennas direct VHf add on kit but it severely degraded my UHf reception. Thank you
I have half and half, it's so hard to find a great antenna with never any problems all year round on 2 UHF channels. All my VHF comes in great 90-100% signal, but the 2 UHF channels are in the 50-65% range and can break up a bit sometimes. I have a winegard platinum series hd7694p. All the signals are coming from the exact same direction 2 towers right next to each other within 1 degree of each other.
@@AntennaMan Do you mean provides a unit for review?? Did the "Five Star Amplified Outdoor HD TV Antenna ..." folks provide one for review too? Bet they were surprised when they saw that one... 😳 Or did you just need to smash something?? 😀
@@carbon60unit I bought the Five Star unit myself. Unfortunately my reviews of larger antennas perform poorly compared to smaller more consumer friendly. As a result I don't review large antennas anymore unless it's sponsored
Will the antenna pick up the VHF signal from the back side? I am in between 2 areas almost directly in between the two areas. The towers are almost 42 miles south and 45 north. I have a cheep antenna someone gave me and i am testing to see if i will cut the cable. I looked at the video you have on another 8 panel ant that can be adjusted separately but i think the other antenna did not have as good of VHF reception. Or would i have to buy 2 antenna and put in a duplex to get without a rotor . Thanks for any information
I test between 10-12 antennas on the same day within an hour or two, film the results, and then release the videos aftr. I also have base antenna I use to make sure the signals are consistent.
Hi. Always Great information!! I've used an GE OTA antenna mounted about 26' high in Zipcode 19021. It has worked fantastic, even getting 6ABC. The only hitch, which frankly has me befuddled. Everyday about 6:30 PM, in the winter, summer, clear or harsh weather. Channels 2.1 thru 2.9 scramble, and looses signal strength. The picture does not disappear and go completely black. At all other times, the signal is strong and fine viewing. I'm at a loss. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Txs
Hey Tyler, I have this antenna I had outside at my previous house and my question to you is will it work in my extra large stand up attic? Thanks for sharing your videos.
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Affiliate Link to Channel Master antennas with higher VHF gain:
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bit.ly/3EZ5Mt5
📡 Do you have reception problems? Consider an antenna recommendation from me below! antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
I installed the CM4228 at our cabin in the boonies of the Adirondack Mountains. All web transmitter feedback indicated there would be NO channel reception. Happy to say we receive 8 and many times 12 channels - with (channel master) amplified signal from Burlington VT - which is 85 miles away - as the crow flies. This is simply an outstanding antenna.
40 years ago I used to sell the Finco 4 and 8 bay bow tie antennas, much like this one. They were the big performers back in the day. They didn't have any VHF elements though. The Channel Master antenna is pretty pricey, but so was that Finco 8 bay back in the day. I worked at an electronics store in Corning, NY from 1972-2007.
I purchased the extreme 80 antenna around 10 years ago still works great. Picking up about 40 channels between 60 to 90 miles away.
I have one that I bought 30 years ago. Put it up to receive uhf stations 65 miles away, was totally surprised to receive vhf-hi stations from the same city/distance. I still am using it!
This is the antenna I'm currently using and it works fantastic. It's holding up really well since putting it up in October of 2017. The VHF performance is actually quite good I was thinking I was going to need a separate VHF antenna but it's great. In also using the Amplify preamp as well as the CM 8 port distribution amp. As well as the CM compression fittings.
Back in 2013, after wanting to get off cable TV as they had just raised rates on me again, this was my antenna of choice. I have been very happy ever since. A great backup for when the internet goes out or if you just want to check the locals. For me it was worth every penny.
I recently bought a VHF/UHF splitter that you mentioned recently (off Amazon) and it’s life changing. I finally have good VHF reception by using a long dipole antenna because apparently no one makes a indoor antenna anymore that has good VHF dipoles
Details?
Which splitter are you talking about, please?
I am glad it worked in your situation. It made my UHF reception worse and did not help vhf noticeably. I have just wired 4 aluminum recycled rabbit ear rods to the back of my 8 bay antennas direct db8 and that seems to have drastically improved my reception. Thanks to Tyler for pointing out the reflector difference. I also googled 8bay TV antenna hacks and saw several discussions on reflector modifications.
We have been using the older version of this antenna since the digital conversion in 2008. The antenna is pointed to Boston 42 miles away in terrain challenged New England. We use a separate VHF-hi antenna (Wingard YA-1713) pointed to the NH stations. Both are mounted on the west gable of the house.
The older version was known to pick up VHF-hi but from what I've heard the new one is even better.
Second your recommendation of this antenna from fringe viewers. Even though it is pretty large I think it has less wind resistance then long non-bowtie antennas, that is important here in the frozen north. We pretty much are able to receive all the stations we are interested in watching with this setup.
My Fellow Americans 🇺🇸 USA I'm very proud of This Bright Young Man 💪 Tyler back in my day Channel Master was in my Era
I had one of these antennas at my previous home. It was the best antenna I ever had.
Another amazing review by Tyler!
