We began offering the HAND MADE, TRUTH amplifier on eBay in 2009 just after the broadcast TV  digital transition. Since then, while the internal circuitry has remained essentially the same, the housings have taken many  forms mainly depending on whatever type cases we could find available on the surplus market. The most recent, prior version offered, from about mid 2012 through 2013 was built into a surplus, thin metal,  container that many of our customers often commented looked much like a common "mint tin". At the end of 2013, our supply of several hundred of these small, hinged, tin containers began to run out and  we forced to search for some other suitable housing that would be readily available at a reasonable price so  as to no longer have to constantly change styles or raise prices for more expensive enclosures. During our search across the Internet, while we found suitable, affordable cases to be almost non- existent, we noticed that a lot of hobby builders were actually using the true mint tin cases for their project containers. So, we thought ... WHY NOT? We had been using "similar to mint tin" type cases with  great success so why not go all the way and commit our future housings to the REAL THING! They do,  inherently, make ideal RF-tight enclosures. Furthermore, this is also  RECYCLING in its truest form,  something we strongly believe in! We found that there were quite a few offerings of empty mint tin containers on eBay for just such use for  electronic project circuit enclosures  by ham radio and audio amateur enthusiasts. So, we decided to just go  ahead and standardize on the traditional "Altoids" tins to house the TRUTH circuitry. This way we would  ALWAYS have access to the empty tins either from eBay or, in a pinch, we could  simply go buy the mints  locally and empty the tins (although I must confess we do not personally enjoy the Altoids mints!). So, now, as of 2014 ... ... ...  This is the current styling of the TRUTH amplifier. We utilize the standard Altoids mint tins by mounting our external components to the rear side of the  case. The cases are, first, cleaned and the rear printed surface sanded and buffed clear. Then the connector, LED and power jack mounting holes are punched and the amplifier hand  assembled  inside the case. Originally, the rear of the cases were  sanded and buffed clear. However ...   After recommendations by several of our customers that we eliminate the sanding process ... since the bare mint tins were subject to oxidation and handling corrosion over time ... we decided to simply leave the entire printed surface "as is". Now the cases are simply well cleaned ... and covered with a custom printed, plastic coated label as  shown here- The style case you will receive with this listing. Now, with our latest housing style, you can have the superior performing TRUTH digital signal amplifier  and a  novel conversation piece at the same time! Sorry, no choice of "flavors" ... we use what we can get! (By  the  way, if you happen to have any of these type empty mint tins for sale let us know)! And so, we now offer this latest, 2016, evolution of the TRUTH amplifier styling ...  The style case you will receive with this listing. ... with the original description of its concept and performance herewith below! Thank you for  reading  and considering the TRUTH!

PREFACE - Most everyone has, by now, experienced "High Definition" television in some form or other.  But,  what many people STILL do not seem  to realize, is the fact that broadcast television, so-called "OTA" (for "over the air") has the greatest  potential  for ULTIMATE "High  Definition". All of the digital "HD" transmissions are NOT equal and "OTA" broadcasts, assuming  faithful  signal maintenance by the  transmitting station, noticeably exceeds the inherent limitations and capabilities of both satellite and cable! I believe that  broadcasters are, by and  large, missing the boat by not emphasizing this fact in constant on-air promotion. This kind of informative promotion is not happening, at least in my locality. When the digital transition  occurred, they told you a lot about the cheap,  government sponsored "converter" boxes, and coupons for them, but they should have been  mentioning  antenna quality and  discussing the excellent inherent quality of the new ALL-DIGITAL TV receivers. I suppose they are  afraid of  offending their cable carrier affiliates. Anyway, the point here is, if you have not seen high  definition  programming  received over the air on a quality, all-digital TV from a quality network and affiliate station, then you  have not  yet experienced  true HDTV (your local PBS HD channel should be a very good example of the current  state-of-the-art)! This fact, along with the new and varied programming that is, and will be increasingly, offered by TV  stations  on their multiple  sub channels, is why antenna based reception systems are, and will continue to be, making a huge  comeback in the months and years ahead!  Once again it will be "fashionable" to sport a TV antenna on your roof!  This listing is about a high quality digital signal amplifier that will help you get the most from your  antenna  with  fringe reception  of all the new, highest quality programming that is, and will be, available to you ... FREE ... "OVER  THE  AIR"!

