Just use the TVFool.com online maps feature (http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=90) to find bearings to your local stations.

The "Manotick" transmitters are actually in Herberts Corners, near Old Prescott Road and Stagecoach road (http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Herberts+Corners+Rd,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&geocode=FavSsQIdfKJ--w&split=0&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=16.71875,56.536561&hq=&hnear=Herberts+Corners+Rd,+Ottawa,+Ottawa+Division,+Ontario&ll=45.217221,-75.563622&spn=0.008298,0.018797&t=h&z=16).

By using the online maps feature and the "draw lines to transmitters" option, you don't need a compass -- just match up the sight lines with the satellite view in the online TVFool map.

use my GPS for more accurate pointing
Unless your GPS has an electronic compass it will not help.

Herberts Corner's Transmitter:

Lat: 45.217185
Lon: -75.563497

Thanks to all for the great info on the forum,with my very crudely constructed older version of the stealth hawk, I get all of the typical analog ch. as well as the digital/H.D ch's: cbcfr/eng,both omni ch's as well as city tv and sun.
Even with the fair bit of flurries today,reception is great even with the ant hanging from my living room window91st floor) facing south.
Thanks again.K

I would like to see a laymen discussion about using omni-directional antennas in Ottawa. Since most of us are less than 20km from both towers it should be possible to receive the majority of the channels without resorting to analyzing TVFOOL output.

For what it is worth,

Someone GAVE (!) me for free, an old model / older style, omni-directional, UFO dish type antenna. Old Radio Shack / Antenna Craft 21 inch UFO style antenna w/FM Trap, pre-amp, and power injector.
( I don't have the exact model number handy right now ... but can find that later and post, I think it is a model from the 1980's )

He dug around in his basement and found the original power injector and ac wall adaptor too - to power the pre-amp injector - you will definitely need these items for the antenna to work properly.

So what the heck, I built a mounting bracket, and put it up on the side of the tower in Kingston, Ontario. I would say it is about 30 feet up, clear of the roof and chimmney.

Note: This antenna has a built in FM Trap and pre-amplifier.

So the install was very simple. And visually, the antenna does not look like a huge monster ... just a 21 inch white plastic frisby - high up on a pole.

So, from Kingston, this simple Omni-directional UFO antenna picks up RELIABLY:

WWNY-DT CBS / FOX 7.1 and .2 (RF 7 vhf hi) 44 miles away LOS in Watertown.

WPBS-DT 16.1 / .2 / .3 (RF 41 uhf) 47 miles LOS in Watertown NY.

WWTI-DT ABC 50.1 /.2 (RF 21 uhf) 47 miles LOS in Watertown NY.

[One night, I even picked up Rochester NY with this antenna ! I think it was 8.1 WROC CBS Rochester. But that is Rare, special conditions. This is shown as TROPO, 93 miles on my TV fool]

... and I have not tried yet ... but I am confident this antenna will pick up all the local Kingston Canadian Analogs - still broadcasting, and may for some time yet (I should try next chance - and see what the picture quality is like on the local Canadian analogs)

In Ottawa ... I think this sort of antenna is simple and at least worth a try.

Just do a test. Put one high up on a pole - and see how it works.
Since the install is pretty simple ... just do a temp install and post results.

Ottawa has other troublesome issues though - FM interference on some channels - and poor / difficult reception/ poor picture quality esp. of Global on VHF lo ch 6.

But some of those issues may get better in the long run - with transition to Digital broadcasting - not sure.

I am beginning to think I should put this UFO antenna at the very top of the pole, top of the mast, highest spot, top of the tower, instead of "off the side of the tower" - above the long UHF YAGI I have up there. I may make that change this summer.

[instead of "off the side of the tower" - where I have it now]

The higher the better with this UFO style - omni-directional antenna.
Clear of everything and high up for best results - I recommend.

They're smaller than a YAGI, aero-dynamic, have a low wind load, don't weigh alot, and don't have a huge turning radius.
If you can get one that's larger in diameter (mine is 21 inches in diameter)... probably it will have better VHF LO performance.
(that seems to be one of the issues with these disc antennas... the gain on VHF LO channels 2-6 is not so great )

If anyone puts one of these up in Ottawa ... or has one up in Ottawa ...
Post back and let us know your setup and how you do.

Thanks. Most interested.

For Example / Winegard UFO style antenna.

Winegard manual / pdf file - link

http://winegard.com/kbase/upload/2451916.pdf


Winegard, Metrostar VHF/UHF Omnidirection TV Antenna ("ch 2 to 69")


Models MS 2000 and MS 2002 - amplified with FM TRAP
( I'd consider the MS 2000 or MS 2002 for Ottawa, for the FM TRAP. The pre-amp will help with long cable runs too. )


Models MS-1000 and MS 1002 - non-amplified and NO FM TRAP
( non amplified and no FM Trap may serve some purposes ...
for example if FM interference is not an issue ... or if you wanna receive FM with this antenna too ... or if signals are so powerful where you are that you're overloading the amplifer and/or the receiver)


Looks like these are about 21 inches in diameter ... similar to my old Antenna Craft ...