I made a 4 bay years ago with a fridge grill as the reflector. The directions are super easy. The trick is making the elements and leads symmetrical. You can tune them by adjusting the length of the whiskers if you want to enhance a certain range. Cost me maybe 20 bucks. Was it the best it could have been? Probably not, but it worked.
I started making my own bow tie antennas years back too, I've now been using my diy vertically stacked 8-bay with good results for the last 6 years, with a little bit of maintenance on it once a year. I bring in a solid signal at 60 miles from the major network towers, all 2-edge. fun & cheap.
@@TexCaliber Scot or Corey, if you posted some links to web sites or videos you used to design them that would be good to see.
Meant to add: Look under 'Drawings' for the PDFs they helped me a lot.
@@mscir Just search for DIY bow tie antenna. The materials are not important. They Just have to be solid enough to mount the elements and leads to. the whiskers need to be the same length, and the leads also need to be symmetrical. make sure they don't touch where they cross. It doesn't even need a reflector, but it helps a lot, and brings in VHF. The size depends on the frequency your trying to pull. That dictates the size of your whiskers. Everything else is in relation to those.
Edit: for reference I was pulling all the stations on the Island in Niagara, and my local stations from my residence near Pearson airport in Toronto. About a 30 degree arc
@@TexCaliber Did you find the info on how to do it here on TH-cam as well?
Dude, just in time. I just canceled AT&T TV. Those criminals were robbing me. I NEED an Antenna. I live near Forth Worth, Texas. Thanks. Eaglegards...
Lots of good stations in NTX
I took two Cm4221HD with the caps off and the balun flipped and moved forward. Combined with a low loss combiner especially desigmed for this purpose on an 8 Bay Backplane. Tilted up by 0.2 inches. Boy does this antenna rock now with getting stations solid 93 miles away ! My location is Gilford, New Hampshire !
Thank you, that is the antenna I picked up about 6yrs ago and never regretted it. I also added a Channel Master signal booster and 4 way spliter for distribution to my house
I mounted this antenna in my attic. Works great on stations up to 60 miles away. Used the CannelMaster amp and splitter.
I had a Channelmaster 4228 installed back in 2012. Was wondering why PBS Savannah, GA (both virtual and RF channel 9) had the best reception from the back of the antenna. This video provided the answer. Thanks, Tyler. Keep up the good work!
Concur with everything you said. Yes, I also initially went the cheap route with the same cheap UHF antenna YOU mentioned trying to pick up a station 69mi south. I learned that it was originally designed for HI band UHF, chan 60-72! (A real OLD design) I re-engineered it by re-installing the reflector 2 inches further back from it's original design. That doubled it's signal for the lower UHF band, and made it actually an adequate performer! But it was still only 4 bay.
I could now receive physical channel 29, 69mi due south, but it was unwatchable. Just spotty. I had a 17% signal originally and after moving the reflector back further 2" , that got my signal up to 28%, but still not really watchable.
So I spent the big bucks and got the 8 BAY CM4228HD. WoW! That got my signal up to 48% and combined with a signal amp, now have a solid 57% SOLID signal (min) with absolutely NO dropouts, no matter what weather. This channel operates from a 1600ft tower at full power.
VHF on this antenna is fine, but even if you look at the CM specs (5DB gain) , it's not designed to be great, but it's totally adequate for local physical VHF-HI signals we have up to 30mi away. If you notice how CM combines both antennas, those long harness links act as active VHF elements!
My antenna simply sits on a deck about 10ft elevation from the ground. Due to trees, it's the only place I can get a solid signal from this distant station, but it's SOLID in that location. Any other height or location doesn't work. I get some signal as I go higher, up to 30ft., but not as good as the signal at the 10ft. elevation on that deck. That's why I tell people, before you invest in an expensive antenna, find out WHERE your best signal is! Location, Location, Location!! And it can be at any height or area of your yard if you have trees. Then, once you find your best signal, experiment with higher quality antennas to get the signal you need. But of course you can NEVER go wrong with the CM4338HD! Nothing else measures up. It's a proven, general design that was used heavily back in the 50's, but with the addition of VHF capability, it's even better! Please note for others that the CM-4221HD(4 Bay) does NOT do VHF. ONLY the 8 Bay version does VHF.
So if you purchased one of those cheap 4Bay antennas mentioned by Tyler, remove the reflector and remount it further back and you'll have a decent performer, vs. junk.
Your videos have been a big help. Thank you.
In comparing VHF and UHF TV signals to free satellite TV signals, VHF signals are like linear satellite signals. Longer waves that require larger antenna elements/larger satellite dishes. UHF signals are like circular satellite signals; smaller and more compact, requiring a smaller antenna element/smaller satellite dish (like Dish Network or Bell).
I have a cheap 4-bay that picks up channel 2 in my area, but not super reliably I might add. Another great video, Tyler.📡📡
Good comparison , VHF is like C Band and UHF is like Ku Band in terms of antena dimension and signal propagation. For those who are interested in satellite TV C Band has the frequency band between 3.7 to 4.2 GHz and Ku Band has the frequency between 10.75 GHz to 12.75 GHz. C Band requires a dish larger than 1.8 meters (71 inches) and Ku Band requires a 100 cm (39 inches) dish even smaller.
