Patent Publication Number: US-7911406-B2

Title: Modular digital UHF/VHF antenna

Description:
This application incorporates by reference the Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11/731,099 “Digital UHF VHF Antenna” filed on 31 Mar. 2007 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,626,557 issued on Dec. 1, 2009. This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. sctn. 119(e) of Provisional Application No. 60/787,981 “Digital UHF VHF Antenna” filed on Mar. 31, 2006, and of Provisional Application “Modular Digital UHF/VHF Antenna” cofiled on Mar. 31, 2006 via US Express Mail # EB 190327063 US. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to Radio Frequency (RF) antennas suitable for receiving and/or transmitting digital signals in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and/or Very High Frequency (VHF) ranges. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The Digital Television (DTV) broadcast causes pixilation or loss of reception if the signal delivered by an antenna is near or below threshold performance. Over the air broadcast includes both VHF and UHF DTV band channels. Antennas available to provide good VHF reception are large, complex, and expensive. They usually have numerous RF phasing lines and RF contacts that are prone to corrosion, and fatigue, degrading their performance. Antennas are often folded and users or installers frequently forget to unfold them. Antennas advertised for “VHF UHF” reception are typically small with modest performance in the UHF and poor performance in the VHF bands. DTV signals vary from high in urban areas to low in deep fringe areas. Yet relevant art antennas do not have the flexibility to configure gains according to local needs. Typical antennas are not suitable for bidirectional internet use. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     Configure simple antennas to give excellent UHF and good VHF performance. 
     Reduce or eliminate contact losses, and corrosion and fatigue degradation. 
     Provide easy installation with simple instructions, reducing installation errors. 
     Configure broadband antennas for Digital TV UHF and/or VHF and FM bands. 
     Configure Urban to Mid Fringe antennas up to 80 km/50 miles from transmitters. 
     Provide a light weight simply constructed but highly durable antennas. 
     Provide compact unobtrusive antennas with good performance. 
     Reduce signal loss in transmitting/receiving RF signals. 
     Reduce degradation in RF signal to noise ratio. 
     Provide efficient transfer of RF signals between driven antennas and connectors. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The incorporated technology teaches Digital UHF/VHF antennas and methods of configuring them which provide major improvements in wideband UHF and VHF performance that are relatively small and lightweight. These are configurable for the VHF range from 30 MHz to 300 MHz, and the UHF from 300 MHz to 3 GHz. Larger stiffened driven antennas were used with resonance in both prescribed VHF ranges and prescribed UHF ranges in some configurations. E.g., one half or five eighths waveform resonance from 174 MHz to 220 MHz in the VHF High band with three halves waveform resonance in the UHF DTV band from 470 MHz to 698 MHz. In some configurations, these were complemented by passive RF enhancers including RF directors in front of the driven antenna, RF reflectors behind the driven antenna, and off axis RF booster reflectors. The passive RF enhancers improve RF performance without the complex phasing lines, contacts and related contact and performance degradation with time of the prior art. 
     The present invention forms modules of these components that can be readily combined to facilitate configuration of Digital UHF/VHF (DUV) antennas for Urban, Metro and Fringe regions. In some embodiments, four driven DUV antennas modules are configured for UHF, broadband UHF/VHF, VHF and extended configurations. These are complemented by passive (or parasitic) RF enhancer modules comprising RF directors, RF reflectors and/or off axis RF boosters. In some embodiments these are complemented by modular RF amplifiers as needed. 
     In some embodiments, the RF directors are preferably configured into three to five director modules with varying number of UHF and VHF director elements selectable for Urban to Fringe applications. RF Reflectors are similarly preferably configured into three modules with VHF and UHF reflectors to provide increasing performance. In further embodiments, off axis RF boosters are configured into three modules with differing number of RF booster reflectors for Urban, Metro and Fringe applications. 
     These various modules are preferably supported by modular antenna supports that facilitate configuring a wide range of combinations of the modules described above. In some embodiments, the antenna supports are configured as modules. These preferably include antenna housing/amplifier modules to mount the driven antennas and connect with RF signal lines. Some modules preferably include modular amplifiers to boost performance as needed. Modules preferably include multiple amplifiers diplexed together to better communicate with multiple locations and/or multiple signal frequencies. E.g., including specialized VHF and/or UHF channels. Satellite and/or internet antenna connections and related filters are preferably included in some modules. 
     Some housing/antenna modules preferably include a major length of cable with bonded connections to eliminate contact losses. Other modules preferably use fiber optic lines to further reduce signal loss and degradation. Driven antenna supports and RF contacts, amplifier contacts and signal line contacts are preferably enclosed with epoxy and/or potting to minimize fatigue and corrosion. Some antenna support module configurations preferably include single and dual axis antenna boom to mast mounts for exterior and interior installations. Signal provision modules may include passive splitters, active distributors, and signal multiplexers such as two way internet and DTV. 
     Such embodiments of DUV antenna modules provide great flexibility to configure DUV antennas for a wide range of applications from “Urban” sites near DTV transmitters, to “Metro” sites further away, to “Fringe” sites requiring major signal enhancement. Yet they require few or more preferably only one user RF connection. This gives major advantages in higher sustained antenna performance. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus summarized the general nature of the invention and some of its features and advantages, certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description herein having reference to the figures that follow, each having features and advantages in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, namely: 
       List of Drawings 
         FIG. 1  Exploded view of a modular Digital UHV/VHF (DUV) antenna. 
         FIG. 2A  DUV dipole in perspective. 
         FIG. 2B  U-DUV dipole element in perspective. 
         FIG. 2C  M-DUV dipole element in perspective. 
         FIG. 2D  V-DUV dipole element in perspective. 
         FIG. 2E  X-DUV dipole element in perspective. 
         FIG. 3A  Base support module with cable in cutout perspective. 
         FIG. 3B  Amplified support module with cable in cutout perspective. 
         FIG. 3C  Dual Diplexed amplified support module with cable in perspective. 
         FIG. 3D  Diplexed amplified support module with two external inputs. 
         FIG. 3E  Support module with solar shield. 
         FIG. 4A  Short director with two UHF director elements in perspective. 
         FIG. 4B  Medium director with six UHF director elements in perspective. 
         FIG. 4C  Long director with twelve UHF director elements in perspective. 
         FIG. 4D  Short director with six UHF and one VHF director elements in perspective. 
         FIG. 4E  Medium director with twelve UHF and two VHF director elements in perspective. 
         FIG. 5A  Boom to boom connection schematic in plan view. 
         FIG. 5B  Insert boom to boom connection schematic in plan view. 
         FIG. 5C  Sleeve boom to boom connection schematic in plan view. 
         FIG. 5D  Overlapping boom to boom connection schematic in plan view. 
         FIG. 5E  Surround mounting bracket. 
         FIG. 5F  Cap mounting bracket. 
         FIG. 6A  Small UHF booster with one UHF reflector element in perspective. 
         FIG. 6B  Medium UHF booster with four UHF reflector elements in perspective. 
         FIG. 6C  Large UHF booster with six UHF reflector elements in perspective. 
         FIG. 7A  Exterior boom-mast mount in perspective. 
         FIG. 7B  Exterior dual axis adjustable boom-mast mount in perspective. 
         FIG. 7C  Interior boom-mast mount in perspective. 
         FIG. 7D  Interior dual axis adjustable boom-mount in perspective. 
         FIG. 8A  Signal splitter module with one input and two outputs. 
         FIG. 8B  Active signal distributor with one input and four outputs. 
         FIG. 8C  Active signal distributor with bidirectional and standard contacts. 
         FIG. 9A  Short Urban RF Reflector with a VHF reflector in perspective. 
         FIG. 9B  Medium Metro RF Reflector with VHF and UHF reflectors in perspective. 
         FIG. 9C  Fringe RF Reflector with two VHF and one UHF reflectors in perspective. 
     