Winegard manual / pdf file - link

http://winegard.com/kbase/upload/2451916.pdf

The Source was clearing out their old "non-HD" their words not mine, Nexxtech UFO antennas. I picked one up for $10. It came with mount and the power injector but no pre-amplifier. I mounted it on my un-used Bell dish mount. Results are not worth posting since it was very low. I plan this spring to move it up about 15 more feet and clear the house, get a pre-amp and try again. I will also have my SH built by then too to compare.

Another example, looks very similar to the one I have.

AntennaCraft 5MS921
(w/built in/fixed pre-amp and FM Trap)

http://www.antennacraft.net/Manuals/5MS921_Manual.pdf


User Reviews Online:

(There's plenty user reviews on-line for the Winegard MS-2000 and AntennaCraft 5MS921. Seems they work well for many in sub-urban areas - 30 miles or less to their local transmitters in different directions.)

(In some reviews, did not work so well ... for some who put them in the attic ... but some actually did have satisfactory results in the attic too)

(In some reviews, some stated they were recommended to use the non-amplified Winegard MS-1000, because they were very close to their local transmitters (10 miles or less) in different directions. And stated they had good results.)

[ IDEA - if you need an FM Trap, with the non-amplified / no trap version ... try and see if you can add a separate switchable FM Trap yourself, in-line. Then you can switch the FM Trap in or out as needed ...]

(Some reviews mentioned these antennas become simpler to use for the local channels and with the new TV's that "scan" for channels. No need to keep using the rotor, re-aim the antenna, and then re-scan. Some mentioned the advantage over rabbit ears - not having to keep getting up to move the rabbit ears for different channels.)

Worth a shot in Ottawa. You can probably find some of these used for re-sale at a good price. Just make sure they work ... that their not DEAD.

Price new is not prohibitive - looks like around 60 or 70 bucks.

I repeat: THE BEST RESULTS WITH THIS ANTENNA - mount outside, high up, above roof level and chimmney level if possible.
(but you can always experiment and see what might work for you ... attic ... side of house ... on pole off deck ... etc etc.)

I also have an old RadioShack omnidirectional antenna that I bought when I first moved into our house over in the late 90's. My results have been okay, but wouldn't go as far as to recommend it and I am thinking of replacing it. Mine is installed in the attic (for WAF) and I am sure it would be better if it was outside. Some comments about it:


While it is OK for VHF-HI and the lower UHF channels, reception drops off on VHF-LO and the upper UHF channels (Channels 6, 60 and 65 are my worst channels and I can't receive 66.1).
Would prefer a unit without a pre-amp so that I could choose my own (I am actually considering ripping out the built-in one and using a CM-7777 instead).
While it will receive signals in all directions, it isn't equal in all directions, so it is best to turn it to maximize your overall signal strength.

Hi everyone,

I've been a tinkerer and have been a DH reader for quite some time now and have finally decided that it's time to start looking at ditching the cable and looking at OTA.

I'm currently getting all local channels easy as I can see Camp Fortune from my back window and I overlook the city of Ottawa from the front window(I live on top of a hill).

My main question is what are the possibilities of me getting some of the US channels (CBS, FOX, etc.) from my location.

Here's my TVFool data: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d8e44ecb8c27eb9

Thanks for the help.

Hi !

With -10 for wnyf (CBS fox) you are at the limit where I'd consider aiming a high gain UHF antenna on your roof with preamp and very good tuner as well.
You'd be at risk of not getting wnyf reliably all the time but it could work too, depends on your surroundings like do you have trees or other house peaks in the way, etc

Aside wnyf you'd have a clear shot at the PBS stations wnpi wcfe

suretma, what's your VHF reception of CIII-Global (6) and CJOH-CTV (13) analog reception like ? All those VHF channels come from Camp Fortune, CBOFT(SRC) will be added to this list on channel 9 in August. If it's good, you could continue using an indoor antenna (rabbit ears for example) for VHF and merge that reception with a UHF antenna pointed at the States (WNYF)

I'm getting very good reception of the camp fortune channels without any antenna even connected to the TV today. From what I've been reading, I guess the best option would be to go for a CM4228 with CM7777 and see as it seems to be the preffered option I'm seeing here. I wonder if any local shops with a good return policy sell some. That way I could try it out and see what happens.

If for any reason my reception got poor during bad weather(which I've had but hasn't caused any issues so far) on the VHF channels, I guess I could get another small antenna for VHF and combine both of them.