@@Nicholas_Chris In making a general comparison in terms of antenna size relative to wavelength size, bigger wavelength, bigger antenna. Even Ku band signals (circular vs. linear) are different in terms of their size and how they travel through the air. Circular signals are small, compact and travel in a corkscrew type pattern. This is why services like Dish Network and Bell can use an 18-20” dish, whereas linear signals used for free satellite TV in North America use 33-39” dishes. Linear signals travel in lines, both horizontal and vertical, and need a larger dish. C band would best be compared to Low VHF. Long wavelengths requiring an 8 foot antenna or satellite dish.
The word you are looking for, for satellites is MIcrowave. They operate in the microwave band. The signal is not circular. It's a tight beam.
@@CoreyKearney Maybe so, but commonly used terms to describe satellite signals are ‘linear’ and ‘circular’.
@@NorthcoasterHobby Common to who? I am aware of vertical signals, and horizontal. Never heard of a helicial signal. Unless in was in reference to light polarization, even then it's a weird one.
this type of antenna copes best with UHF, because it is constructed under UHF. The full-wave dipole still has a working range in VHF, which is why the antenna catches this frequency. In Poland, this type of antenna is popularly called: grid, it is a 8 dipole synphase antenna. Best regards
Interesting review of this antenna. I live in Northwest Indiana, about 45 miles from the signal coming from Chicago. In 2010, I replaced an old rooftop mount antenna with two of these on the same mast. My intention was to aim one at Chicago, and the other at South Bend, however I ended up hanging them together, both aimed at Chicago. These antennas are strong performers, and have been through all kinds of extreme weather for 10 plus years. If you need a good antenna, this is most likely the one.
How did you combine the cables coming off the antenna
@@TheBigbark0341 there is a combiner you can buy for that purpose.
I had this type of antenna back in 2009 with a built in amplifier. The power inserter had a rotating knob and you could adjust the gain (like some active splitters). There were no digital channels in my area only analog and I say it's the best antenna on the market but it wasn't a Channel Master it was a different brand. In my Area the VHF High Band could be received with the rabbit ears and the picture was very good, the problem was with the UHF Band (especially band 5). The antenna had an excellent reception on UHF band especially on Band 5 (which was hard to receive). As for VHF the picture was crystal clear, even better than analog cable. I could receive UHF channels from 40 km away thanks with the amplifier built in. Unfortunately I gave it away. I was amazed how it performed with the analog UHF channels.
I have been using this bad boy for a couple years in my master bedroom, hung above the TV on the wall, in my L.A. townhome. The only channel it won't pick up is 9-1...no loss there. A good investment based upon your recommendation.
I bought the Channel Master Ultra 60 to replace the junk antenna with the built in rotator. I’m Shootings from Oxford NY towards Binghamton NY and I’m receiving all the stations broadcasting out of Binghamton NY and also receiving stations broadcasting out of Scranton PA no problem. I definitely recommend this antenna with two 👍🏼👍🏼 up
This is the antenna I decided on in 2013 and have been very happy, and that's being hung in an attic
I use this Extreme 80 as l live outside of Atlanta. I have two preamps in line giving me about 42 db of gain above the rated output of the Channel Master.
I get a max of about 45 channels but paired it down to a mere 30. The system allows me to see HD and a great picture.
This is is good as l live NE about 60plus miles from the transmitters. I use of course RG6 and a straight run from antenna to amplifiers. Then to the 4K TV. Great picture!and great surround sound too. 👍🏻👍🏻
I bought this antenna through Channel Master's website. Works excellent, I must agree with your analysis. I was having problems with reception using a even though I'm in a relatively flat plane from the 880' transmitting antennae just 11 miles distant. A dense copse of trees behind my house are 80-100 feet high which blocked enough of the signal using my old Clear Stream 4 antenna that stations would freeze or go into digital schizophrenia mode (I guess you'd call it pixelation). All problems went away after installing this antenna at eave level 12 feet off the ground. I noticed the Clear Stream was more sensitive to direction than this antenna. Weather also seemed to have a detrimental effect on the Clear Stream. Again, the Channel Master made all those problems go away.
This is the kind I have, I have it connected to a preamp in my attic. I got pretty good reception when I first set it up a few years ago, but now I see 7 channels that have some pixilization. Possibly due to tree growth or channel repack.
I live in Detroit and bought a RCA ANT5400 E and it's awesome. I Receive 71 channels.
Reminds me a lot of a Channel Master 8-bay bowtie antenna i had in the 90s to receive analog uhf channels from 100 miles to the north of me.
I was very happy with it , especially when i coupled it with a good antenna amplifier.
Purchased one of these from Fry's back in the day for about 33% below msrp. It still works great here in the 30040. Originally used it to benchmark Comcast video quality and was a big influence in changing my streaming provider.
