I've dropped a line to Access to let them know their Calgary transmitter is off. At the very least, it *looks* like they're off the air … nothing but static at my location. Programming continues on cable.

Looks like there is no combiner at site yet or feedline repaired! To all of you doing daily scans - it looks like more time needs to pass yet!
The good news is that I hear that CityTV and/or Omni will be feeding through the new combiner to the new antenna on the Harvard mast. So when one new service is ready, they likely all will be in a similar timeframe.:)

The title explains itself. :)

Downbeat - Did you hear what the problem was caused by? Perhaps someone got back to you from Access?

I thought I'd share my results with everyone.

Living in an apartment, I figured an outdoor antenna might be troublesome. I didn't see an easy way to route some cable from outside in. So, I thought I'd try what seems to be the most recommended indoor antenna, a model based on the "Silver Sensor".

I paid The Source's ransom for the Terk HDTVa. I'm sure there are cheaper ways to get a similar model.

For reference, here is my location: http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3db7c8572395e19a

It looks to be a pretty good location. If it wasn't for an apartment building blocking the view, I could see the broadcast towers across the city in the NW from the living room window (where the antenna will sit). As well, being in the south, I can just point the antenna generally North and hit up the CICT-DT tower at the same time.

Hooked it up, scanned, reported back with 10 stations.

In the UHF range, CFCN-DT (36.1) and CICT-DT (41.1, maps to 2.1) work perfect. 16, 32, 38 are all very sharp.

The low VHF channels are pretty terrible. Though since 2, 4 have digital equivalents, only ch. 5 (CityTv) is a concern. CBC (ch. 9) comes in great. Access (ch. 13) is unwatchable. I tried playing with the VHF poles without much success.

Overall, very satisfied with the results. Was hoping to get the two digital stations, and so far they seem to work flawlessly. I'm very impressed with the reception on the other UHF stations + CBC (ch. 9). Only station that I really want to see better is CityTV (ch. 5).

Global and CTV seem to be unavailable in DT right now.....

Hopefully workers are getting the site ready for Global's permanent new DT home?!:cool:

Downbeat - Did you hear what the problem was caused by? Perhaps someone got back to you from Access?
Nope — didn't hear anything back from Access.

In response to Hellcommute, CICT and CFCN are behaving normally at my location at this time. "Saturday Night Live" on Global and a movie on CTV.

Back on the 8th I too noticed the occasional drops in CICT-DT before they lost power and the signal died completely.

I did note today that CFCN-HD has obviously had something changed, from my place down on 13th ave SW I used to need to put my RCA flatpanel antenna out on my deck facing due west to pick up CFCN-HD and it had to be positioned exactly. Today though I've got the antenna sitting inside, roughly pointed west and getting a clear signal with no drops at all.

Today the CRTC published CFCN (CTV Calgary)'s application for a post-transitional transmitter:

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-229.htm#3

Here is the application itself: (http://www.crtc.gc.ca/public/broad/applications/2010/2010-0521-5.zip)

I notice in the main brief that CTV intends to operate using its post-transition parameters during the transition period — much like what Global TV has been approved for.

I wonder what the timeframe will be? It appears from my received information that this year is a likely target for a number of Alberta Channels. :)

Any one heard anything about Access yet?

Just channel surfing this lunch-hour and noticed CJCO 38 appears to be off the air.
However, other stations transmitting from CFCN tower are on.

Omni Calgary seems to be back. And it's still analog. ;)

Has anybody found out the reason of their short disappearance? I see no change, and direction/strength are identical...

Has anybody found out the reason of their short disappearance? I see no change, and direction/strength are identical...
My guess would be technical issues. It happens.

i been gone for awhile,good to see everyone again.Anyhow awhile back i had problems getting CFCN consistantly.a nice guy an "engineer" from CFCN came down to my house, showed me his setup,check the reception in Inglewood and had a look at mine.He suggested to get rid of the CM7778 preamp and amp,he thought i had enough antenna and preamp to supply a neighborhood in Strathmore!!..ha ha I took the preamp and amp off and voila,there was CFCN clear and consistant.The guy had a Terk antenna attached to a broomstick and his 14"TV pluged into his cigarette lighter in the back of his box of his truck.He even pointed the antenna straight South and it showed CFCN no problem.They are only operating at 100 Watts right now and when they finish the "changeover",there"ll be oodles of power compared to now.Nice to see you again Billsmith,left you a private message.

Oodles of power is a max ERP of 206 kW!

Valkryie - Good to hear that you received attention directly from CFCN I'm sure the fellow gave you good advice. You seem to be located in a better reception area than first thought. Glad to hear that it is now sorted out.

How is the analog UHF reception? - that is why I needed to add a CM7778 preamp in my service. I know that if a preamp is not needed, it is much better to do without it, particularly for digital reception due to the distortions that can be added - having a disruptive effect on both aural and visual information.

Certainly CFCN-DT approaching 200 times the power, will make reception much better in most parts of the city and make redundant the use of larger antennas in many areas. Good news! Glad also to see that you're back - Valkryie! Greetings from Mexico here! :)

I erred (again!) in my last post: The number 206 actually represents the *height* above average terrain of the CFCN antenna in metres. The max ERP of the station is to be 220 kW, with average ERP at 120 kW.