louisph, it sounds like your VOOM box or its OTA module is malfunctioning. You can test your antenna and its coax lead by running them directly into the back of your TV and then scanning for channels. If you get nothing, the problem is probably the antenna then.

Not knowing much, I was under the impression that the Silver Sensor was only for UHF signals, but it seems to work fine for CH and other channels on analog, so I guess it's the Voom box that is bad... unless it requires a powered antenna?

Anyone got a working setup I could just plug-in to? ;) hehehe

Hmm.. if the stb is the problem, any local place where I could get one?

Update: Seems like the stb was the problem, so I did what I do best... crack things open and try to figure what's wrong... Seems like a loose floppy like cable between the motherboard and the ota modules... plugged it in properly, now getting a weak signal... added an old amp I had for cable and the level is now around 78, which is not so bad considering I was below ground with the silver sensor... will try again tomorrow, above ground :)

you can test it here if you like. i get cbc good and pbs in and out depending on the wx.

also wondering if any knows how tv guide gets it's off air info in ottawa? is there a local station or am i getting it from pbs?


kilmister

I read somewhere that CJOH broadcasts the TV guide info for the Ottawa area. I don't know if this is correct though. If you are getting PBS, you may be getting it from them as well.

Not knowing much, I was under the impression that the Silver Sensor was only for UHF signals, but it seems to work fine for CH and other channels on analog

This is off thread but I will answer this where it was asked. Any UHF antenna will pick up strong VHF channels, especially VHF-HI (7-13). HDTV Primer (http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html) has a chart showing this for different antennas but it doesn't include the silver sensor.

Oh well...

Seems like I'm still having difficulties... might be a question of the receiver though. Using the Silver Sensor, I finally got a signal to the Zoom box, which was a relief! But the problem is it's not strong enough for the box to "lock in" (needs 85).

Pulled out an old 12db amp, plugged it in, signal was up to 79~80! So close...

Tried moving around in the house, from the basement to the second floor, the signal is the same no matter where I am, just not strong enough :(

Shame, as I'm not really far away from the tower... anyone got any ideas I could try?

did you take the diplexer off and try feeding your antenna directly into the f connector for t.v. ant?

yup, the diplexer is off (received it that way)...

where are you located and what you using for an ant? i am at bank and conroy using a omni amplified ant at 35ft. getting it without problems plus i get the pbs most times.
if you wish to try yours out at my place PM or IM me.

Didn't I sent you one already this weekend?

sorry, i have corrected my personal setting now. pm'd you with info.

I picked up Ottawa (CBOT) for a few minutes this morning from Laval.
I was surprised to see that the Carrier Frequency is set at 67250000 since they are transmitting on channel 25 (537250 MHz). From what I have read on the net some tuners may not be able to lock on the signal when it is set to anything else than 0.

PS Montreal CBMT and CBFT have set this parameter to 0.

WWNY-DT: 35
WNYF-DT: 35
WWTI-DT: 21
WNPI-DT: 23
WPBS-DT: 41

Hi Roger,

are you getting anything (other than 23 which is a given)

-gmd

Hi Roger,

are you getting anything (other than 23 which is a given)

Unfortunately I don't have an ATSC tuner yet so I don't know what I will be able to get. I am contemplating getting either a new TV or the new Sammy tuner over the holidays, but the end decision will be with the boss. ;) The justification for the tuner is difficult with CBC and PBS being the only digital stations available.

My antenna is great for locals, but it isn't up to the task of pulling in the US channels. My main reason for doing all this is to figure out what type of antenna I will need and what results I can expect. Other than WNPI, my best hope will be WWNY/WNYF on 7 after analog shutdown. WWTI will probably be hit and miss. It is hard to justify replacing what works if you don't know if the new antenna will give much more.

What channels could i get in ottawa.

This thread has all your answers on Ottawa OTA TV reception, including links to maps.

What channels could i get in ottawa.

As stampeder said, read over this thread and see if it answers your questions. If have any further questions, please post them here.

Where in Ottawa you are makes a huge difference as to what you can expect to get as does what type of buiding your are in and what direction you are facing if you are in an appartment. Also, are you interested in DTV or analog stations?

I'm happy to report that I've finally been able to catch something :)

Got clear reception with a small Silver Sensor, depending on orientation, both HD CBCs and WECF (PBS) and the SD WECF... might start to think to put a real antenna on the roof!

louisph,

Great to hear. Where about in the city are you? Yesterday was a good skip day so your results for WCFE may not be consistent. Did you try to get WNPI?

I'm in Gatineau, but with I have a clear view of the eastern part of Ottawa.

Hmm, though I must admit I was impressed to be able to catch anything with just a silver sensor pointed in the right direction ;) I remember seeing something light up on channel 23, but I dismissed it too fast I guess (must have mixed it up wit the cbc)...

I've printed the chart from remote central, and my plan is to try with a compass next weekend by pointing my little antenna in the right direction!

My lessons of the weekend...

don't try the basement (3db);
first floor wasn't good either (9db) , a window might help but orientation is key (I had better result with the antenna facing a wall!); second floor worked wonders for those three stations (usually around 21db, varying from 18 to 27); it's truly line of sight, so don't let the dog walk/sleep/play near the front of your antenna! I'll keep you posted!