I just out this antenna in my roof in Freehold, NJ. It is on a mast about four feet above my second floor roof. I get 63 channels from New York City with excellent signal strength.
I have been using an antenna like this for a long time and it works great. the antenna you review here is a great one.
This is the antenna I have. I cut the cable cord and went from $220/month to $70 for internet. I get everything out of Birmingham 60 miles away and a vhf station 35 miles in the other direction. I hooked the internet up to my TV and found I can get tons of channels through Samsung smart TV for free.
Love your reviews. Completely unfiltered even for sponsored products. I need to get you to do a recommendation for our cabin.
Please do! It'll save a lot of headache I'm sure
0:50
Great! Now I need to upgrade again. LOL!
I’m currently running a CM Yagi style antenna but I don’t recall the model right now.
I recently upgraded my TV from a 1080p made in 2012, to a 4K LED made in 2021. Using the same antenna, all the TV channels that I received or ALMOST received came in perfectly clear and I receive an additional number of channels (about a couple dozen) also.
So if you’re running an older TV, I recommend upgrading your TV so you have a newer digital tuner inside-even before upgrading your antenna.
I installed this antenna over 4 years ago and never any problems. Here in 60107 Illinois I get everything but CBS.
I have a CM 2 bay model like that and been using it for years. It's a solid performer just not as omnidirectional as I would have liked. I was thinking about getting another one to get better coverage in another direction but don't really have that big of a need to do it.
I'd like to see Tyler do a video on this problem. It's a fairly common problem. If you're trying to pick up a distant station, with a high gain antenna, often that antenna won't receive channels off to it's side very well, unless they are close.
It's not a problem easily solved. Years ago we had a rotor to turn the antenna, but that's a hassle. And if you have a distribution system in your home and someone wants to watch one channel vs. the other, then you. have a fight over the rotor!
Some people simply use a splitter and combine 2 antennas in different directions, but that splitter DECREASES your signal 3DB which can kill the distant channel you are attempting to receive. Maybe they make some amplified combiners to more efficiently join antennas???
I agree that would be a good idea for a video. CM makes a omnidirectional dipole. I think most people are trying to pull in coverage from one particular direction so yagis make more sense. Attenuating weaker stations from other markets is part of the benefit. The omnidirectional antennas are more for marine and automotive/rv use. I like getting as many out of market tv stations as I can but I'm a weirdo.
Channel Master ...if you want something that will last 30 plus years, Channel Master is the right choice! (especially if you have severe weather)
Called a local Audio/Video small business and the guy tried to sell me on an antenna that he was selling for much less than Amazon. What brand, I ask. "Channel Master" Sounds great right? So we go to the store and they have the display. I'm leary because I know if I need to return it, it will be a giant "we'll we can give you a store credit." Long story short, they were selling them with no box, no instructions and there was no Channel Master logo anywhere. I'm glad we left the store. If it sounds too good to be true..... Haven't gotten ours from Amazon yet. Thanks Antenna Man!!
Thank you for the information I bought Walmart it was shit I start watching this channel get better channel thanks you
A cousin of mine has this antenna. He can get all Baltimore TV Stations 70+ miles away and several VHF stations, even from Washington DC and Harrisburg PA, all 70+ miles away
It's a great antenna!
Will sizing an Antenna for 80 mile range hurt if the range is closer to 40 miles or am I just wasting money for an 80 mile and need to go to a 40 mile range?
I have one of these in my attic pointed at Washington DC....about 43 miles away. Maybe overkill, but I wanted the extra gain to offset the attenuation due to being mounted inside my attic space. My HOA isn't into antennas and I didn't want to spend my energy fighting them. It is a solid performer for DC and Maryland channels. One of the weird interference problems I have is that helicopters and Osprey aircraft from Quantico Marine Corps Base cause freezes and breakup of the channel. Luckily it only lasts for a few seconds. I call it the "look of freedom." We also have the "sound of freedom" from the ranges associated with the base.
Is it able to pull in 7 and 9?
An HOA or local government that tries ban outside antennas will be violating federal law. Don't know if you'd be able to recover legals costs + some compensation if they were stupid enough to fight.
Yeah, we sometimes get interference from jets out of a shipping hub about 30mi away. Starts about midnight. Also, strangely, us 'bags of water' walking around in the bedroom under the attic antenna can sometimes affect reception. I think some signal energy is bouncing off of us.
You can also build your own with coat hangers. I did it a long time ago and it worked perfectly. I've since replaced it with a CM4228HD.
My parents asked me to check their place for an antenna. The original finally gave up the ghost in high winds. This will be the one I am going to put my money on for sure. Thank you for testing the unit Tylar. Did you try to double the antennas by putting one antenna on top of the other say 3 feet apart for higher gain if needed ??? Peace VF
I made one of these out of wire hangers, pvc pipe, a few slats of wood and an amplified connector,
then made a 30"x40" window screen covered w/ tin foil for the reflector. Cost 35$ and works about the same.
