Voodoo, did you get that setup yet?
2 x 4221 hd is my prefered setup for south missisaga to burlington.
(remove plastic caps, flip baluns, make it all staight and tight. they're usually lose and bent out of the box.) (or you could us 2 x DB-4e)
Combine with splitter on the mast. Use a preamp if you have a long cable run or you're splitting to multiple tv's
10ft pole is a little much for average tripod. I like the 7'6" x 1-1/2 fence post from Lowes or HD. I have done a 10ft x 1-1/4 conduit on a tripod, but i supported the trpod adding joists in the attc and added bolts to attach tripod legs to ft. (the rivets are the week point. Ground the mast and the coax.
on the other had, i did a couple installs using a C2 with 7777 pre-amp on 39" j-mount in burlington. worked pretty good.

Hey guys , new here, glad I found the forum, alot of help here.
I was wondering though ,
Currenty I am living in a apt on 3rd floo with balcony facing the lake around Brant street pearl area.
Was wondering what has worked well for people in this area, any insight would be great.
I don't necessarily want to spend a lot of money, but I don't want to chince out either.

(right now I have a tivax converter and a cheap antenna I borrowed and can only get 5 channels)
I am more interested in the buffalo channels as I see people have said that have gotten CW and ABC.

Thanks alot in advance,
Danny

We have an Antennas Direct DB4e aimed at Buffalo. We were only interested in Buffalo, as our satellite service carries Detroit and Rochester. We are reciveing CW, CBS, ABC, PBS, sometimes NBC, MY TV. (also we get some of the Toronto channels) Fox does not come in.

I was hoping you guys could help me upgrade my ota setup.

I'm located between Milton and Guelph (here's my tvfool analysis (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d99002413782114)).

There was already an antenna set up on a tower when we moved here in 2005, but I only started using it two years ago (pictures: antenna + tower (http://timeofdeath.wrvids.com/doom/ant1.JPG), close-up of antenna (http://timeofdeath.wrvids.com/doom/ant2.JPG)). I don't know what kind it is and I'm quite a newbie with this stuff. With that antenna I can pick up CTV, CBC, CBC french, TVO always - CHCH almost always - Global very often - CW often - CITS not very often - OMNI1/2, CITYTV rarely. However, ever since the severe thunderstorm late July 25 my reception has become worse and I'd also like to improve reception of the rare channels.

I've downloaded the antenna chart and was wondering what you guys suggest I buy.

First post!

I'm having trouble. :confused:

My TVFool: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d990077ba7b53b1

Bell Expressvu raised my rate, so I phoned and cancelled. The wife & kids are pissed. You people may be able to save my marriage! Help!

I ran out this weekend and bought:
- a Channel Master chimney mount kit
- Antennasdirect DB8 antenna
- Channel Master Titan2 7777 pre-amp
- a bunch of RG6
- a stripping tool
- a crimping tool
- a dozen male ends
- a couple of joiners
- a bunch of #8 grounding wire
- a grounding block
- a six foot copper pipe
- I already have a compass (geologist)
- electrical tape
- doohickies to fasten cable down
- a bottle of whiskey

Antenna is up at least 30 feet above ground level. My house is the highest on the street. I like it that way. I can look down on everyone from my high horse. It's above everyone's rooftops, but there are some big trees about a hundred metres away. I didn't think they'd have too much effect, not too thick.

I ran the cable that came in the box with the CM-7777 from the antenna, six feet down to the pre-amp. Then ran about 30 feet of RG6 from the pre-amp through a pre-existing hole into my basement furnace room. That goes through a ground block (with #8 groundwire to the house ground nearby), then into the proper port of the CM-7777 power supply. The CM-7777 power supply also has RG6 coming into the proper port from the AC adapter, and RG6 leaving it "to TV" from the proper port. That RG6 then leaves the basement through another, pre-existing hole, where I put a male end on it so I can attach and detach from the existing RG6 currently supplying The Devil's satellite TV. This way I can test the antenna while the wife and kids are pre-occupied rubbing candy and chocolate into the furniture, and return the TV to Satan-Mode when they're finished. The pre-existing run of RG6 which Bell so kindly wrapped around the outside of my house to the back room is maybe around 50 feet. (Antenna mast is grounded straight down to the pipe).

So:
Total RG6 is around 100 feet.
Total connections are 4 (CM-7777, ground block, CM-7777 power supply, female-female connector).