* NOTE * THIS LISTING IS FOR ONE OF TWO DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE TRUTH AMP PLEASE NOTE THE DISTINCTIONS DESCRIBED HERE- Since it has become more difficult to find suitable surplus ready made enclosures at a reasonable  price, as of 2014 we have decided to build the TRUTH amp entirely "from scratch" exclusively using our  own prepped, actual mint tin, metal cases. These totally hand made versions may not be all that  "pretty" to look at in their physical form but we assure you the results they produce on your HDTV will  be!   We offer the TRUTH amplifier two ways ... The original version (this listing), includes a new, matched AC/DC  wall plug transformer power supply ready for indoor use. The second version is the MAST MOUNT version which is designed for mounting outside on the antenna  mast. It comes with a power injector that is installed inside the house. Our "TruTenna" eBook, on CDROM , that  instructs how to build your own antenna  is also available, and described, in a separate listing. IMPORTANT ADDENDUM! ADDENDUM TO THE PREFACE! ALL POTENTIAL BUYERS ... PLEASE ... PLEASE ... PLEASE ... NOTE! Some MOST IMPORTANT applications facts of note out front that you MUST read and understand! Save us mutual hassle by understanding the following basics before you buy this amplifier (or  any  other discreet, outboard amplifier for that matter). You can NOT use the Truth amplifier, or any other preamplifier, in conjunction with any of the new,  self  contained, so-called "HDTV" amplified antennas to try and "boost" their performance! Without naming  brand names, we have had a rash of buyers lately who have tried to do just that with these "miracle"  antennas and we try and tell you here, out front, that THIS IS A MISAPPLICATION AND WILL NOT  WORK! If you buy those antennas then you are stuck with their inherent performance (or lack of it)  "as is" and there is no other real work around for them for a variety of technical reasons beyond the  scope of presentation here (it basically comes down to the creation of non-decodable digital  distortion!). The TRUTH amp is designed to work with any good PASSIVE antenna and, in fact, it would even  outperform some of these "modern marvel", self-amplified antennas in some locations just by  attaching  an old fashioned, properly adjusted, passive dipole antenna to it (aka "good ole rabbit ears")! But, it is  really designed to be used with any good, outdoor antenna of standard design that is made according  to traditionally sound, RF signal principles which, when connected by high grade coax cable  provides  a proper 75 ohm signal source. It can provide amazing results in MOST applications when married  with  our "TruTenna" design with a moderate length of RG6 coax connecting cable. This is, we think, an  unbeatable combination for fringe reception which is why they are both offered on eBay. Rest assured that the Truth amplifier is a good investment since it will be "state-of-the-art" for a long  time to come as it already approaches the theoretical limit in terms of all important signal parameters. But, you MUST apply it properly. To attempt to use it AFTER any other amplifier with inferior specs  and design will bring it down to the level of the first amp in the chain (including those built into the self  contained amplified antennas!) and it will NOT work in this manner. However, if it is used FIRST in the  signal chain, right after any good passive antenna, as a PREamplifier prior to another drive amplifier  or  distribution amplifier, the signal characteristics of the TRUTH amp will, in that case, transfer to the  other  amp of lower quality, down the chain, to some extent. This is especially true in terms of noise  figure. So, I HOPE that this latest attempt will, finally, properly advise all of the would-be buyers who are  stuck  with their new, SELF AMPLIFIED, "miracle antenna", that we can NOT help you in that specific  instance  with the TRUTH amp! On the other hand, if you are a knowledgeable user who understands the  difference between "gimmicks" and the real thing in antennas, who wants a preamplifier with  impeccable signal handling characteristics, then we can TRUTHFULLY say that our TRUTH amp is  unbeatable in this regard!  (NOTE: Although we normally consider these in the borderline "gimmick" antenna  category, we have  recently learned from several buyer feedback emails that the TRUTH amp can work well, in some situations,   to improve the "Clear TV" antenna sold on TV and the new, fractal "leaf" design also.) THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING AND CONSIDERING "THE TRUTH"!

This is exactly what you will receive when you purchase from this listing.
The exact style AC/DC wall transformer may vary.
The TRUTH amp accepts any DC power source from +9 VDC to +12VDC
The amplifier draws about 10 ma at 9 volts and about 14 ma at 12 volts DC
The polarity of the 3.5 mm plug/jack is tip positive, sleeve negative.

As described previously ... we have now standardized on the mint tin   case  enclosure shown here.
All functions are conveniently located.

You can buy a lot of so-called "HDTV booster amplifiers", mass-produced in China, Taiwan, or Mexico  from  about  $7.00 to $48.00  depending on the particular unit and the source. You are probably looking at a list of some of these  now if  you did  an eBay  search to get here. Or, alternately, you can spend just a bit more and buy our new, HAND-MADE (in  the  USA), individually tested, ultimate  quality,  "TRUTH" amplifier from this single, exclusive source, which  INCLUDES shipping  and handling, and have yourself a TRUE signal amplifier that REALLY works for you ...
a TRUE  lifetime,  quality performer. 