I have used this antenna for a couple years now. I placed it it my attic and seems to work really good. Not sure if there would be anything better in my 01201 area code.
I have had this antenna since 2012 and l get 62 TV stations. I have it mounted in the attic with a preamplifier and split for two tv's. it doesn't seem to matter witch way i pointed it picked up every thing. the majority of stations are about 40-60 miles away.
Genius Man, that's what I call this guy.
TYLAR, I remember back in the 70s that had 4 bays by CM. Do you recall hearing anything like that from your research ?? Nice antenna.
I liked this antenna.
But I've been trying out different antenna from time to time.
But this is a great antenna.
If I aimed it North, I could pickup Greenville and Little Washington roughly 115+/- miles away
It picks up the local Wilmington stations at 40 miles, sometimes picking up Myrtle Beach
I've been using the Channel Master CM4228 antenna for approximately 49 years. And the weather has taken its toll on it. I've lost 4 of my bowties and it still performs excellent, using RG59 coaxial cable. And when I say I lost my bowties, I mean they're on the ground. The antenna is mounted on a 40' tower. Signal strength of all but one station is less than 45%. I'm about 70-80 miles west of Huntsville AL. I'm sure if I upgraded to RG6 coax cable I could improve that signal quite a bit. The antenna looks as if it is made of rust. If I swap over to RG6, I may as well put up a new antenna. Or, do you think the bowties could be reattached and possibly perform as well as a shiny new antenna ?
At 49 years, that is at least 3 times the expected life of a TV antenna. Agreed, if you are swapping the cable then you should swap the antenna, too, while you are at it. As you know better than any of us, Channel Master makes a quality product.
My biggest antenna concern in Canada is how it will stand up to high winds, heavy snow loads and freezing rains. I don't want to be climbing and shoveling my roof in February to get to it to make repairs. It would have to wait until April or May.
I live in east central Missouri near St Louis. I had a similar 4 bowtie element installed on my roof and found it stood up to severe winter weather very well. Our winters are brief and probably mild compared to Canada but we still get the occasional heavy snow, ice, freezing rain and strong winds.
Just make sure its securely mounted and the pole is long enough to peak out of deep snow fall.
Best of luck to you!
I noticed on some of your videos you are receiving a viewable picture on low signals ....(47%?). My tv does not show a picture unless it's at least 67-68%...
I even bought a a new tuner that you suggested.....no change....using the standard rg6.
Great Job. I watch as time permits and this was some great info.
Dnk much about Patreon but will find you.
Currently configuring cellular booster by Cel-fi Go, still and don't watch much tv as no time and news is so full of beans.
It would be ideal if I could use the mast you showed and install Both Cel-fi and TV antennas. 🤔
Do see a conflict with performance ?
Pls advise as time allows.
Hey P.K. thanks for supporting me as a channel member. You can install both the cell phone and TV antenna on the same mast. Just keep them at least 3 feet apart.
@@AntennaMan Copy that:)
And to think that we antenna nerds were upset when this "new" CM-4228 was introduced at $85... now it's twice that. Regardless, this is one of the better antennas available and remains a classic. The 4221 provides nice reception at half the price, but may not be enough for true fringe areas and lacks Hi-VHF as I recall. I wouldn't bother with the 4220.
Tyler, would I have more gain with two of these antennas instead of just one ? Thanks
I’m getting U.S. channels in Montreal from Mount Mansfield Vermont 75 miles away with no problem with the exception of ABC WVNY that’s on channel 7.1 which is borderline. No big deal as ABC has lousy programming anyway. I do have the antenna feed into the Channel Master CM-3414 indoor amplifier that brings in the U.S.. Stations at 87%+. I’m also able to pick up PBS from Lyon Mountain in New York with the antenna pointed at Mt. Mansfield Vermont. A great antenna I highly recommend, too bad I can’t say the same for the FCC or the CRTC here in Canada.
Would mounting a double antenna like this really increase the distance ???? What is the widest view in degrees of this antenna ??? Thanks
Do you think that this whisker antenna modified to a Hoverman antenna with a zig zag element would increase the signal strength Antenna Man ???
I had their earlier, heavy steel version in 2005 and at my difficult reception location, aiming was critical for UHF so I changed to the Antennas Direct 91XG (at one time I had 3 in opposite directions.). The later versions of the Channel Master were not as good for high band VHF.
The 91XG is usually considered to have a narrower forward beam. Did you find aiming was easier with the 91XG? I have the older 4228 made before 2009 and am lucky nearly all our major stations 45 miles away are within 7 degrees of each other with the exception of one independent station that's coming in from the rear on rf ch 12.
@@bricknboxer Yes, the 91XG seemed to be not as critical.
How does this compare to the big UHF Yagi antennas you reviewed? I have heard this antenna is better because it is stronger on the lower uhf band where most of the channels are now,?
I used the knock off AnTENNA of this one with amp at the antenna and booster RIGHT before HD HOME RUN BOX. Works great and all tower are 40 plus miles. I get 45 channels which skme are redundant.
Noticed how the bow tie antennas are mounted out of phase for better signal strength. This is a multi antenna UHF antenna.