    
    
     LIST OF TABLES 
     Table 1 Antenna Front Gain in VHF Hi Band &amp; DTV UHF 
     Table 2 Antenna VHF, UHF Gains, Gain/Mass and Wideband Comparisons 
     Table 3 Differences between DigiTenna and Relevant Art Antenna gains 
     Table 4 Front/Back Ratio of DigiTenna and Relevant Art Antennas 
     Table 5 DigiTenna versus Relevant Art Front/Back Ratio Comparisons 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Modular UHF/VHF Antenna: With reference to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the invention, a modular Digital UHF/VHF (DUV) antenna system  2  comprises a DUV antenna having a combination of a modular driven DUV antenna  12  and a modular RF enhancer to increase the signal gain of one or more received and/or transmitted digital signals in the Ultra High Frequency (UHF), Very High Frequency (VHF), and/or Radio Frequency (RF) ranges. The RF enhancer modules comprise one or more of an RF director  140 , an RF reflector  170 , an RF booster  112 , and/or a DUV amplifier module  202 . At least one of these RF enhancer modules are preferably selected from a selection of discrete enhancer modules. 
     The DUV antenna system further comprises a modular supporting structure or antenna mount  100  and an RF signal cable  260 . These modules and components beneficially facilitate antenna configuration, assembly and shipment. The DUV dipole is preferably configured for broadband reception or transmission in one or more of digital UHF and/or VHF signals, preferably in the range from about 55 MHz to 801 MHz. E.g., comprising digital TV, digital Radio, and/or internet communications. 
     DUV Antenna: With reference to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the invention, a DUV antenna  2  comprises a driven DUV antenna  12  comprising DUV element  21  configured to be driven by a Digital UHF/VHF (DUV) signal preferably with a frequency within one of the UHF range of 300 MHz to 3 GHz, the VHF range of 30 MHz to 300 MHz, or the collective Radio Frequency (RF) range of 30 MHz to 3 GHz. E.g., the DUV element  21  is preferably configured to be driven by a digital television signal (DTV), a digital FM signal or an internet signal. The DUV element  21  is RF communicatively connected to a RF feed or signal line  260 . 
     Modular DUV Dipole: Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2   a , the driven DUV antenna  12  preferably comprises two DUV elements  21  collectively forming a DUV dipole  20  preferably configured for broadband reception over prescribed UHF and/or VHF ranges as described in the incorporated DUV antenna application. Referring to  FIG. 15 , and  FIG. 17  in the incorporated DUV antenna application, DUV dipole  20  is preferably selected from one of a broadband M-DUV dipole  24 , a UHF enhanced U-DUV dipole  22 , a VHF enhanced V-DUV dipole  26 , and an eXtended X-DUV dipole  28 . 
     For example, in some configurations, the DUV elements preferably have about the following actual electrical lengths assuming a dipole end effect of 0.7 mounted with a central contact to contact spacing of about 32 mm (1.25″): Referring to  FIG. 2C , broadband M-DUV Dipole  24  comprises two M-DUV elements  25  preferably about 250 mm (9.82 in) long; referring to  FIG. 2B , the U-DUV  22  dipole comprises two U-DUV elements  23  preferably about 254 mm (6 in) long; referring to  FIG. 2D , the V-DUV dipole  26  comprises two V-DUV elements  27  preferably about 305 mm (12 in); and referring to  FIG. 2E , an X-DUV dipole  28  comprises two X-DUV elements  29  about 356 mm (14 in) long. Other configurations may use other modular combinations in the range with DUV element actual electrical lengths from about 102 mm (4 in) to about 510 mm (20 in) long. DUV element lengths can be adjusted for different contact to contact distances to maintain the same dipole tip to tip lengths and performance. 
     Modular RF Director: Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4A  through  FIG. 4E , in some embodiments the driven DUV antenna  12  is enhanced by the modular RF Director  140  selected from a plurality of UHF and/or RF enhancing directors and comprising RF director elements  50 . E.g. preferably selected from a short “Urban” UHF Director  142 , a medium “Metro” UHF Director  144 , and a long “Fringe” UHF Director  146 . They may be selected from a medium “Metro” RF director  145  and a long “Fringe” RF director  147 . They may selected from a combination of UHF and RF directors. 
     Short “Urban” UHF Director: Referring to  FIG. 4   a , the short “Urban” RF Director  142  may comprise one to three medium UHF director elements  52  mounted on a UHF longitudinal boom or support  192 . Urban RF director  142  preferably has two short UHF director elements  52 . UHF boom  192  is preferably formed from square tubing. E.g., the UHF boom  192  may be formed from about 6 mm (¼″) to 37 mm (1.5″) tubing and preferably from about 16 mm (⅝″) or 19 mm (¾″) square aluminum tubing. It is preferably formed from the same tubing as other director supports to minimize inventory and manufacturing costs. 
     UHF Director Elements: The conductive portion of UHF director elements  52  may be 152 mm to 216 mm (6 in to 8.5 in) long for 0.5″ wide elements. For wideband DTV reception, UHF director elements  52  preferably have an electrical resonant length of about 184 mm (7.25 in) long and 13 mm (0.5 in) wide for a width/length ratio of (0.07). Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4A , and  FIG. 4C through 4E  (and FIG. 19 in the DUV Antenna application), the UHF Director Elements  52  are preferably stiffened to reduce weight and cost while being configured to reduce drag and better withstand wind forces. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , (and DUV Antenna application FIG. 21), elliptical or similarly streamlined elements of comprising conductive material may be used to reduce wind drag. Director elements  52  are preferably widened to more than 20 mm (0.8 in) with electrical lengths reduced to about 167 mm (6.6 in) for a width/length ratio of 0.12. Director elements  52  are more preferably to about 42 mm (0.67 in) wide with electrical lengths of about 132 mm (5.2 in) for a width/length ratio of 0.32. These are beneficially stiffer in bending and more compact. 
     UHF Director: The RF Director Elements  50  may be mounted on a modular UHF director boom  190  with director elements  50  spaced about 76 mm to 152 mm (3 in to 6 in) apart starting at about 25 mm to 76 mm (1 in to 3 in) from the YZ plane. Referring to  FIG. 4A , a short “Urban” UHF director boom  192  preferably is about 75 mm to 406 mm (3 in to 16 in) long with one to three director elements  52  spaced about 102 mm (4 in) apart, starting about 51 mm (2 in) from the YZ plane (DUV dipole). The short “Urban” UHF boom  192  is preferably about 432 mm (6 in) long supporting about two UHF director elements  52 . 
     Medium Metro UHF Director: Referring to  FIG. 4B , the medium “Metro” UHF Director  144  is preferably two to three times as long as the short “Urban” UHF director  142 . E.g., Metro UHF Director preferably comprises four to nine UHF director elements  52  mounted on a medium UHF Director boom  194 . Metro UHF director  144  more preferably has about six director elements  52  mounted on the medium UHF boom  194  spaced as above. 
     Long “Fringe” UHF Director: Referring to  FIG. 4C , a long “Fringe” UHF director  146  may be formed with a “Fringe” director boom  196  about 150% to 250% the length of the medium “Metro” UHF director  144 . It preferably has ten to twenty four director elements  52 , and more preferably about twelve elements  52  mounted on a boom  196  preferably about 1219 mm (48 in) long. 
     Metro RF Director: Referring to  FIG. 4D , a medium “Metro” RF director  145  may be formed comprising a combination of medium UHF/VHF director elements  54  and short UHF director elements  52 . It preferably has a medium director element  54  about 381 mm to 508 mm (15 in to 20 in) long spaced about 203 mm to 254 mm (8 in to 10 in) from the driven DUV antenna, with about four to nine short director elements  52  and preferably six director elements  52 , mounted on a medium director boom  193 . Director element  54  is more preferably about 432 mm (17 in) long and is spaced about 235 mm (9.25 in) from the driven DUV antenna with the UHF director elements  52  spaced about 101 mm (4 in) from that. 
