GETTING STARTED WITH OVER-THE-AIR TV - The FAQ's

[scandiskwindows9x]

would add when use an reflector antenna , is many antennas types but which one is adequate to my area, i just the answer is like, depends, ,a V Reflector one can be good for urban environments and good focused beams , or all the transmitters are in the same area so just concern is concentrate enough signal to get transferred over caoxial cable, and the normal type without reflectors for multi directions beams and areas where the multipath need to be cancelled with an antenna which instead of focus signal through the reflector picks signals at all directions and be less prone to multipath.

i think the select the right antenna is where the science and art starts.

fringe can add about the DB2-4 antennas proper selection and in which environments are adequates.

 

[summerski]

TV Fool

Hello again,

Just another undate. It was such a nice day yesterday, I decided to mount/test a CM Pre amp on the mast. Everything was working just fine until I scanned the channels. Instead of picking up NBC on Ch 4.1..... I picked up a VHF low Ch. WACP 4.1 out of Atlantic City, which must be over 100 miles away. So to outsmart the scanning system, I unplugged the amp and started scanning then plugged it back in at about 10% and I got NBC back. (Doesn't really matter as I'm not much of a Matt Lauer fan).

The pre-amp does appear to be adding a little signal strength. The scan also yielded several other (although useless) channels along with another CBS station in I believe Hartford. But without a second antenna pointed that direction, it's worthless.

I've decided to go with an A/B switch and have another antenna on order. Although WEDW and WZME are very close, I get a weak signal unless i reposition the 3020 towards Connecticut.

The only negative regarding the pre-amp is when I lose power, (which is often) I'll have to get on the roof and bypass the amp. I get very few channels when the amp is unplugged. Probably for good reason.

I look forward to testing a new type of antenna soon.

Cheers,

Will

 

[Rickideemus]

TV Fool

Hello again,

Hi Will

The only negative regarding the pre-amp is when I lose power, (which is often) I'll have to get on the roof and bypass the amp.

But if you lose power to the amp, you lose power to your TV as well, right?

Did you get a chance to check out my theory above about channel 22?

R.

 

[summerski]

R. Lol. We lose power so often I have a generator ready to power up fridge/TV but the pre- amp is upstairs. Regarding ch 22, when I get a second antenna up and running and pointing NE, I'll let you know. For now I'm somewhat certain (ok, guessing) I'm pulling in the NYC CBS as I see no commercials from CT. Also with the pre amp, that particular channel/signal is pretty solid. Also with the pre amp, when I did a complete scan, there were channels not even listed in TV fool. Ch 3.1 for example. Probably a VHF ch from Canada. Lol

Cheers.

 

[nbound-au]

Can your pre-amp be remotely powered (powered from the coax)? if so, set it up that way and power from the aerial outlet/cable at the TV end.

 

[FOX TV]

TV Fool

Hello again,

Just another undate. It was such a nice day yesterday, I decided to mount/test a CM Pre amp on the mast. Everything was working just fine until I scanned the channels. Instead of picking up NBC on Ch 4.1..... I picked up a VHF low Ch. WACP 4.1 out of Atlantic City, which must be over 100 miles away. So to outsmart the scanning system, I unplugged the amp and started scanning then plugged it back in at about 10% and I got NBC back. (Doesn't really matter as I'm not much of a Matt Lauer fan).

The pre-amp does appear to be adding a little signal strength. The scan also yielded several other (although useless) channels along with another CBS station in I believe Hartford. But without a second antenna pointed that direction, it's worthless.

I've decided to go with an A/B switch and have another antenna on order. Although WEDW and WZME are very close, I get a weak signal unless i reposition the 3020 towards Connecticut.

The only negative regarding the pre-amp is when I lose power, (which is often) I'll have to get on the roof and bypass the amp. I get very few channels when the amp is unplugged. Probably for good reason.

I look forward to testing a new type of antenna soon.

Cheers,

Will

I shipped it Friday..Did you get it yet???

 

[summerski]

I shipped it Friday..Did you get it yet???