Question that might help multiple folks: can two antennas be mounted at 90 degrees (ish) to get signals from two different driver or broad cast antenna locations?
There are two clusters of broad casters - one north north west and one south south west of zip code 23508, Norfolk Virginia. A complicated answer is welcome.
I used to live in Ghent and the indoor antenna I used picked up the stations in Norfolk and Portsmouth, but not WSKY. I've seen photos of Antenna Direct's DB8 setup with one set of bays pointing one direction and the other facing 90 degrees. I don't know if the CM-4228 allows the elements to be positioned at different angles.
@Casey Hartman No, because the reflector elements are continuous from one side to the other. 1:39 and particularly 2:12
I have a Stellar Labs 30-2430 dual quad bay bowtie antenna in my attic. (It looks to be the predecessor to the "knock off" Tyler showed at 1:01. Given I got it on sale for $40, the cost to performance ratio is good!) One panel is aimed at the local transmitters to the NW and the other to a distant set to the SW. Unfortunately, I have a line of oak tree to the west which presents a challenge, particularly on windy days. It did not work consistently for the distant city until I saw Tyler's review of the Televes T-Force Dual Input Preamplifier model 560483.
th-cam.com/video/lxD_fmqnpcI/w-d-xo.html
I got one and replaced the combiner with the preamp. The filtering and independent gain settings for each input made life pretty good. It still suffers from the trees sometimes, so I'm thinking of dedicating the whole thing to the distant city and getting another, smaller, more attic friendly directional antenna to deal with the local channels. I also need work to find sweet spots for reception. Difficult with a large antenna in an attic full of trusses. Easier with two independent antennas, assuming I can avoid multipath issues.
Nice T Shirt 👕 of Channel Master
In my comparison to a DB8e Vs. CM4228.
DB8e .....35 UHF channels
CM4228 .....18 channels
This was pointing at Buffalo, NY at a distance of 70 miles to Grand Island, NY and 104 miles to Colden, NY so I aimed between these two locations of Buffalo, NY Transmitters.
Performed several tests and the Channel Master always can up short.
I will do the test again in a week. I would say the DB8e is the better performer.
Sounds like the DB83 has a wider forward beam. What were the results if you aimed each antenna directly at each broadcast tower?
hi - i have a cm4228 which i use indoors as i think the indoor antennas are poor - i am looking to but a db8e and your is the 1st time i have seen anyone compare these 2 ant - do u have more info u can share ? i am on ground floor w/ a south facing window, i am in downtown toronto ON ont canada would like to get cdm and usa [buffalo] channels - my postal code = m6k 2y3 - i would appreciate any info u could share
I'm in the deep fringe. All stations are 45-60 Miles away with multiple hills between. I'm also in the bottom of a small valley. All the stations I'm trying to get are in the same direction.
For purely UHF, I've had best reception using a long UHF Yagi like the Stellar Labs 30-2370 or the similar Antennas Direct 91XG.
In a head-to-head comparison the Stellar Labs UHF Yagi has better signal strength than the Channel Master 4228HD. I made a Gray-Hoverman and had similar weak reception.
Just by looking at the specs I can see why. The gain of the Channel Master 4228HD is 5-12 dB across its bandwidth (174-700MHz). The UHF Yagi's gain is 14-17 dB on (470-862 MHz).
The Channel Master 4228HD can pickup anything in-front of it. Full 180 degree horizontal reception. The UHF Yagi is very directional say 55 degrees.
This works fine for me as all the stations I'm trying to receive are in the same direction (max 30 degrees between them). The Channel Master is built great and I'm sure it's a great antenna. It's just not right for my location.
There is only a couple VHF stations (PBS) in my area. I might try adding a VHF Yagi like the Stellar Labs 30-2476. It has 10-14 dB gain on the VHF (174-230 MHz) (Channels 7-13).
It seems to be pretty common to use a UHF Yagi and VHF yagi together. You hook them together with a VHF/UHF combiner.
Sidenote: Another advantage of the Stellar Labs Yagi antennas is their cost. The 30-2370 UHF Yagi is currently on sale for $22.70 ($35 shipped). The 30-2476 is around $45. The Channel Master 4228HD will run you $150+.
I'm using the 30-2476 hi-Vhf antenna from stellar labs. It is a good antenna. In my area one of the few that can pull in WHTM Harrisburg's abc station on rf10.
I have one of these antennas which I installed here in Houston back before the analog shutdown / digital switchover. I'm about 25 miles east of the antennas, so it's not a particularly weak signal area. I just wanted a good antenna. As installed, I could receive all of the local channels transmitting on digital. I never checked the analog reception. However, after the switchover, local channel KUHT, which had been broadcasting in digital on channel 9, switched over to transmitting digital on channel 8 and, with that, I could no longer receive it. Coming up with a workaround to receive channel 8 (2nd antenna) was a non-trivial exercise. So, if you intend to use this antenna for VHF, make sure it will work for the channels available to you. Oh, yeah - no problem for UHF. It's a great antenna.
