Amplified Digital TV antenna

[dmksails]

I'm looking for recommendations for a small, amplified, Omni-directional TV antenna. My plan it to place it on a pole on the stern only when in port or at anchor - otherwise it comes down. (I have a 31-ft sailboat)

[transmitterdan]

Glomex and Shakespeare (two models) are the two most popular brands in the US. Both are easily killed by nearby lightning. Plan to replace the antenna about once per year or two.

Any good antenna will work. You don't need an ultra expensive "digital antenna" because the reality is there is no such thing. If it says "digital" on the box it's just marketing hype.

[rwidman]

I have a Glomex. The advantage is, the amplifier is not built into the antenna, it's separate and has an additional input for cable TV. All I have to do is plug the cable from the marina into the boat, switch the amplifier over to "cable" and run a scan on the TV.


The disadvantage is, the amplifier is built into the antenna so in theory, there is a slight bit of signal loss before the amplifier. With a ten foot cable it's probably insignificant.


It's been in place six years or so without any lightning damage.

[SecondBase]

Amazon has some small flat antennae. They may receive fine through the fiberglass as well so test an inside mount before you go with a traditional outside mount. Range in my marina was receiving stations in perfect clarity 50-70 miles away.

13 x 9 x 0.2 inches and at under $25 you can't go wrong.