Kids solve DTV reception problems

If you, or someone you know, is having reception problems on your new digital television or converter box, then this week's Amateur Radio Newsline has the answer.

The problem, they say, is likely to be with the antenna.
Most rabbit ear or indoor loop antennas are insufficient for DTV reception. Unfortunately, a lot of folks are not allowed to put antennas on their roof.

With a solution, enter Naiomi and Noah Miller. They are the pre-teen children of FCC O-E-T attorney James Miller.

With a little help from dad, the two kids take you on a "Watch Mr. Wizard" like journey into how to homebrew your own indoor D-T-V antenna using the magic of science found in everyday living:

The antenna that the Miller kids built is based on the Gray-Hoverman Digital TV Antenna design but without the rear reflector. It in turn is rooted on the design of the late Doyt R. Hoverman who created and did the early work on this design long before the days of computer antenna modeling programs. More on this design can be found at
www.digitalhome.ca/ota/superantenna.

Watch the video of Naiomi and Noah Miller building their home-brew version of it here.

Trust me when I tell you that it’s a few of the best moments you will spend on-line this week.

With thanks to ARNewsline and CGC