I appreciate that you make these videos, and I consider what you say to be important and significant - not to mention - useful. However, I have just spent the last 6 months trying to find the "ideal" antenna for me. And one thing I noted, was that since I (in central NJ) am also about 42 miles from a number of stations, including KYW in Phil., what I see, is if I record (as I have) the "quality" level (which is what you are showing here, as opposed to "signal level" - like in dBm), I see significant variation from day to day....especially if I look over say a two week period. There are times when I get "unexplained" drop-outs, which have to be due to the fact that I am receiving them over "two ridge" scenarios. So, I'm not sure if yours are LOS?
My point - comparing an antenna TODAY, to what (whatever) antenna received last week, is really not scientifically accurate. If you put them up next to each other, and do and A vs B test, at any given time, it surely would be much more accurate, no?
This is why I test about 10 antennas in the same day within an hour. Every antenna within the last year on my channel was tested on the same day. I also have a base antenna to make sure the levels are normal. Your signals are marginal and thus more prone to changes in atmospheric conditions. Mine are very consistent.
If you need help figuring out the ideally antenna sign up for an antenna recommendation for me below. www.antennamanpa.com/antenna-recommendations.html
@@AntennaMan Thank you for that. I have watched quite a few of your videos and appreciate you sharing the info that you do/did. However I don't believe I ever heard you say that key point - about the testing before......that you test them the same day, within the hour. Thanks for sharing that.
@@AntennaMan This info about your testing methodology is great! I'd been bothered by the fact that you compared each antenna to the previously tested one. This would seem to make comparisons between antennas several reviews apart difficult given possible difference in season, weather, time of day and other conditions. Batch testing alleviates these problems, at least within the batch. I still think it would be better to compare performance against a single reference antenna instead of or in addition to the previous one. When you finally get to the next batch, the difference between reference results will allow comparison antennas from different runs. I'm curious about factors that do produce variation at your location. Are trees a factor (wind/season)? How much time of day variation do you see? Weather can always produce differences.
If UHF was easier to pickup via antenna why does any channel use VHF? And why do they not transmit on the channel they actually do?
Because the FCC keeps selling TV spectrum to cell phone companies causing the TV stations to be displaced from their legacy channel numbers
Wish I had bought this over the Televes DatBoss LR Mix. The Televes is ok. But VERY directional. I needed a wider pattern. But I can’t afford another antenna. I already use a CM3020 as well. lol
When I compared the CM4228HD to a 4 bay bowtie antenna I barely saw any difference in these parts.
Tylar, would this channel master antenna compare to a gray-hoverman zig-zag antenna Sir ?? How does this antenna compare to the Televes Dat Boss best antenna ??? Thanks
A commercially designed antenna will typically out perform a homemade gray-hoverman design. If you want to see how this antenna compares to the Televes LR Mix, watch my video review of it below: th-cam.com/video/Sk0NiIffdj4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=urDEfEQXdHxE11oR
I have a similar 4 bowtie element purchased from antennas direct for $49 USD. Its performed well for me but I'm mid range distance from the towers, about 35 miles with few to no line of sight interference.
I plan on moving another 17 miles out within 7 months but the reception should still be good.
There's a used one I my area of Colorado mountains for only $20. Think for $20 is a OK to gamble if will work compared to buying new. Now I only get 2 channels.
As long as it's an HD antenna I'm in!
What is an HD antenna? There’s no such a thing as an HD antenna. Antennae are cut for frequency response, not modulation types. Interesting correlation is Shortwave. There are AM stations, Single Sideband point to point stations, and digital or analogue signals of all types and kinds but can all be picked up on an antenna cut for a section of electromagnetic spectrum. It can’t be any easier than that.
@@RJDA.Dakota yeah but HD antennas are better
@@winterburden same with satellite,know such thing as hd lnb,it's all about frequencys
@@donbest5024 just gotta make sure it's an HD satellite
@@winterburden All antennas can get HD signals. They real thing to know if you got VHF channels you want to get, then the antenna needs to have elements that cover VHF.
How is arkansas..still in fayetteville..
Installed couple hundred Antennas in the Florida Keys During 80's and 90's. Wanted to see current things. Was Interesting to see channels only go to 36. Think they Originally went to 83? Then 69? I Used Channel Master and Winegard. Both Very Good.
Twinlead or Flatwire which is Balanced, Coax is Unballanced.
You use a Balun to connect the 2
BAL UN(BALlanced UNbalanced)
If you are not going to use an amp. Twinlead is the way to go. Less Loss, Better Signal. BUT You NEED Standoffs to keep away from Pole, Laying on Roof, anything.
Was watching Signal with Signal Level Meter, when lifting Twinlead off the Roof, you saw the Signal Jump up. If you had a Strong Station knocking out other Channels, you could add a Trap and Tune Out(reduce)Offending Frequencies.