If I can get confidence that this will work, I will gang in a second AD-DB8 pointed toward Toronto, and add a splitter to the second TV (possibly a distribution amp).

So far it's not going well. I've done plenty of RG45 crimping and punch-downs for computer networks, so I figured I'd be competent enough to do my own RG6. The guy at the shop gave me a quick tutorial and sold me some waterproof ends which he said "will never come off!" When I got home I gave the end he did for me as an example a tug and it came right off. :eek:

My goal is to get the major networks in my TVFool down to CTV at 5.0 NM(db). However, my results suck.

With the antenna pointed at 126 degrees, toward the Buffalo cluster, I only get real channels:
9
11
26
51

With the antenna at 126, and bypassing the CM-7777 power supply in the basement, I only get real channels (different day, better weather):
9
11
23
38
39

With the antenna pointing 44 degrees toward Toronto, I only get real channels:
9
11

With the antenna pointing 44, and bypassing the CM-7777 power supply in the basement, I only get real channel:
11

The tuner is in my LG Plasma TV, manufactured in July, 2009. Model No. 42PQ12-UD. It does detect a bunch of other channels, but the reception isn't watchable and it doesn't give a signal percent, just "Bad", "Normal", and "Good". "Good" is the only working picture/sound. My mancave TV in the basement is circa 2005. If I can get the reception to work, I'll be building some sort of HTPCs, so hopefully that will improve the tuner chipset situation, and in turn, my love-life.

I'm shocked at the suckage, especially when pointed at Toronto only 30 miles away. I blame the government and big business. And maybe my total lack of OTA skillz.

I've basically boasted to all my friends, relatives, neighbours, and colleagues at work about how I'm going to stick it to The Man. I'm no expert, and only know what I've read here over the last few days. Any advice would be very much appreciated. I'll probably be looking to hire a pro shortly, which would complete my emasculation.

My first guess might be that either you don't really need the preamp, or the condos downtown are getting in your way of signals...or the trees even. Judging from the somewhat better results without the preamp pointed at buffalo, you could very well be overloading..

The good news is, your wife & kids are probably about to send you packing, get yourself a nice apt in Burlington Towers facing the lake and you'll get some great reception :D

Agreed. My vote is with overload as well. The 7777 is really meant for fringe conditions. Adding extra antennas and adding yet another amp (distribution amp) is probably not going to be the solution to your problems.

Try other variations on your setup without resorting to more amplification. Consider a milder pre-amp.

Best of luck with your family!

StrikeSlip,

Geologist eh? Cool.

Have you considered putting together a Stealth Hawk to feed the CM7777? The Hawk is a lower gain antenna, and might be better suited to your location. I made one, and used a less aggressive preamp on it. We pull in 2 (summer only), 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 17, 19, 23, 25 (French), 29, 36, 40/69, 41, 47, and 57. That's enough for us.

Adding to my previous post, I've been exchanging emails with someone from Save and Replay. I sent the pic of my current antenna + tvfool + description of my current reception, and they suggested the CM2020 antenna with the CM7777 pre amp. My goal is to receive all Toronto & Hamilton stations, and some Buffalo. Shall I buy?

Hi,

First post on this forum. I've recently finished a professional install of an OTA antenna (CM-4228HD). In order not to break any forum rules please PM me and I can send you who I used - excellent person to deal with and highly recommend for those that are roof averse (like me) or don't have the tools, compass etc..to install. I purchased the antenna and RG6 cable seperately from the installer.

I can't keep the smile off my face - the picture quality and overall reception just blows me away. Along with Apple TV and Netflix subscription my family and I have more than enough to keep entertained.

Currently receiving 27 channels (I've only performed one scan) and live in the Orchard, Burlington (Upper Middle between Burloak and Appleby).

Cheers,

Ray

Congrats on the OTA!

We have the same setup: Antenna with about 34 channels, Apple TV and Netflix. It cost's practically nothing and it is way more satisfying than subscription cable.

Do you have a pre-amp?

I don't have a pre-amp as it's only going to 1 TV (a Panny ST30 Plasma). It's been overcast as of late and 2 of the USchannels are weak. I'll perform another scan on a clearer day and see if I can get a few more channels.