Got home late last night and a small box was in front of the door. It was my new Data Stream!! Forget helping the kids with their homework, I opened the box and assembled it in less than 5 minutes. First impression was...the size. Very small. So in my haste I made a make-shift mast out of my daughters lacrosse stick and pointed it at approx. 70* out of our downstairs window, maybe 5' off the ground and quickly scanned the channels. To my amazement, not only did WEDW and WZME come in solid but so did FOX, NBC, CBS. Could not pull in ABC.

Can't imagine what I'll pick up from the attic pointed at 230*. Then on the roof with the pre-amp.

Thanks so much FOX TV for this opportunity to test your brilliant design.

More reports soon.

Cheers,

Will

 

[Rickideemus]

Sumerski, you have two squares instead of the nice, blue, flattened out elipse! FOX, did you change the design??

So you're getting CBS, now, through the window? You could well have scanned RF 33 into the tuner, where RF 22 was locked onto 2.1 before. 22 might be too weak to scan in through the window. (The broadcast would be identical, including all commercials.) TEST: Before you rescan, before you dethrone your current antenna, put the old lead back into the back of the TV, and see how CBS is doing.

Rick

 

[summerski]

, You could well have scanned RF 33 into the tuner, where RF 22 was locked onto 2.1 before. 22 might be too weak to scan in through the window. (The broadcast would be identical, including all commercials.) TEST: Before you rescan, before you dethrone your current antenna, put the old lead back into the back of the TV, and see how CBS is doing.

Rick

Rick, this is exactly what happened. I could tell for sure by viewing CH 2.2 was an all news station out of NY, now 2.2 is a news station out of CT.

Ch. 2.1 out of CT, is as you said is "identical" to the NY feed. CBS wasn't doing too well with the old lead until I rescanned again.

I think I figured out why my signal never really worked well in the attic....all the insulation has that old reflector type backing.......

Also interesting to note Ch55.1 (WLNY) which is almost 40 miles on a 124* heading comes in solid with the color stream in the window. Never pulled in this channel before.

Will

 

[Rickideemus]

Rick, this is exactly what happened. I could tell for sure by viewing CH 2.2 was an all news station out of NY, now 2.2 is a news station out of CT.

OK, I guess that makes sense. Sort of. According to Wikipedia, Channel 22 rebroadcasts out of Plainview, and both CT and NY broadcast on 33. But your TVFR has a DT (Digital Translator) next to the channel 33 station, and NOT the channel 22 station.

So Plainview is rebroadcasting the NY feed. And there should be a DT next to both WCBS stations in your TVFR. There 's also a good possibility 2.1 and 2.2 were coming from two different RF sources. That has happened to me on my TV.

Think I'd better quit while there's a remote possibility I might be ahead. :bolt:

Rick

 

[FOX TV]

Sumerski, you have two squares instead of the nice, blue, flattened out elipse! FOX, did you change the design??

So you're getting CBS, now, through the window? You could well have scanned RF 33 into the tuner, where RF 22 was locked onto 2.1 before. 22 might be too weak to scan in through the window. (The broadcast would be identical, including all commercials.) TEST: Before you rescan, before you dethrone your current antenna, put the old lead back into the back of the TV, and see how CBS is doing.

Rick

The antenna Summerski has is a test version, and the picture I posted is a prototype of the production version, but both of them are custom hand built. I really was hoping that no pictures of the test version would be posted, but remember I do have a patent filed for my protection.

I am glad the initial results are positive, and if it gets mounted outdoors as suggested, I am sure he will be even more impressed with it's performance. I really did not want to over state all of the testing I have done in the past year, and was relying on real world results from different reception situations.

I am getting ready to ship two indoor versions to New York City to be used in apartment buildings. The indoor versions are smaller and are built on stands that can set on a book shelf or placed in a window sill, or the stand can be removed, and it could be hung up like a flower pot. I consider these comparable to "CITY GRADE" antennas as they were referred to in the Analog Days.

They all use the patent pending "ideas" that give this antenna superior performance. And please remember that this antenna is SUPER DIRECTIONAL. Just a few inches of rotation can drop up to 3 to 4 db.

I was really wondering how many true VHF Channels Sumerski is getting, and are any of them low band VHF, and what is your total channel count, although you may not have all of this data available yet.

 

[Rickideemus]

The antenna Summerski has is a test version, and the picture I posted is a prototype of the production version, but both of them are custom hand built. I really was hoping that no pictures of the test version would be posted, but remember I do have a patent filed for my protection.