I Stacked 2 VHF Antennas and was able to pick up Cuba, channel 13. Didn't understand Spanish. I also took a 6' Channel Master Parabolic UHF Antenna, remove the Center piece, And Attached a Single Bay UHF Antenna Facing in. Was able to get Ch 51 UHF from Miami in Lower Matecumbe. Was for Papa Joe. Had Stocks on that Channel back then.
A Good UHF/VHF Amp was Channel Master 0060. Great Amp.
I currently have the Ultratenna 60 by Channel Master. Do you think this 80 bad boy will improve my reception?
Won't work for my OTA situation unfortunately. ....
Have a peculiar multipath interference problem here which affects my older TiVo Roamios and Bolt OTA DVRs on some channels. And the only way I've found to eliminate it is with an 8-level bowtie panel antenna where I can independently adjust the two panels' orientation (one panel has to point east, the other to the east-northeast).
So while I like the idea of the "continuous back reflector" for better VHF reception. You obviously can't separately angle the panels with respect to each other on this model.
Really good, thanks. I am thinking that this would be good for people who have travel trailers. Living here in SOUTH WEST LOUISIANA, we may have to leave because of Hurricane 🌀. So this would be generally good for people having to camp somewhere! 🌪💨
Can I get parts.. I'm needing the Plastic coaxial contection box..
Because of you I went with this antenna. Zip is 37865 and all towers are clustered together. I get 39 channels but just can’t get ABC. Why?
Excellent review. Could you please explain how the reflectors enable this antenna to receive high VHf signals in contrast to my antennas direct db8, which does not. Thank you.
I would like to know if I can modify my reflector to be able to get high VHf. I tried the antennas direct VHf add on kit but it severely degraded my UHf reception. Thank you
They are currently in a container located at Point Nemo. No estimated time of delivery.
Please put together a spreadsheet that everyone can see. Maybe a rating system similar to the " Torque Test Channel"
I have half and half, it's so hard to find a great antenna with never any problems all year round on 2 UHF channels. All my VHF comes in great 90-100% signal, but the 2 UHF channels are in the 50-65% range and can break up a bit sometimes. I have a winegard platinum series hd7694p. All the signals are coming from the exact same direction 2 towers right next to each other within 1 degree of each other.
I have two 4228s in my attic and they fell. Some wires got bent how can I straighten? My pliers not strong enough 🤯
Have you reviewed the CM5020? I don't see it when I search your videos.
No, no plans to review it unless Channel Master sponsors it
@@AntennaMan Do you mean provides a unit for review?? Did the "Five Star Amplified Outdoor HD TV Antenna ..." folks provide one for review too? Bet they were surprised when they saw that one... 😳 Or did you just need to smash something?? 😀
@@carbon60unit I bought the Five Star unit myself. Unfortunately my reviews of larger antennas perform poorly compared to smaller more consumer friendly. As a result I don't review large antennas anymore unless it's sponsored
Will the antenna pick up the VHF signal from the back side?
I am in between 2 areas almost directly in between the two areas. The towers are almost 42 miles south and 45 north. I have a cheep antenna someone gave me and i am testing to see if i will cut the cable.
I looked at the video you have on another 8 panel ant that can be adjusted separately but i think the other antenna did not have as good of VHF reception.
Or would i have to buy 2 antenna and put in a duplex to get without a rotor .
Thanks for any information
Nice to have this real world testing, thanks. Do you test the antennas in similar weather conditions to ensure a level playing field?
I test between 10-12 antennas on the same day within an hour or two, film the results, and then release the videos aftr. I also have base antenna I use to make sure the signals are consistent.
@@AntennaMan Excellent, thank you.
What's your opinion about people putting in Antennas on their satellite dish
Hey, please do a review on the "Xtreme Signal 8-Bay Bowtie Outdoor HDTV Antenna 65 Mile VHF/UHF (HDB8X)"!
You could say this is the very best antenna bar none. If someone thinks there is better please let me know.
There is no "very best antenna" as performance is specific to each installation location.
Hey there. Im about to install this in my attic. Do i make the bowties face the towers in my area or does it matter?
The bowties face towards the towers. See video below. th-cam.com/video/AD59zfAtm6o/w-d-xo.html
Hi.
Always Great information!!
I've used an GE OTA antenna mounted about 26' high in Zipcode 19021.
It has worked fantastic, even getting 6ABC.
The only hitch, which frankly has me befuddled.
Everyday about 6:30 PM, in the winter, summer, clear or harsh weather.
Channels 2.1 thru 2.9 scramble, and looses signal strength. The picture does not disappear and go completely black.
At all other times, the signal is strong and fine viewing.
I'm at a loss.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Txs
Your antenna doesn't have any low VHF elements needed for Me-TV 2. See video below: th-cam.com/video/6otvIew5tqo/w-d-xo.html
@@AntennaMan
Thankyou!! Your linked video explained the problem very concisely.
Appreciate it, and the good information you Always provide. 😃
Hey Tyler, I have this antenna I had outside at my previous house and my question to you is will it work in my extra large stand up attic? Thanks for sharing your videos.
You can install any antenna in an attic but whether it works depends on your home's building material and how strong or weak the signals are.