The "TRUTH" amplifier was named for the faithful way it performs in maintaining full signal integrity.  Unlike  many  on the  market, this amplifier is specifically designed, fabricated and tested to be the ultimate low noise,  broadband,  linear, OTA  broadcast television signal amplifier performer available today, period! Utilizing a single, state-of-the- art low  noise  transistor with  minimal, low noise support components, uniquely applied in a special circuit configuration with an  esoteric,  surface mount,  stripline groundplane layout technique, powered by a non-typical internal power supply  decoupler/conditioner ...  TRULY,  recognizable superior performance is the result !

Now, with a remarkable, guaranteed maximum noise figure of 1.4 dB, a predictable, stable gain of 18  dB  over a  flat, linear response curve of within 1 dB from 50 MHZ to 1.2 GHZ, this amplfier will do the job for you  IF ANY WILL !

As described previously ... we have now standardized on the mint tin   case  enclosure shown here.
All functions are conveniently located.

The TRUTH amplifier is only available from THIS SOURCE ...
If you see one sold elsewhere  ...IT IS COUNTERFEIT...
and we would appreciate knowing  about it!

Each amplifier is carefully handcrafted from beginning to completion
by the original designer, retired broadcast engineer and experimenter, O.T. Hudson.

There is NO mass production involved.
Each unit is individually hand assembled with circuitry  expertly  silver  soldered ... 
with meticulous attention to detail at every step of the process.

Then, each amplifier is carefully individually tested, TWICE, for performance  ....
first on the RF test  bench and then in a "real world" receiving setup
prior to being certified for  shipment.
You won't find many other items manufactured this way nowadays!

O.T. can only build and sell a few  of these per month in this manner ...
So, obviously, his motive is not to "get rich" ...
(although he does remind you that any proceeds go  to  his favorite charity ... HIM!)
but, instead, he is truly motivated by his desire to share his niche creation
with as many as  possible  who will benefit by its application.

If you have tried some of the other "cheapos" in the past and have been less than satisfied with the  results, then this may finally be the device you have been looking for to really bring in those weak signals that  you have been missing! BUT ... keep in mind, that  NO RF amplifier can "boost" a signal that isn't there to begin with. So, please  make sure you have optimized your antenna  system, feedline and connections before ordering and applying our "TRUTH" amplifier.  

Assuming you have an  antenna that develops at least some usable signal current above the inherent signal to noise margin  limitations of your location, then this  amplifier will deliver it with strength and fidelity to your TV tuner or receiver. Digital signals  that were once  sporadic will typically lock strongly and some of those previously, completely undetected may now be  viewable, with consistency, with  the "TRUTH" amplifier in the line.

The designer developed this unit to complement his own homebrew antenna design (a description of  which  may  be seen  in our other eBay listings) for FRINGE reception under less than ideal conditions. This combination  has  performed  remarkably,  consistently pulling in digital broadcast transmissions from stations in markets as far as 70 miles away and even regularly picks up one station from a little over 90 miles distant! Furthermore, believe it or  not, the  rooftop  antenna  location for this reception performance is "down in a hole" (very low-lying creekbed far below average  terrain  surrounded by  wooded, granite embedded, hillsides)!

It was developed out of personal frustration after he had tried many other antenna/amplifier  combinations out  there  on the  market, yes the well known, heavily endorsed brand names as well, with unsatisfactory results. So, we  know  from  this  extensive, past experience that this amplifier will deliver the precision, low-noise, signal level  needed  for  digital lock  when a lot of others won't! This is why we can truthfully tell you that "if this amplifier won't work for you,  then  NO  other  will"!

We  have compared it side by side with most every type out there including some of the MOST expensive,  heavy  duty,  well- known,  industry standard commercial CATV units used by cable TV companies. Our "TRUTH" amplifier,  typically, exceeded  many of these in performance with weak signal input (probably due to our unit's superior noise figure  and  highly  stable, low  distortion,  reliable broadband gain). In fact, it was the frustration after buying the expensive, brand name CATV  amplifier,  that  led to the  development of the simple, "TRUTH" amplifier. It worked where the others we tried would not ... and  that IS  the  simple  TRUTH!

Keep in mind, you ALWAYS need a GOOD antenna and the best location for it possible. But, when  you  REALLY need  an amplifer  to make the final difference with a signal being captured or not, then you REALLY do, TRUTHFULLY,  need  our  "TRUTH"  amplifier!

Also be aware that you may NOT need a preamplifier if ...
you live within thirty miles of the transmitters you wish to receive so long as you have the proper  antenna  mounted  in the  proper location. In these cases, an amplifier could possibly make things worse by overdriving a  sensitive  receiver!  Exceptions  to this would be if you have to run more than 50' of coax from your antenna to your receiver or if you  need  to split  your signal  to two or more sets. Then you may need an amplifier, preferably close to the antenna itself, to make up  for  the  signal loss in a  very long cable run or splitter loss.