I have noticed that we get fewer channels in bad weather. The channels that seem to be the most consistent (somethimes even in cloudy or rainy weather) are PBS (3 chs), CW, ABC, CBC, CHCH, CTV, CBS, GBL, TVO, CTS. We have the antenna (Antennas Direct DB4e)(no pre-amp at the moment) for the Buffalo channels, as we have a satellite service that carries Detroit and Rochster feeds. NBC, MYTV don't come in very much. FOX never comes in.

I have a 4221HD on my roof (pointed at grande island/buffalo)with a 7777 pre-amp running to a three-way splitter (-7db on two ports and -3.5 on the third)
I'm located in NE Burlington.

This summer I've been losing NBC 2.1 (33) and CITY 57.1 (44)

I replaced the splitter with a CM 3414 distro amp. 57.1 is now OK, signal is still weakest of all the Toronto stations at ~50%. 2.1 has improved but still breaks up, signal is at ~50% but bounces back and forth below that constantly .

Is this normal for the signal to have more problems in the summer?

I'm thinking of climbing back on the roof and rotating the antenna a few degrees closer to 2.1 at 137 degrees instead of the 131 its pointed at now for FOX. 29.1 currently has a strong signal ~75% (since installing the 7777, was loosing 29.1 prior to that) Not sure if this change would make 57.1 worse though.

Is it normal for 57.1 to be weaker than all the other CN tower signals?

Thoughts?

thanks
Greg

Gregr,

Yes, 57.1 is a more sensitive channel than other Toronto channels.

I agree that a tweak to the aim is in order and might be the biggest thing that can help you.

After you change the aim a bit, try going back to the three way splitter as opposed to the 7777 + distribution amp. Too much amping, I think.

Good luck!

PS This has been a few very awesome weeks for odd summer reception with tons of out-of-town TV channels visiting. Your problem could just be this temporary interference. No reason to doubt your set-up.

How do you convert from coax to HDMI to get surround sound from an OTA signal?? We are wondering how to get the HDMI, as our TV doesn't have that capability. It is an HDTV.
Is there some way to convert the coax to HDMI??

most TV's have a digital audio output. It will give you surround sound from the tuner built into the TV. This can be coax with RCA connectors, or Optical, SPDIF connectors.
I use the optical output from my TV and connect it to the optical input on my surround sound reciever. Works great. 5.1 on channels that are HD, and digital stereo from SD channels.

We have an HDTV that is also connected to a satellite service and we have a blu-ray player as well. This means that the inputs in the sound bar are mostly taken up. The antenna is connected to the DVD input in our sound bar, as this was the last input available. This is why we are wondering how to convert coax to HDMI. There are two free HDMI outputs on our TV. Is there a device that will convert coax to HDMI that can be connected between the coax and the HDMI input??

"The antenna is connected to the DVD input" does not make any sense. See my response in the ATSC tuner thread here (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=1435314&postcount=492).

Warning... Newbie-Alert!

I'm having trouble finding info on how many db is required to get a picture on my TV. I've tried my mix both with and without the 7777 pre-amp and haven't had much luck either way.

The weakest signal station I'd like to point at and be able to get is 3.9db. The strongest about 45 degrees different in azimuth is 57.6db.

From info about db gain and loss I've been able to find, not all agreeing, I've estimated the following numbers:

+15.8 db : Antennas Direct DB8
-00.3 db : connection in to 7777
+30.0 db : Channel Master 7777
-00.3 db : connection out of 7777
-03.3 db : RG6 50'
-00.3 db : Ground block in
-00.3 db : Ground block out
-00.3 db : 7777 power in
-00.3 db : 7777 power out
-00.3 db : 2-way splitter in
-04.0 db : 2-way splitter
-00.3 db : 2-way splitter out
-06.5 db : RG6 100'
-00.3 db : connection in to TV

+29.3 db : with 7777
-00.7 db : without 7777

So, does that mean I should be able to receive the 3.9db station without the pre-amp, since 3.9 minus 0.7 is greater than zero? My assumption is that some tall trees in the distance will cause a db hit and make the 7777 necessary.

What is the upper db limit that may cause interference for me? 29.3 plus 57.6 = 86.9, is that too much? I figure having the antenna pointed 45 degrees away would help decrease the signal from the strong station.

When I try my antenna without the 7777, I simply bypass the power input to avoid going up on the roof. Does it make a huge difference leaving the RG6 running through the unpowered 7777 up on the antenna?

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d990077ba7b53b1

Thanks very much to anybody who can advise!