     Fringe RF Director: Referring to  FIG. 4E  a long “Fringe” RF director  145  may be formed comprising a combination of medium UHF/VHF director elements  54  and short UHF director elements  52 . It preferably has one to three medium director elements  54  about 432 mm (17 in) long spaced about 203 mm to 254 mm (8 in to 10 in) apart. Fringe RF director  145  preferably has about ten to twenty short director elements  52  on a fringe director boom  195 . More preferably director  145  has two medium UHFNHF director elements  54  spaced about 229 mm (9 in) apart and twelve UHF director elements  52  spaced about 101 mm (4 in) apart. VHF directors are expected to enhance VHF performance by about 1 dB to 1.5 dB. 
     Modular Boom Connector: Referring to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , modular RF Director  140  is preferably connected to the longitudinal boom  102  by a modular connection  70 . Referring to  FIG. 5B , the modular connection  70  preferably comprises a plug connector  72  which plugs into and connects the director boom  190  and the longitudinal boom  104 . In configurations using different dimensions for longitudinal boom  104  and director boom  190 , plug connector is preferably configured with differing size ends to match the respective booms. E.g., where the director boom  190  is smaller than the longitudinal boom  102 . 
     The plug connector  72  may be formed from a suitable structural material depending on the design stresses, e.g., an engineering plastic or metal. These booms  104  and  190  are preferably fastened to the plug connector  72  using fasteners inserted through the fastening holes  71 . The fastening holes are usually configured vertically to retain the greatest horizontal bending strength in modular connection  70  rather than vertical bending strength. E.g., against horizontal wind loading. This orientation provides space for cable  260  and/or connector  262 . The fastener may be a bolt, screw, rivet or pin connecting the longitudinal boom  102 , the plug connector  72  and the UHF director boom  190 , through respective fastening holes  71 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , in another configuration, the modular connection  70  may comprise a plug and socket connection. E.g., where a smaller UHF support boom  190  plugs into a larger longitudinal boom  102 . Referring to  FIG. 5C , in some configurations, the modular connection  70  preferably comprises a sleeve connector  74  that forms two sockets into which the longitudinal boom  102  and UHF director boom  190  are inserted. This beneficially provides greater bending strength at the joint where needed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A ,  FIG. 5B , and/or  FIG. 5C , the outer portion of the smaller boom or plug, and/or the inner portion of the larger boom or sleeve are preferably angled or chamfered for ease of insertion and assembly. Referring to  FIG. 5D , the modular connection  70  may comprise overlapping ends on the longitudinal boom  102  and UHF director boom  190 . As before, these are preferably fastened together with fasteners through fastener holes  71 . Other spring fasteners, cotter pins, glues, solders, welds, or similar mounting or bonding methods may be used to reliably assemble the modular connection  70 . 
     Modular DUV Mount: Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 5F , the driven DUV antenna  12  may be mounted over the longitudinal boom  102  using a U connector  76  and one or more suitable fasteners. E.g., using bolts, pins or screws through one or more fastener holes  71 . Referring to  FIG. 5E , the DUV dipole  12  is preferably configured with a modular sleeve mount  73  that mounts securely around one of the longitudinal boom  102  and the UHF director boom  190 . 
     Modular DUV/boom mount: Referring to  FIG. 3E , in another configuration, the modular mount  70  and the mount for the driven DUV antenna  12  are preferably combined. E.g., the driven DUV antenna  12  is mounted on a sleeve  73  into which are inserted the longitudinal boom  102  and UHF director boom  190 . The sleeve mount  73 , longitudinal boom  102  and UHF director boom  190  are preferably fastened together with fasteners through fastener holes  71 . Similarly, a U connector  76  may be used with a complementary closing plate or bracket  77  to firmly mount the DUV antenna together with the longitudinal boom  102  and the UHF director boom  190 . Other fastening, snapping or bonding methods may also be used. 
     RF Reflector: With reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 9A ,  FIG. 9B , and  FIG. 9C , in some embodiments the DUV dipole antenna  12  is preferably enhanced by an RF Reflector  170 . The RF Reflector  170  is preferably modular and selected from an Urban Reflector  172 , a Metro Reflector  174 , and a Fringe Reflector  176 . 
     Urban reflector: Urban Reflector  172  preferably comprises a VHF resonant/reflector element  82  preferably mounted transversely across the VHF longitudinal support or boom  104  and about parallel to and in line with the DUV dipole antenna  12 . The VHF reflector element  82  may be from about 660 mm (26 in) to 915 mm (36 in) long depending on configuration. For a broadband DTV VHF enhancement configuration, this VHF reflector element  82  is preferably about 864 mm (34″) long in some configurations. 
     This broadband VHF reflector  82  may be positioned from about 27% to 60% of the length of the reflector from the YZ plane through the DUV dipole. It is preferably positioned about 40% of the length of the reflector  82  from the DUV dipole  22 , along the positive X direction. E.g., about 349 mm (13.75″) from the YZ plane (DUV dipole) on the VHF side in this configuration. 
     Metro RF Reflector: With further reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 9B , some DUV antenna configurations with the RF reflector  170  preferably comprise a UHF resonant/reflective element  54  mounted about transversely across the longitudinal support boom  104 . In broadband configurations, UHF reflector  54  is preferably configured to resonate near the low end of the UHF band such as about 450 MHz. E.g., Reflector  54  is preferably about 432 mm (17″) long. This beneficially improves UHF performance while not seriously degrading VHF performance. In other configurations UHF reflector  54  is preferably configured to resonate about in the mid UHF range or at prescribed frequencies. 
     UHF reflector  54  may be positioned about 20% to 33% of UHF reflector length from the YZ plane (DUV dipole). E.g., from 86 to 142 mm (3.4 to 5.6 in). UHF reflector  54  is preferably positioned at about 26% of the length of the UHF reflector  54  from the YZ plane. E.g., at about 114 mm (4.5 in) from the YZ plane for a 432 mm (17 in) UHF reflector. In some embodiments, a medium Metro RF reflector  174  preferably comprises a UHF reflector  54  and a VHF reflector  82 . 
     Large Fringe RF Reflector  176 : Referring to  FIG. 9C , in some DUV embodiments, RF reflector  170  is configured as a large Fringe RF reflector  176  preferably comprising multiple resonant VHF reflector elements. E.g., RF reflector  176  preferably comprises one medium VHF reflector  82  and one long VHF reflector  86 . VHF reflector  86  is preferably about 1.75 m (69 in) long and mounted on a long longitudinal support boom  106  about 698 mm (27.5″) from the YZ plane (DUV dipole). VHF reflector  86  is more preferably configured as two half length VHF reflectors  88  of about 900 mm (35.5″) long that overlap in the middle by about 50 mm (2″). In some configurations, Fringe RF Reflector preferably comprises a UHF reflector  54 . 
     DUV Performance: To demonstrate the unexpected UHF/VHF improvements of the smaller DUV antennas over the relevant art, three embodiments of DUV antennas were constructed as follows: a small “Urban DUV-U” antenna, a medium “Metro DUV-M” antenna, and a large “Fringe DUV-F” antenna. Cylindrical elements 9.5 mm (0.375 in) diameter were used for all reflective and booster elements in these three DUV test embodiments. Directive elements were of 13 mm (0.5 in) flat stamped material. The components and dimensions were about as follows: 