I don't have any trees or buildings in the way since I'm backing on the highway and there are no nearby buildings so I'm hoping it will work.

You talked about a good Tuner. Any ideas or suggestions for those?

suretma, if you are now getting the digital stations on an HDTV then it has an ATSC tuner in it. What is the brand and model of your TV? Some have better tuners than others (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=41507), so for far away stations a very good tuner is another option (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=108740) along with improving your OTA gear.

suretma, for the holy grail channel you'd be looking for (uhf 18), there's the Winegard HD-8800 that would be better. I have a friend using it with great success for getting WNYF just like me, with a cm7777 preamp. But again keep in mind we do have a better location than you. If you want the absolute best at channel 18 to get wnyf(cbs/fox) then HD-8800 with a cm7777 (or Kitz, or RC preamp) would be better. My simple recommendation would be a HD-8800 and cm7777 since you're so close to Camp Fortune and are receiving the VHF channels easily; this downplays the need for good VHF reception from your antenna.

The downside of the HD-8800 is its lower gain at higher channel numbers, which is still excellent and should not affect your reception. The other downside is worse VHF reception than the 4228hd. In your case, these do not matter in my opinion. Check the "Comparing some commercially available antennas" NET gain chart (not the raw gain) to compare the 8800 and 4228hd.

If I had to do it again and knew I was going to use a separate VHF antenna like I ended up doing, I would have selected the HD-8800.
At the start, I thought I may be OK with a single 4228hd since the 4228hd has decent VHF-Hi gain for a UHF antenna. I guess "needs" change !

For your other question regarding antennas in stock in the region, you will have a hard time finding a store in the region period.

You also have to understand it is hard to have a return policy for things that are hung outside... not many people would want to buy your antenna after you played outside with it for a couple weeks.

Here's the only Ottawa dealer I found with things in stock, you can check the whole thread for any comments on other Ottawa/Ontario stores, etc.
http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=1144738&postcount=737

Deleted a post.

Please use the Where Can I buy threads for discussion of retailers and keep this thread focused on reception results. (the one referred to by flavoie)

Hello all:

I am living in an apartment in Hull. My windows opens toward the direction of camp fortune though there are various buildings nearby. I am about 8 miles from the tower. I have bought myself a Terk HDTV ZSS indoor amp antenna which supposedly will work throughout the VHF and UHF range. Yet when I stick it in the optimal direction I am only getting three relative strong channel at 30, 34 and 40. There are some weaker ones like 24, 32, 43 and 60. However what I still can't understand is no matter how I try the scanning would always jump past channel 4, 9 (CBC and Radio-canada). This is an analog tuner card I have.

Below is the info of my location profile:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dc77a778885daba

According to the chart I am in the green zone and should be able to tap into 4 and 9.

I am hesitating whether I should buy myself a digital tuner card because of this lack of explanation.

I hope someone could shed me some light over this absence of channels.

Make sure you have your tuner set to AIR. Then see if you can pull a few tips out of this thread.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=40741

Hello all:

I am living in an apartment in Hull. My windows opens toward the direction of camp fortune though there are various buildings nearby. I am about 8 miles from the tower. I have bought myself a Terk HDTV ZSS indoor amp antenna which supposedly will work throughout the VHF and UHF range. Yet when I stick it in the optimal direction I am only getting three relative strong channel at 30, 34 and 40. There are some weaker ones like 24, 32, 43 and 60. However what I still can't understand is no matter how I try the scanning would always jump past channel 4, 9 (CBC and Radio-canada). This is an analog tuner card I have.

Below is the info of my location profile:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3dc77a778885daba

According to the chart I am in the green zone and should be able to tap into 4 and 9.

I am hesitating whether I should buy myself a digital tuner card because of this lack of explanation.

I hope someone could shed me some light over this absence of channels.
My experience with my analog/digital usb tuner stick is that the VHF section of the tner (particulalry VHF-Low, that is channels 2-6) is particulalry insensitive.

For example, chanel 4 analog comes in strong on my TV (albeit with lots of ghosts), yet on my EyeTV Hybrid, it comes in quite snowy.
If 24 is coming in weak, there must be some obstruction between you and the lower parts of the Camp Fortune Tower.

(on the tower, 9 is at the top, followed by 4, then 13, some FMs, 30/34/40, and then 24 (and digital 20/22/25), more FMs, channel 6, and more FMs.

If you get 13 analog OK, then you should be alright for CTV, SRC, TVA, V, and TQ come August.

You'll need to solve your "24 is weak" issue to ensure reliable reception of Global, CBC, and TVO.

If you your antenna has a preamp, you should disable it. I believe there is a switch on the Terk HDTV antenna for this -- do not unplug it.