I'm the last person you have to worry about. I haven't even gotten around to draping tin foil over my 4221HD (another thread). Went to the store and forgot to pick up some Reynold's Wrap.

I am glad the initial results are positive, and if it gets mounted outdoors as suggested, I am sure he will be even more impressed with it's performance. I really did not want to over state all of the testing I have done in the past year, and was relying on real world results from different reception situations.

Now don't be modest Fox! I think you should collate every test you've done and publish, publish, publish. Sell, sell, sell! Nobody else in the antenna bidness is shy, fer gawdsakes. Adding indoor antenna gain to the built-in amplifier gain, for example. Maybe your product is so good you can afford to be honest in a world of snake oil salesmen, but you CAN'T AFFORD TO BE SHY!!

I am getting ready to ship two indoor versions to New York City to be used in apartment buildings. The indoor versions are smaller and are built on stands that can set on a book shelf or placed in a window sill, or the stand can be removed, and it could be hung up like a flower pot. I consider these comparable to "CITY GRADE" antennas as they were referred to in the Analog Days.

I think your antenna is attractive enough you could sell the large version for indoor use. It's a marketing decision. Hmmm... you might make the smaller one an option for indoor use, but you have to be careful how you word it. The competition will jump on any little misstep now like kangaroos on a trampoline. :daffy:

I was really wondering how many true VHF Channels Sumerski is getting, and are any of them low band VHF, and what is your total channel count, although you may not have all of this data available yet.

It's hard for him to tell in many cases, cause his receiver doesn't reveal the true RF channel numbers.

Rick

 

[FOX TV]

I'm the last person you have to worry about. I haven't even gotten around to draping tin foil over my 4221HD (another thread). Went to the store and forgot to pick up some Reynold's Wrap



It's hard for him to tell in many cases, cause his receiver doesn't reveal the true RF channel numbers.

Rick

If i could get the calls of the stations he gets, I can use tvfool.com or the rabbitears.info site to find out the true RF channels..

I can reliably receive channel 3 indoors at 30 miles with my NEW INDOOR version, and it has never been an issue with the outdoor version to receive channel 3. Of course the gain is reduced over the UHF channels, but is in the good range and reception is reliable.

Thanks Rick !!!

 

[killatone4life]

hey I got a dish811 receiver can I use this to get ota channels and if so how, I already got a dish mounted but the receiver keeps saying acquiring satellite and nothing happens I really would appreciate any help

 

[killatone4life]

anyone out there testing 123

 

[killatone4life]

am I wasting my time?

 

[Rickideemus]

am I wasting my time?

Your question would seem to be out of place on this thread. I would start a new thread if I were you.

If you have a Dish network subscription, then you should get whatever channels they offer, which might include some OTA broadcasts. Otherwise I think you need an antenna -- but I'm no expert.

R.

 

[Guest]

Moved to: http://www.dtvusaforum.com/dtv-hdtv...ion/49464-tv-reception-help-frankfort-ny.html

 

[s1mp13m4n]

What is your primary objective (check the line applicable) :
I want as many as I can reasonably get

Main Assembly:
What kind of Terrestrial Antenna do you presently have:
(Make/Model/None): RCA branded flat amplified HDTV antenna bought from Big Lots

Is the Antenna to be/or installed:
Same room as my tv. Must be indoor as I live in an apartment.

If inside (same room) on which floor is the antenna?
First floor corner apartment

If in Attic, Roof or outside separate Mast/Pole:
How high above ground is your Antenna installed/proposed:
Indoor

Do you have an Antenna Rotator:
No

Are you presently using a preamp?
No

Interior:
How many linear Cable feet is it between your Antenna and the most far TV:
25 feet

How many TV sets will be/are presently being used, on this system:
1

How many Splitters are in use in your system:
None

Are you using a Distribution Amplifier:
Built in amp connected to the antenna


Additional Information:
Are you/do you plan to integrate Cable or Satellite Services with this system:
No

Is there anything else you would like to provide concerning construction, obstructions or geographical issues?
I gave up Direct tv to save money. I live in an apartment in the mountains and can not have an outdoor antenna.

Do you have a current Chart for the Free Local TV Channels in your Area?


TV Fool