     DUV-U “Urban” antenna: Referring to  FIG. 1 , a small “Urban” unamplified DUV-U antenna embodiment 2 about 0.68 m (27 in) long, having a DUV dipole  20  with DUV elements  21  about 0.24 m and 0.25 m (9.5 in, 10 in) long, a UHF director  140  with three UHF elements  50  each about 188 mm (7.4 in) long, a VHF reflector  82  about 864 mm (34 in) long, and two boosters  110  each having 2 booster reflector elements  62 , with the reflector element closest to the X axis about 597 mm (23.5 in) long, and the other one booster reflector element was about 432 mm (17 in) long. A UHF reflector about 432 mm (17 in) long is positioned behind the DUV dipole (such has as shown in  FIG. 18 .) The typical antenna mass is about 1 kg (2.2 lbs). 
     DUV-M “Metro” antenna: With reference to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4B , and  FIG. 6B , (and FIG. 18 in the associated technology), a medium sized “Metro” unamplified DUV-M antenna embodiment was configured about 0.97 m (38 in) long, having a DUV dipole with 0.24 m and 0.25 m (9.5 in, 10 in) DUV elements, an RF director  140  with 6 director elements electrically about 188 mm (7.4 in) long, a UHF reflector about 432 mm (17 in) long, a VHF reflector about 864 mm (34 in) long, and two RF boosters  60  each having 4 reflective elements  62 , with the reflector element closest to the X axis about 597 mm (23.5 in) long, and the other three booster reflector elements were about 432 mm (17 in) long. The typical mass for this “metro” embodiment is about 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs). 
     DUV-F Fringe antenna: Referring to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4B ,  FIG. 6C , (and FIG. 18 in the incorporated DUV Antenna application) a large “Fringe” unamplified DUV-F antenna  10  embodiment was configured about 0.97 m (38 in) long, having a DUV dipole  12  with 0.24 m and 0.25 m (9.5 in, 10 in) DUV elements, a director  140  having a boom  126  with 6 director elements  52  each electrically about 188 mm (7.4 in) long, a UHF reflector  54  about 432 mm (17 in) long, a VHF reflector  86  about 864 mm (34 in) long, and two boosters  112  each having 6 elements  64 , each element electrically about 864 mm (34 in) long. The typical mass for this embodiment is 1.4 kg (3 lbs). 
     In these “Urban,” “Metro” and “Fringe,” DUV embodiments, the booster booms  122  of boosters  110  and  112  were configured with a length about 594 mm (23.38 in) and was mounted on the longitudinal boom  102  with a booster boom mount  120 . The outer back edge of the upper booster boom  110  was positioned about 222 mm (8.75 in) along the top of the longitudinal boom  102  from the YZ axis or DUV dipole. In this configuration, the outer forward tip of the booster boom was preferably positioned about 445 mm (17.5 in) from the top of the longitudinal boom, at an angle of about 52 degrees to the longitudinal boom. 
     In this configuration, the midpoint of the four booster reflector elements was positioned about in the YZ plane or about in line with the DUV reflector. E.g., the booster reflective elements  62  were cut to about 590 mm (23.25″) long and positioned at about 168 mm, 289 mm, 417 mm and 556 mm (6.63 in, 11.38 in, 16.44 in and 21.9 in) along the outer boom side up from its junction with the longitudinal boom. The performance includes DUV elements constructed with lengths differing by about 5%. 
     “Fringe” booster: In the DUV-F embodiment as shown in  FIG. 18 , a “Fringe” booster was used (similar to a large relevant art UHF corner reflector) with 6 reflective elements about 838 mm (33 in) long on a booster boom about 594 mm (23⅜ in) long. These elements were positioned up from the junction with the longitudinal boom at about 70 mm, 146 mm, 235 mm, 337 mm, 457 mm, and 581 mm (2.75 in, 5.75 in, 9.25 in, 13.25 in, 18.0 in, 22.88 in). This embodiment included elements near the longitudinal axis. In a conventional Yagi/Log-Periodic antenna, these large booster elements would have been expected to cause a major reduction in the VHF gain. 
     Compared to the DUV-U and DUV-M, the longer elements and restored elements in these larger boosters  112  provided an unexpected increase in the VHF gain of about 1.8 dB at 220 MHz while reducing the VHF gain by 7.1 dB at 180 MHz. Further, this embodiment provide a major unexpected increase in VHF Front/Back ratio of 13.9 dB (from 4.9 to 18.8 dB.) With this excellent Front/Back ratio, an amplified DUV-F configuration with a 20 dB gain would provide a very good broadband gain of about 30 dB in the UHF, and good gain of about 15 dB in the VHF High Band. Yet this is very compact light weight antenna 965 mm (38 in) long, with low wind drag, weighing only about 1.4 kg (3 lbs.) 
     Relevant Art Antenna Performance: To compare the relative benefits of the DUV antennas, five small “Urban”, medium “Metro” and large “Fringe” commercially available Relevant Art antennas advertised as “VHF/UHF” were selected as follows (including some from the FCC Dec. 2005 report 05-199): 
     RU-WS antenna: A Relevant art unamplified small “Urban” square VHF/UHF antenna about 0.45 m (18″) on side, weighing some 4.5 kg (10 lbs) (Winegard “Squareshooter” model SS1000). 
     RU-AH antenna: A Relevant art unamplified small “Urban” circular VHF/UHF antenna about 0.45 m (18″) in diameter weighing some 2.3 kg (5 lbs) (Antennacraft model HDX1000). 
     RM-WY antenna: A Relevant art unamplified medium “Metro” Yagi VHF/UHF antenna about 1.27 m (50″) long with a 6″ dipole, 9 element director and a “corner reflector” with 8 elements, weighing 1.2 kg (2.7 lbs) (Winegard Yagi model PR9018). 
     RM-C4 antenna: A Relevant art unamplified medium “Metro” 4 bay bowtie+screen UHF antenna about 0.56 m×0.86 m (22″×34″) weighing about 2.27 kg (5 lbs) (Channel Master model 4221). 
     RF-C8 antenna: A premium Relevant art unamplified large “Fringe” 8 bay bowtie+screen UHF antenna about 0.91 m×1.02 m (36″×40″), weighing 6.8 kg (15 lbs) (Channel Master model 4228). 
     Antenna Performance Tests: The performance of these three DUV embodiments and five relevant art antennas was tested for DigiTenna, LLC by Georgia Tech Applied Research Corp. (GTARC) Atlanta Ga., on Jan. 29, 2007 as Project No. SEAL-07-1135. The antenna tests were performed in Georgia Tech&#39;s indoor 6.1×11.0 m (20×36 ft) RF anechoic instrumented Shielded Antenna Chamber. GTARC uses an FR 959 automated antenna measurement system with broadband HP synthesized sources and a HP 8510-based Vector Network Analyzer. The FCC certified instrumentation can test antennas from 200 MHz to 110 GHz and was calibrated in November 2006. All antennas were tested under identical conditions. All gains were corrected upward by 0.20 dB to adjust for insertion loss, and had a standard deviation of about 0.17 dB. 
     Unamplified Antenna Performance: The measured Front gain of five unamplified DigiTenna antenna embodiments are shown in Table 1 for three frequencies, (180 MHz, 200 MHz, and 220 MHz), representing the bottom, middle and top of the VHF High Band (near DTV Channels 7, 10 and 13). These include small Urban DUV-U, medium Metro DUV-M, and large Fringe DUV-F embodiments. Corresponding gains are shown for four UHF frequencies, (475 MHz, 550 MHz, 625 MHz, and 700 MHz), representing the bottom, middle and top of the US DTV UHF band (near DTV Channels 14, 27, 39, and 52). The gain of these DUV antenna embodiments is graphed in  FIG. 23 . Five major commercial relevant art unamplified antennas are shown for comparison. Note: All amplifiers in commercial antennas were removed for these tests. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Antenna Front Gain in VHF Hi Band &amp; DTV UHF 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Frequency MHz 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 180 
                 200 
                 220 
                 475 
                 550 
                 625 
                 700 
               
