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Hobbyists Create GPLed DIY Super TV Antenna

Freshly Exhumed writes "Retired and hobbyist antenna engineers working together in the Digital Home forums have taken an obscure 1950s UHF TV antenna called the Hoverman [PDF] and subjected the design to modern software-based computer modeling in hopes of optimizing its middling performance. The result: the new Gray-Hoverman antenna is more powerful than similar commercially manufactured consumer antennas in every category, sometimes by whopping amounts. Best thing yet: they've released the design, diagrams, and schematics under the GPLv3 so that we can roll our own! Quoth one of the testers, a former U.S. Government antenna engineer: 'Boy, this antenna is hot... This antenna is a vast, and I mean REALLY VAST improvement over anything I have used.' The home thread of the Gray-Hoverman development gives the background of their great work."

9 of 185 comments (clear)

  1. model a better server by SoupGuru · · Score: 5, Funny

    Maybe they should do some software-based computer modeling of their webserver...

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    What doesn't kill you only delays the inevitable
  2. Re:Bandwidth by More_Cowbell · · Score: 5, Funny

    the basic Hoverman design DOES have the bandwidth to cover it
    However, the server TFA is on does NOT have the bandwidth to cover slashdot.
    --
    Experience teaches only the teachable. -AH
  3. Wireless TV! by frieza79 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Wow, this new concept of wireless TV might just take off!

  4. Re:I want that job! by jd · · Score: 4, Funny

    For years, the aliens that land in Area 51 have had to make do with cheap, low-grade bobble antennae sticking out of their heads, which is very disconcerting when they run for Congress. The job of a Government antenna engineer is to design antenna that better blend in with the Congressmen's hairstyles, pointed ears, etc. This is why you don't see them any more.

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    It's a small world and it smells funny; I'd buy another if it wasn't for the money; Take back what I paid (SoM)
  5. I'm sorry... by cloakable · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...but this is obviously impossible. Nobody creates something new, then gives it away for free, that's why we need copyrights.

    Or could that tired old argument just possibly be wrong?

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    No tyrant thrives when every subject says no.
  6. Re:I want that job! by mustafap · · Score: 2, Funny

    You've been watching the teletubbies, haven't you :o)

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    Open Source Drum Kit, LPLC deve board - mjhdesigns.com
  7. Re:Renewed niche for broadcast TV? by noidentity · · Score: 5, Funny

    What makes broadcast relevant again is having the Internet to compliment it.

    The Internet loves to compliment things. Why yesterday, it was complimenting me on how well I was using its bandwidth.

  8. Re:on that topic... by squiggleslash · · Score: 2, Funny

    So what you're saying is that 60fps is a little hard on the eyes, but 50 hurts? ;)

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    You are not alone. This is not normal. None of this is normal.
  9. Re:How do I reply to the article itself? by utopianfiat · · Score: 2, Funny

    See above, these guys know what they're talking about.
    But, (obligatory), if you don't trust them, you can always:

    1) Hit ctrl-alt-delete twice really fast and you'll unlock article-reply feature!
    2) Alter windows to allow article replies by deleting C:/Windows/System32/*.dll
    3) Your modem isn't fast enough. Open your computer, remove the modem, and lubricate it with vaseline to help reduce packet friction.

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    +5, Truth