What a double-whammy: a UFO antenna, which inherently has multipathing issues, located in an attic, which inherently has multipathing issues! Ouch! :D

Hi Alander,
As stampeder stated, you are doing fantastic with the setup you have, but are far from what you are capable of in Mississuaga.
If you are happy with your results - enjoy your new free DTV programming.
however, if your are able to through a UHF antenna up on the roof/chimney, your might be surprised at your increased results.
Do these kinds of antennas catch the UHF band?
yes, but a higher gain UHF antenna (see stampeder's antenna chart (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=37629)) will really do the trick.

100' of RG59 and RG6 meis really needs some help. Your results should substantially increase when if you replace (if possible) with a single unterrupted length of RG6. and/or a preamp. See the OTA Signal Amplifiers, Preamplifiers, Distribution Amplifiers (http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=42426) for help if you need a preamp.

I'm using a Samsung TV5.2 SAX amplified indoor antenna ($25) through my TV's built in tuner (Veiwsonic LCD). The Antenna is located on the second storey, hidden inside a closet, on a shelf thats about 6ft high.

I'm picking up all of the following crystal clear without having to re-postion the antenna.

CityHD 57-1
CKXT 66-1 (SunTV HD)
CBLT-DT 5-1 (CBC HD English)
CFTO 9-1 (CTVHD)
WNLO-HD 23-1
WNED-HD 43-1
WNED-SD 43-2
WNED-TH 43-3 (ThinkTV)

I picked up the antenna to catch local HD broadcasts, and I have to say I'm quite pleased with the results.

you must still want to get NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX?

It would be nice, but considering the $25 antenna I'm using, and the 10 minutes of my time it took to set up its not bad.

Hey there, I live right beside Mavis too (Ray Lawson and McLaughlin). I use a little Silver Sensor antenna that gets signals bounced off from a group of old folks homes, and the only Buffalo channel I can't get is MyTV Buffalo.

I definitely think you can do much better too, even if you don't opt for outdoor and just get a Silver Sensor! But I live on the fifth floor of this building, so I dunno if that makes a difference or not...

But anyways, you can get the four major US channels with a little more tinkering, no doubt. :D

Animelee, mike10199 is limited in receiving more stations compared to you as you have much a better elevation plus he has his antenna in a closet.

If your antenna is close to a windows that also help. You are getting elecellent rrsults with your indoor antenna.

Oh yeah, it's in a closet, I'm an idiot. :o

Yeah, mine is right beside the window, but the thing is, I have so much aluminum in the walls here (the fan that leads from the washroom to outside is right in my room), and then there's the central air which is right above the antenna. I hear aluminum can hinder signals, is that true? :confused:

As you said if your antenna is beside the window and pointing out your reception will be ok.

Aluminum will not pass though ota signals, and will tend to reflect back the signals. Concrete walls also does reduce signal reception greatly.

Hi guys. If I Install the ChannelMaster 4221 nearby the existing MiniState antenna in my attic (I'd put it on a different joist), would I be able to pick up the Buffalo channels like NBC or CBS and FOX? Currently the only one I'm picking up from that direction is PBS with about 50% strength. I cannot improve the cabling situation in my house so I'd have to live with the about 100' of combined RG59 and RG6. Would I need to install a separate preamp for the 4221 or would it be possible to somehow combine the signals from the two antennas and then use the existing amplifier (that's currently working with the MiniState antenna) to amplify the combined signal? Also, what's the best way to combine the signals from two antennas? I thought I saw something about the combiners in the FAQ but just checked and couldn't see any info... I know these are quite a bit questions, but I thought I'd find out what my chances are before taking a plunge and ordering the CM4221 antenna. I'd greattly appreciate any feedback you may have. Thanks in advance.

alander a 4221 should give you much better reception than what you are currently using.

I would not try and combine two different types of antenna's you will run into lots of trouble.

With your combination of rg6 and 59 and 100' I would use a antenna preamp. The Winegard AP4700 or Channel Master 7775 should work well.

alander,
2 different types of antennas don't mix easily as Yaamon stated. And combining like antennas you run into issues such as multi-path, which since you are placing the antenna in the attic is just going to compound the issue.
If you found you must have 2 antennas, which is very unlikely from what we've read about your set-up, the best option would be to use a A/B switch with 2 different RG6 runs for each antenna,... that is if you can't use a rotor with one antenna.
However, since you are stuck with the existing cabling, try the 4221 alone first, with pre-amp. Aim the 4221 at Buffalo and you should pick up the toronto stations on the side lobes.
If you look at DHC'er pnear's set-up (probably in this thread, he was in the west of Toronto as well if I recall), you will see he found a good spot in his attic by moving his antenna from location to location.

At my location, i am too far south to point at buffalo and pick up toronto on the side lobles. I combined a 4228 and a 4221 successfully, but it was a bit tricky.
It is very easy to combine 2 antennas of exactly the same kind. I'd recommend two 4221's for your attic aplication.

Take that MiniState UFO antenna out and give it a good throw like a frisbee - if it hits a wall and shatters, no big loss in my opinion. :D You'll do great with the CM4221 and we'll help you sort out a second CM4221if you decide to go that route.

Hi guys, I just placed an order for the CM 4221. In the meantime I'd like to make sure I have all the stuff that's necessary for installation once it arrives (hopefully some time next week). Could you please tell me what diameter mast (a pipe or hollow tube) I should use with the U-bolts that are on this antenna? I will be installing it in my attic and from what I ready, I'm supposed to install it "up-side-down"… Is the tube required 1" or 1 1/4" diameter? I'd like to have it ready plus some kind of bracket to install the end of this "mast" as well. I'd appreciate any info. Thanks and take care.

alander:

Check out the thread on Installation Tips and Tricks including masts and mounts, here:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=29559

Live Erin Mills/Eglinton area in Mississauga, 6th floor facing south/southeast would an indoor Silver Sensor work here and approx how many HD channels would it pick up?

Have Expressvu for condo's but they dont offer HD yet and dont want to switch to HD cable if I can help it!

Welcome Newmag,

A few DHC'ers from the area have tried indoor.

Can you put a proper outdoor antenna on a balcony? You could hide it behind a plant or other creative balcony-scaping if needed. Facing S/SE you are in good shape though.

Live Erin Mills/Eglinton area in Mississauga, 6th floor facing south/southeast would an indoor Silver Sensor work here and approx how many HD channels would it pick up?

Have Expressvu for condo's but they dont offer HD yet and dont want to switch to HD cable if I can help it!


You've got an advantage being on the 6th floor, and you face the right direction. You may have to point one direction to pick up toronto stations and another for buffalo, but with an indoor antenna, thats easy.
Have a look at the Toronto indoor thread. A guy named Ants, just got his system up and posted results, from the 8th floor.

I'm currently getting only 6 hd channels from Hwy10 and Wanless
5-1
9-1
23-1
25-1
57-1
66-1
Move the antenna towards west of CN and lost 9-1, 57-1, but gained 43-1, 43-2, 43-3