               
                   
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 DigiTenna 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-U 
                 −0.75 
                 −2.07 
                 −3.50 
                 7.56 
                 7.21 
                 7.99 
                 8.39 
               
               
                 DUV-UC 
                 0.0 
                 −0.3 
                 −0.7 
                 5.5 
                 5.6 
                 5.9 
                 6.0 
               
               
                 DUV-M 
                 −1.41 
                 −2.69 
                 −3.63 
                 8.66 
                 8.01 
                 9.86 
                 10.50 
               
               
                 DUV-MC 
                 −0.6 
                 −0.9 
                 −0.8 
                 8.9 
                 8.6 
                 9.7 
                 10.3 
               
               
                 DUV-F 
                 −8.52 
                 −4.90 
                 −1.77 
                 11.44  
                 11.00  
                 11.57 
                 10.50 
               
               
                 Relevant Art 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 RU-WS SS1000 
                 −36.23 
                 −25.00 
                 −25.67 
                 2.55 
                 3.49 
                 5.48 
                 1.41 
               
               
                 RU-AH HDX1000 
                 −17.70 
                 −13.40 
                 −10.62 
                 8.86 
                 7.58 
                 8.96 
                 8.94 
               
               
                 RM-WY PR9018 
                 −22.82 
                 −25.11 
                 −27.98 
                 8.00 
                 8.21 
                 7.59 
                 10.81 
               
               
                 RM-C4 4221 
                 −19.55 
                 −11.62 
                 2.35 
                 9.51 
                 10.70 
                 10.96 
                 12.51 
               
               
                 RF-C8 4228 
                 −2.60 
                 6.64 
                 3.28  
                 13.77 
                 13.62 
                 13.14 
                 12.19 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Relative Antenna Performance: The relative performance of these small Urban, medium Metro and large Fringe DUV antenna embodiments are shown in Table 1 compared to the corresponding five relevant art antennas. Table 2 lists the average gain in the VHF High Band, the UHF DTV band, and the Mean of the VHF and UHF gains. It lists the Mass, Mean Gain/Mass and the difference between the mean UHF and VHF gains. Table 3 shows the difference between the gains of these DigiTenna embodiments and gains of comparable relevant art antennas for the corresponding frequencies and averages. The DigiTenna DUV antenna embodiments generally have comparable UHF performance to the relevant art antennas. However, the DUV antenna VHF gains were 7 dB to 26 dB greater than the relevant art antennas for Urban and Metro configurations. The DUV antenna&#39;s wideband Gain/Mass ratio is 1 to 10.8 dB/kg higher than major competitors. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Antenna VHF, UHF Gains, Gain/Mass and Wideband Comparisons 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 UHF 
                 Mean dB 
                   
                 Gain/ 
                 UHF- 
               
               
                   
                 VHF Hi 
                 DTV 
                 (VHi + 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
                 VHF 
               
               
                   
                 Avg dB 
                 Avg dB 
                 U)/2 
                 kg 
                 dB/kg 
                 Avg dB 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 DigiTenna 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-U 
                 −2.11 
                 7.79 
                 2.84 
                 1.0 
                 2.8 
                 9.89 
               
               
                 DUV-UC 
                 −0.3 
                 5.8 
                 2.7 
                 0.9 
                 3.0 
                 6.1 
               
               
                 DUV-M 
                 −2.58 
                 9.26 
                 3.34 
                 1.2 
                 2.8 
                 11.83 
               
               
                 DUV-MC 
                 −0.8 
                 9.4 
                 4.3 
                 1.1 
                 3.9 
                 10.2 
               
               
                 DUV-F 
                 −5.06 
                 11.13 
                 3.03  
                 1.4 
                 2.2 
                 16.19 
               
               
                 Relevant 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Art 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 RU-WS  
                 −28.97 
                 3.23 
                 −12.87 
                 4.5 
                 −2.9 
                 32.20 
               
               
                 SS1000 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 RU-AH  
                 −13.91 
                 8.59 
                 −2.66 
                 2.3 
                 −1.2 
                 22.49 
               
               
                 HDX1000 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 RM-WY  
                 −25.30 
                 8.65 
                 −8.33 
                 1.2 
                 −6.9 
                 33.96 
               
               
                 PR9018 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 RM-C4  
                 −9.61 
                 10.92 
                 0.66  
                 2.3 
                 0.3 
                 20.53 
               
               
                 4221 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 RF-C8  
                 2.44 
                 13.18 
                 7.81 
                 6.8 
                 1.1 
                 10.74 
               
               
                 4228 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Difference in Gains between DigiTenna and Relevant Art Antennas 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                   
                 UHF 
                 Mean dB 
                   
                 Gain/ 
                 UHF- 
               
               
                   
                 VHF Hi 
                 DTV 
                 (Vhi + 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
                 VHF 
               
               
                   
                 Avg dB 
                 Avg dB 
                 U)/2 
                 kg 
                 dB/kg 
                 Avg dB 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 DUV-U vs  
                 26.86 
                 4.56 
                 15.71 
                 −3.50 
                 5.70 
                 −22.31 
               
