Antennacraft� U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

I live outside of Buffalo, NY and bought this antenna to receive the Toronto stations in HD. This antenna achieves my goals, however it must be mounted approx. 21' in the air to do this. It's constructed well with the exception of the 75 to 300 ohm connector, the way it's a separate piece just seems a little flimsy for something mounted outdoors. We shall see how this stands up in high winds and winter weather.

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

The U8000 antenna just arrived today - quick shipping by Radio Shack and it arrived in a large box with very few of the antenna elements needing to be "realigned". Recently, we moved out in the country about 30 miles and 70 miles from the nearest broadcasting station groups, and traditional cable TV is not available. Rather than go with satellite TV, we decided to try over the air (OTA). Having very little experience with OTA antennas in the last couple of decades, I was unsure what to expect. So I researched UHF-only antennas and used websites (such as "tvfool.com") to find out what I could expect in the way of reception. Those of you who have done the same will understand my comments below.

I looked at the direction of the stations I could reasonable expect to pull in and decided to compromise on the directionality of an antenna for its increased gain (higher gain antennas generally have a narrower reception band and must be aimed more accurately). I eventually chose the U8000. I also wanted to install the antenna in my attic (rather than outdoors) and needed as much antenna gain as I could get to make up for the loss of signal coming through the roofing/siding material. After installation, I pointed the antenna toward Chicago (66 miles away), ran the RG6 cable down to the TV in the basement (75 feet) and let the TV autoscan. I pulled in no less than 43 stations (many of them them the additional "sub" stations off a primary channel like 11.1, 11.2, 11.3). The majority of these stations had noise margins of around 1 or 2 (which is a measure of the signal strength at your location). In fact, I pulled in a station with a noise margin of -5 even with the antenna indoors and the long cable line. Wow! Antenna gain makes all the difference if you are in an area with low noise margin stations. Basically you add the noise margin for a station to the antenna gain, subtract the gain lost due to the indoor installation and cable length, and if the result is greater than zero, you have a good chance of capturing that station. And I need no preamplifier for the signal - it is all done with the antenna.

Even though this is only the first day of operation (with good weather if that matters), I could not be more pleased with the performance of this U8000 antenna. And by the way, even though this is a UHF-only antenna (according to the description), it still pulls in stations in the high-VHF channels (for me, 10 and 13). Also, even some stronger stations off axis (at 90 degrees to the direction of the antenna) are being captured. Of course I cannot compare this antenna to any others, but I can say that this product has exceeded my expectations. Yay for Radio Shack.

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

works great out side

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

Roof mount 30 feet above ground level, rotor, preamp, 50 feet rg6 coax cable. Where the brackets for the antenna mast lag bolted into the siding, I added 2x6 between the inside studs to provide a secure hold. Receives all stations listed as reasonably possible. Farthest is 55 miles at station strength of 1.0db. Weakest is station of -2.4db 40 miles away. This antenna is not as directional as traditional types. I live near two markets separated by 50 compass degrees. Strong stations will come in without turning the rotor. Of course the antenna must be aligned to pick up weakest stations. Although this is listed as uhf only it picks up my high vhf real channels 9,12 and 13. Make sure to get a high gain pre amp. If you live a distance from your stations, you need a antenna like this. If you live close, the 4 bay would do fine. It looks better on the house, too. Remember, safety first, make sure the antenna is well grounded.

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

I could only receive one station and after one month of use I changed the direction of the antenna and lost that one station. I then placed the antenna in exactly the original location only to find I can no longer receive even that one station. I will never purchase another Radio Shack item again!

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

I bought this for my cabin 59 miles from stations.
Mounted 15 feet on poll and get every channel like it's next door. Even get some 75 miles away. I receive 20 yes 20 channels at my cabin wow.Set up was very easy and it was almost fully assembled.

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

I'm in an area served ONLY by UHF stations that are 35 to 60 miles away. I did a lot of research and settled on teh U8000. [...]They are still pushing the VHF/UHF anteannas. Grudingly they ordered my U8000 [...] and I have never been happier. Aimed it at the largest and most distant metropolitan area and am recieving 40 plus stations from multiple directions without a rotor. My old VHF/UHF antenna could not do that WITH a rotor and the antenna is MUCH smaller without the horizonial VHF portion of the antenna.

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

I live in Utica, NY. By simply screwing a standard coaxial cable connected to nothing into the back of my TV, I picked up 5 stations from 5 to 20 miles away. However, the CBS station and 4 other stations are 42-45 miles away in the same direction. I installed the antenna in my attic 45 feet above ground level aimed at the desired stations and still receive the same 5 channels. It may work well for others, but for me it did nothing.

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

I live outside city limits & this antenna picks up all the UHF & even The 3 VHF channels that we have here in the Tulsa area. I have it hooked up to two LCD TVs with no amplifier & it works fine. Most people seem to have the horizontal type of antenna around here but this vertical works well, it just doesnt look like everyone elses'. Personally, I'm more concerned with how it works than does it match other peoples.

Comments about Antennacraft® U8000 8-Bay UHF Antenna:

Works beautifully on all channels except for channel 2 which only comes in in cloudy weather. I'm assuming that's because of the lower frequency. All other channels are EXCELLENT and I'm 50 miles from St. Louis, MO! I may install an amplifier to resolve the channel 2 issue.
Still very pleased to get rid of the outrageous satellite bills. Love the free HD signal!