However, there is one school of thought that a GOOD, LOW NOISE peamplifier will improve ALL  antenna- receiver  situations as  long as the preamplifier has a noise figure below 3 dB since most commercial receivers have a 3 dB,  or  higher,  noise figure in  the first RF stage!

And, if you are like many of us located 50 to 70 or more miles away from transmitters, then you  definitely  need a  good,  properly mounted antenna AND a good amplifier to enjoy consistent, dependable day and night digital  broadcast  reception. If you would like to see information on obtaining our complement DIY, "TruTenna" TRUTH antenna, please see "TruTenna" TRUTH ANTENNA eBook

A signal amplifier is just ONE component in a signal chain which is always only as good as its weakest link. 

Furthermore, EVERY location and EVERY signal reception situation is unique unto itself with, at least, a  half dozen or more unique variables affecting performance. Therefore, it is ALWAYS  IMPOSSIBLE to  predict results, let alone guarantee it, for RF propagation and reception consistently. One simply has to use  good information, common sense and some experimentation to get the best results at his/her unique location  with his/her specific setup and circumstances.

There are, however, general accepted guidelines to help one make an educated determination as to what  SHOULD work in a given location to possibly improve performance for each component in the chain. We try  to  cover most of these in our descriptions which I urge you to READ CAREFULLY (TWICE!) BEFORE  PURCHASING our  amplifier!

One of the best of these suggestions and one of the best ways to determine possible, expected reception  performance for your particular location is to go to the TVFOOL.com website and enter your address into  their search form. They will issue a chart for your specific location showing the available channels for your  address arranged according to signal strength (with the strongest first in descending order to the weakest). It  will also show you the available transmitted signal strength in dB, the distance of the transmitting station from  your location and the exact compass coordinates for pointing your antenna among other useful information.

Assuming the PROPER passive antenna (such as our "TruTenna" design in our alternate listings), properly  located and positioned, our amplifier  properly applied along with the other necessary peripherals (including good coax, connectors and an  adequately sensitive receiver/tuner) ....THEN you can conclude with some certainty, assuming all conditions  are accounted for, that you should be able to receive all of the channels they list in their chart in the green  and yellow sections, as well as most of the pink, fairly consistently. The weakest ones listed at the very  bottom of the pink section may only be available at night or sporadically and some few in the top of the weak,  grey area may be available under the best of propagation/reception conditions but not consistently. This  chart will not be 100% accurate (nothing is) but it is usually a very good "ballpark" indicator.

Again we emphasize that an amplifier is only ONE link in a signal chain and it all starts with a good, properly  positioned, passive antenna. Where an amplifier is required or desired, and properly utilized and applied,  our TRUTH amp has been proven time and again to be as good as it gets in terms of digital signal  amplification. But, remember that NO amplifier can "invent", or help improve, signals that are not traveling  down the coax to the amp input whether they are either just not there for detection by an antenna to begin  with, or interfered with in some way by airborne or electrical disturbance, or not properly developed by an  inadequate  antenna.

Of course, if you buy one of the "cheapo" amplifier units mentioned in the beginning, you may likely make  your  reception  MUCH WORSE  by INCREASING the system noise as many of the cheaper units have noise figures as high as 6 to 10  dB!  One  such unit we  tried during our research actually resulted in NO SIGNAL whatever, although the unit was  "functioning".

From what we read, we see a lot of people are telling you that there is NO DIFFERENCE in HDTV  transmissions  from regular  "old fashioned" transmissions and that devices labeled "HDTV" or "DTV" are usually just hype. Well,  this  may be  true to some  extent but not entirely. For example, of course there is definitely NO difference in the kind of antenna  employed for  one signal  type or another. Any antenna well designed to receive the old ANALOG transmissions will certainly  work just  as  well for digital  so long as it is optimized for today's lower UHF bandwidth (and many on the market are NOT).  But,  there  really IS a  difference in the signal itself and, while older analog type amplifiers might work to amplify digital  signals,  many  times, some of  these traditional designs can actually DEGRADE the existing digital signal thereby making reception  worse! 

The biggest noticeable difference in the digital signal envelope, as opposed to analog, is the way it is  modulated.  Old analog  transmissions utilized amplitude modulation for the video portion of the signal, which meant the picture  signal  was  encoded by  varying the peak strength of the carrier signal by small margins. On the other hand, the digital  encoding  process  allows the full,  peak amplitude of the prescribed frequency carrier wave to be maximized and maintained at all times.  Our  "TRUTH" amplifier  design takes into full consideration this new signal transmission medium, in the way it is processed  internally, so  that we  really can say, TRUTHFULLY, that the "TRUTH" amplifier is an ideal "digital" signal amplifier!

This, included, plug-in remote power supply version of the "TRUTH" amplifier is an indoor amplifier. See our  other listings for the alternate, phantom powered, mast mount offering.