               
                 RS-WS 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-U vs  
                 11.80 
                 −0.80 
                 5.50 
                 −1.30 
                 4.00 
                 −12.60 
               
               
                 RS-AH 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-UC vs  
                 29.3 
                 2.6 
                 15.6 
                 −3.6 
                 5.9 
                 −26.4 
               
               
                 RS-WS 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-UC vs  
                 14.2 
                 −2.8 
                 5.4 
                 −1.4 
                 4.2 
                 −18.4 
               
               
                 RS-AH 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-M vs  
                 22.73 
                 0.61 
                 11.67 
                 0.00 
                 9.72 
                 −22.12 
               
               
                 RM-WY 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-M vs  
                 7.03 
                 −1.66 
                 2.68 
                 −1.50 
                 2.54 
                 −8.69 
               
               
                 RM-C4 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-MC vs  
                 24.5 
                 0.7 
                 12.6 
                 −0.1 
                 10.8 
                 −23.8 
               
               
                 RM-WY 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-MC vs  
                 8.8 
                 −1.5 
                 3.6 
                 −1.2 
                 3.6 
                 −10.3 
               
               
                 RM-C4 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-F vs  
                 −7.50 
                 −2.05 
                 −4.78 
                 −5.40 
                 1.02 
                 5.45 
               
               
                 FL-C8 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 4 shows the Front/Back Ratios of the three DUV embodiments together with the five relevant art antennas. (I.e., Forward gain at 0 deg minus back gain at 180 deg.) Table 5 shows the differences between the Front/Back Ratios of the three DUV embodiments with the corresponding Relevant Art antennas of similar size. The DUV embodiments showed a little smaller but competitive UHF Front/Back ratios to most Relevant Art antennas. However, the VHF Front/Back ratios of the DUV antennas were typically 5 dB to 23 dB higher across most of the DTV VHF High Band than most relevant art antennas. This helps in isolating and amplifying competing DTV signals. Individual performance is discussed below. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Front/Back Ratio of DigiTenna and Relevant Art Antennas 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Frequency MHz 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 180 
                 200 
                 220 
                 475 
                 550 
                 625 
                 700 
                 VHF 
                 UHF 
               
               
                   
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 dB 
                 Avg 
                 Avg 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 DigiTenna 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 DUV-U 
                 8.5 
                 5.2 
                 3.7 
                 18.4 
                 18.0 
                 18.4 
                 16.9 
                 5.8 
                 17.9 
               
               
                 DUV-M 
                 7.5 
                 4.1 
                 3.1 
                 20.8 
                 18.9 
                 19.4 
                 18.8 
                 4.9 
                 19.5 
               
               
                 DUV-F 
                 12.5 
                 20.0 
                 23.8 
                 25.9 
                 24.2 
                 24.5 
                 19.8 
                 18.8 
                 23.6 
               
               
                 Relevant Art 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 RS-WS 
                 −14.8 
                 −2.3 
                 −7.7 
                 5.4 
                 10.9 
                 16.4 
                 23.0  
                 −8.3 
                 13.9 
               
               
                 RS-AH 
                 −2.2 
                 −0.5 
                 −0.4 
                 15.2 
                 21.9 
                 23.0 
                 18.0 
                 −1.0 
                 19.5 
               
               
                 RM-WY 
                 3.0 
                 1.8 
                 5.8 
                 24.6 
                 27.6 
                 25.4 
                 21.9 
                 3.5 
                 24.9 
               
               
                 RM-C4 
                 −5.3 
                 −4.0 
                 −3.1 
                 20.5 
                 21.6 
                 24.5 
                 23.0 
                 −4.1 
                 22.4 
               
               
                 RF-C8 
                 −0.7 
                 14.8 
                 11.6 
                 25.1 
                 37.7 
                 30.0 
                 25.8 
                 8.6 
                 29.7 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 DigiTenna versus Relevant Art Front/Back Ratio Comparisons 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Frequency MHz 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 180 
                 200 
                 220 
                 475 
                 550 
                 625 
                 700 
                 VHF 
                 UHF 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 DUV-U vs RS-WS 
                 23.3 
                 7.6  
                 11.4 
                 13.0 
                 7.1 
                 2.0 
                 −6.2 
                 14.1 
                 4.0 
               
               
                 DUV-U vs RS-AH 
                 10.7 
                 5.7 
                 4.1 
                 3.3 
                 −3.9  
                 −4.6 
                 −1.2 
                 6.8 
                 −1.6 
               
               
                 DUV-M vs RM-WY 
                 4.5 
                 2.3  
                 −2.8 
                 −3.8 
                 −8.7 
                 −6.0 
                 −3.1 
                 1.3 
                 −5.4 
               
               
                 DUV-M vs RM-C4 
                 12.9 
                 8.0 
                 6.1 
                 0.4 
                 −2.7  
                 −5.1 
                 −4.2 
                 9.0 
                 −2.9 
               
               
                 DUV-F vs RF-C8 
                 13.2 
                 5.2  
                 12.2  
                 0.7 
                 −13.5  
                 −5.5 
                 −6.1 
                 10.2 
                 −6.1 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Urban DUV-U Antenna Performance: The small “Urban” DUV-U antenna shows a good average UHF gain of 7.7 dB. This is 4.4 dB higher than RU-WS and within 0.8 dB of RU-AH. The DUV-U&#39;s average UHF Front/Back ratio is a very good 17.9 dB, 3.9 dB higher than the FCC&#39;s UHF plan of 14 dB. This is 4 dB higher than RU-WS and within 2 dB of RU-AH. Unexpectedly, the DUV-U antenna&#39;s average VHF gain is −2.2 dB. This is 27.3 dB higher than the relevant small antenna RU-WS and 11.7 dB higher than the RU-AH antenna. Yet, the DUV-U weighs about 1 kg (2.2 lbs), or only 22% the weight of the 4.5 kg (10 lbs) RU-WS antenna. The DUV-U has much lower wind drag than both of the relevant RU-WS and RU-AH antennas. Unexpectedly, the DUV-U antenna&#39;s VHF Front/Back ratio is 5.8 dB. This is 14.1 dB higher than RU-WS and 6.8 dB higher than RU-AH (which both have negative VHF F/B ratios.) This provides critical advantages under urban conditions with high multipath and strong interfering stations. 
     DUV-M “Metro” Antenna Performance: The medium sized “Metro” DUV-M embodiment has an average UHF DTV gain of about 9.1 dB. This UHF gain is competitive with about 0.6 dB higher than RM-WY, and within 1.6 dB of the RM-C4. The DUV-M&#39;s UHF Front/Back ratio is a very good 19.5 dB, 5.5 dB higher than the FCC&#39;s 14 dB plan. The DUV-M&#39;s F/B is 5.6 dB higher than the RM-WY and about equal to the RM-C4. Unexpectedly, the DUV-M has a much higher VHF High Band gain, with an average VHF gain of about −2.5 dB. This is about 22.7 dB higher VHF gain than the relevant medium RM-WY antenna. 
     The DUV-M has 18.2 dB higher VHF gain at 180 MHz (about DTV Channels 7-8) than the RM-C4, and 8.9 dB higher at 200 MHz. Yet the DUV is only 965 mm (38 in) long. I.e., it is about 305 mm (12 in) shorter than the PRM-WY, and similar to RM-C4. Furthermore, the DUV-M has a VHF Front/Back ratio of 4.9 dB. This is 1.4 dB higher than RM-WY, and 9 dB higher than RM-C4 (which has a negative F/B ratio). Higher F/B ratios give the DUV-M critical advantages under conditions with high multipath and strong interfering stations. 
     DUV-F “Fringe” Antenna Performance: The large DUV-F “Fringe” embodiment has a UHF DTV gain of +11.1 dB, within 2 dB of the relevant RF-C8. The DUV-F has an average VHF High Band gain of −5.1 dB which is nominally 7.9 dB lower. Unexpectedly, the DUV-F has an excellent average VHF Front/Back ratio of 18.8 dB, or 6.8 dB above the FCC&#39;s 12 dB planning factor. The DUV-F&#39;s F/B ratio is 10.2 dB higher than the premium 8 bay bowtie RF-C8&#39;s 8.6 dB VHF F/B. This is due to the RF-C&#39;s poor performance in major portions of the VHF High Band. 
     This F/B performance enables an amplified DUV-F to lock in to poor fringe broadcast signals where an amplified RF-C8 fails. Furthermore, the RF-C8 has 22 unsealed connection points which often degrade severely over time due to corrosion. The DUV-F with only 2 sealed connection points maintains its performance. At about 1.4 kg (3 lb), the DUV-F is only 20% as heavy as the RF-C8 at 6.8 kg (15 lb). Furthermore, the DUV-F ships in a compact sturdy box at standard rates compared to the RF-C8 which requires oversized shipping and often experiences shipping damage. 
     Compact Urban DUV Antenna: Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 C,  3 A,  4 A, and  6 A, the small Urban U-DUV antenna embodiment described above was modified to form a compact Urban Antenna by reducing the number of booster reflectors from two to one above and below the XY plane, and by reducing the number of UHF director elements from three to two. The length of round booster reflectors  62  were reduced from about 584 mm (23 in) to about 438 mm (17 in) to about match the length of the UHF reflector  54 . 
     DUV-UC Compact “Urban” Antenna Performance: Referring to Table 1, this compact Urban DUV antenna configuration unexpectedly showed a substantial improvement in VHF performance by about 0.8 dB near 180 MHz, about 1.8 dB near 200 MHz, and about 2.8 dB near 220 MHz from internal comparative tests. The UHF performance also improved about 1.5 dB from channels  28  through about channel  51 . The configuration shows wideband performance in the VHF high band similar to a VHF dipole about 743 mm (29.25 in) long. E.g., at about 0 dB for 180 MHz and 220 MHz. It further showed wideband UHF performance with about 5 dB gain at about 475 MHz and 700 MHz near the ends of the DTV band. This configuration maintained excellent front/back ratios of about 10 dB in the VHF High band and about 15 dB in the UHF DTV region. (Third party tests are expected to eliminate most of the skewness coming from the asymmetric DUV elements in the earlier tests.) 
     DUV-MC Compact Metro Antenna: Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 C,  4 B, and  6 B, the medium “Metro” M-DUV antenna embodiment described above was modified to form a compact “Metro” DUV Antenna by reducing the length of a round booster reflectors  62  from about 584 mm (23 in) to about 238 mm (17 in) to about match the length of the UHF reflector  54 . 
     DUV-MC Performance: Referring to Table 1, this compact Metro DUV antenna configuration unexpectedly showed a substantial improvement in VHF performance (relative to DUV-M) by about 0.8 dB near 180 MHz, about 1.8 dB near 200 MHz, and about 2.6 dB near 220 MHz from internal comparative tests. The configuration shows wideband performance in the VHF high band similar to a VHF dipole about 743 mm (29.25 in) long. E.g., at about 0 dB for 180 MHz and 220 MHz. The UHF performance was within about 0.4 dB from 475 MHz to 700 MHz. It further showed wideband UHF performance with about 9.4 dB gain across the DTV band. 
     Gain per Mass: The superiority of the DUV antenna configuration method is further shown by comparing the DUV antenna wideband Gain/Mass versus major competitors. Referring to Table 2, this is evaluated as the mean of the average VHF High Band gain and DTV UHF gain for the 3 and 4 frequencies shown in Table 1, divided by the mass M of the antenna. I.e., (VHi+U) divided by (2*M). See Table 1. The DUV-U and DUV-M with a wideband Gain/Mass of 2.8 dB/kg are remarkably superior to commercial units having wideband Gain/Mass ranging from −6.9 to 0.2 dB/kg. The compact DUV-UC and DUV-MC configurations show even greater wideband Gain/Mass performance of 3.0 and 3.9 dB/kg. Even the premium VHF/UHF Fringe eight bowtie antenna RF-C8 has a wideband Gain/Mass of only 1.1 dB/kg compared to 2.2 dB/kg for the Fringe DUV-F. None of the commercial units tested had a wideband Gain/Mass greater than 1.3 dB/kg, while all the DUV antennas had a wideband Gain/Mass greater than 2 dB/kg. 
     Wideband Gain Difference: The superior VHF UHF wideband performance of the “Urban” DUV-U and “Metro” DUV-M antennas is further shown by the difference between the average gains of the UHF DTV band and the VHF High Band, shown as UHF-VHF in Table 1. These UHF vs VHF gain differences in DUV-U and DUV-M antennas are within 10 and 12 dB. Compact DUV-UC and DUV-MC antennas showed even lower differences within 7 and 11 dB. By contrast, major small “Urban” and medium “Metro” competitors advertised as VHF/UHF antennas show at least 20 dB UHF-VHF differences and range up to a difference of 34 dB in the “Front” or 0 deg direction. The large DUV-F “Fringe” antenna with a UHF-VHF wideband difference of 16.2 dB is within about 6 dB of the 10.7 dB difference of the premium large “Fringe” 8 bay bowtie RF-CS which weighs five times as much. 
     Housing/Amplifier Module: Referring to  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 3A  through  FIG. 3E , the DUV antenna system preferably comprises a housing module  400  to support the driven DUV element  21  and the RF signal connector  262  and/or RF signal line  260 . Referring to  FIG. 3A  housing module  402  comprises the RF signal line  260  preferably connected to the driven DUV elements  21  and potted inside a housing  204 . Antenna mount  100  preferably comprises modular connector  70  which preferably comprises two mounting tongues  215  attached to housing module  402  to connect to one or both of longitudinal boom  104  and director boom  190 . Longitudinal boom  104  is preferably connected to mast  150  by mast-antenna mount  153 . 
     Amplified housing module: Referring to  FIG. 3B , in some embodiments the RF enhancer preferably comprises an amplifier/housing module  404  comprising an RF amplifier  202  configured within housing  204 . Amplifier  202  is preferably RF communicatively connected to driven DUV dipole  20  and to an RF optical signal line  270  having optical connector  272 . Module  404  preferably has one and more preferably two signal connectors  262  diplexed to signal line  270 . E.g., in some configurations these are preferably configured for an RF satellite connection and/or a high UHF or internet connection. Module  404  preferably comprises mounting tongues  215 . 
     Dual amplifier/housing module: Referring to  FIG. 3C , in some embodiments a dual amplifier/housing module  406  preferably comprises an amplified module  410  similar to amplified module  404 , and which is RF communicatively connected to an extension amplified module  408  by preferably an RF connecting line and more preferably by DUV optic connecting line  271 . Like module  404 , dual amplifier module  406  preferably comprises one and more preferably two signal connectors  262  diplexed to RF signal line  270 . Module  404  preferably comprises mounting tongues  215 . 
     Diplexed amplifier/housing module: Referring to  FIG. 3D , in some embodiments an amplifier/housing module  412  is configured like amplifier/housing module  404  with an RF amplifier communicatively connected to driven dipole and signal outlet  264  which is preferably diplexed to two signal connectors  262 . 
     Solar shielded amplifier/housing module: Referring to  FIG. 3E , a modular solar shield  360  is preferably configured to be mountable on one and preferably all of the housings  204  in amplifier/housing modules  404 ,  408 ,  410 , and  412 . Solar shield  260  may also be configured with amplifier/housing module  412  to form shielded amplifier/housing module  414 . There is preferably an air gap between solar shield  360  and housing  204 . The outer surface of solar shield  360  is preferably configured with a reflective optical coating having a low absorptive reflective coating in the visible, and more preferably with a high infrared emissivity to radiate heat. 
     Internet Amplifier/Housing module: Referring to  FIG. 3B through 3E , one of amplifier/housing modules  404 ,  406 ,  412 , and  414  are preferably configured for both transmitting and receiving RF signals to enable two way RF communications. E.g., preferably in the high UHF range from 700 MHz to 801 MHz for internet communications. The requisite IP amplifiers and filters are preferably electrically bonded to and potted together with the respective DUV element contacts and signal line  270  or contacts  262 . 
     Antenna Mount: Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 7A  through  FIG. 7D , the DUV antenna system preferably comprises a modular antenna mount  153  comprising one of an external mast-antenna mount or an internal antenna mount. Referring to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B , more preferably, the internal antenna mount comprises one of a single axis mast-antenna mount  152  and a dual-axis orientable mast-antenna mount  154 . Single axis orientable mount preferably comprises a curvilinear bolt  162 , two clamping cams or nuts  161  and dual hole washer to clamp longitudinal boom  102  to antenna mast (not shown. See DUV antenna disclosure  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 15 ). This enables positioning the antenna along and about the antenna mast. E.g., vertically and about the vertical axis. 
     Per  FIG. 7B , dual axis antenna-mast mount  154  more preferably enables orientation with three degrees of freedom including about an axis normal to the antenna mast. e.g., to adjust for polarization about the horizontal axis. As described in the DUV application, dual axis mount  154  utilizes two curvilinear bolts  162  to clamp curved boom support  156  against bicurved mount  154  onto the antenna mast (not shown) with four cams or nuts  161  clamping two dual hole washers  160 . 
     Indoor Antenna Mounts: Referring to  FIG. 7C  and  FIG. 7D , modular antenna mounts preferably include a standard indoor antenna mount  163  and dual axis antenna mount  164  to support driven DUV antenna  12  on indoor antenna base  165 , in a similar fashion to the external  152  and  154 . 
     Signal splitter: Referring to  FIG. 8A ,  FIG. 8B  and  FIG. 8C , the modular DUV antenna system preferably comprises a modular signal junction box selected from a passive signal splitter  280 , an active signal distributor  282 , and an active signal multiplexer. Signal splitter  280  may be a passive splitter having one signal input  262  and multiple signal connectors  264 . Signal distributor  282  preferably comprises a power cable  292  and powered amplifier to distribute signals to multiple signal connectors  264  without major signal dilution and loss experienced by conventional passive splitters. 
     More preferably signal junction box comprises signal multiplexer  284  which provides for multiplexing signals through multiple signal connectors  264 . These preferably include input/output connectors for Internet signals as well as DTV signal outputs. Signal connectors  262  are more preferably fiber optic connectors to fiber optic signal lines to reduce signal loss and avoid adding noise in one or both of signal distributor  282  and signal multiplexer  284 . 
     Amplifier gains: Modular amplifiers are configured to provide multiple gain configurations in some embodiments, such as low, medium, and high gain as needed. E.g., these may be from 6 dB to 10 dB, from 11 dB to 20 dB, and from 21 dB to 30 dB. A switch selectable amplifier is more preferably provided. 
     Potting Housing/Amplifier Combinations: With reference to  FIG. 2A  through  FIG. 2E , and  FIG. 3A  through  FIG. 3E , the combinations of driven DUV elements, amplifier configurations, and amplifier gains would quickly result in a large number of combinations. More preferably, the separate driven antenna elements of  FIG. 2B through 2E , the housing options and mounts of  FIG. 3A through 3E , the cable options of  FIG. 3A through 3C , and the amplifier modules without different gain options are preferably provided. Then selections of these components are configured and then bonded and/or potted together to form durable housing/amplifier modules with desired combinations of features. 
     Container: Referring to  FIG. 1 , the modular DUV antenna system  2  is preferably configured such that most combinations of modules fit into a common container or box. E.g., a container with about 1054 mm×946 mm×171 mm (41.25 in×37.25 in×6.75 in) inner dimensions can be used for Urban, Metro and Fringe models. In some configurations, the outer portions of the VHF reflector  80  are folded back about 51 mm (2 in) each along the X axis towards the DUV dipole  22 . This reduces the width of the container by about 102 mm (4 in) from 946 mm to 844 mm (37.25 to 33.25 in) resulting in a more compact container. In further configurations, the VHF reflector is not attached for shipping, reducing the container by about half while requiring minimal assembly. 
     Generalization 
     From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that a novel approach for forming modular Digital UHF/VHF antennas has been disclosed using one or more methods described herein. While the components, techniques and aspects of the invention have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in the specific designs, constructions and methodology herein above described without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     Where dimensions are given they are generally for illustrative purpose and are not prescriptive. As the skilled artisan will appreciate, other suitable materials and components may be efficaciously utilized, as needed or desired, giving due consideration to the goals of achieving one or more of the benefits and advantages as taught or suggested herein. 
     While certain modular antenna configurations, driven elements, director elements, reflector elements, resonant elements, amplifiers, lines, baluns, bonds, supports and mounts are shown in some configuration for some embodiments, combinations of those configurations may be efficaciously utilized. The active and/or passive element lengths, heights, spacing and other element, component, and structural dimensions and parameters for antenna systems may be used. 
     Where the terms RF, VHF, UHF, FM, Internet, driven, active, passive, reflector, and director have been used, the methods are generally applicable to other combinations of those elements. Where streamlined and/or tapered elements are described, other stamped or cylindrical elements may be used. Configurations utilizing stiffened elements may use unstiffened elements. 
     Where assembly methods are described, various alternative assembly methods may be efficaciously utilized to achieve configurations to achieve the benefits and advantages of one or more of the embodiments as taught or suggested herein. 
     Where longitudinal, axial, transverse, vertical, orientation, or other directions are referred to it will be appreciated that any general coordinate system using curvilinear coordinates may be utilized. Similarly, the antenna element orientations may be generally rearranged to achieve other beneficial combinations of the features and methods described. 
     While the components, techniques and aspects of the invention have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes may be made in the specific designs, constructions and methodology herein above described without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     Various modifications and applications of the invention may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without departing from the true spirit or scope of the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but includes the full range of equivalency to which each element is entitled.