ON - Scarborough, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa - OTA

[CaptainKen]

I did re-aim it with really good results for a few days then the clouds rolled in.

A couple of times I've been back on the roof, adjusting to the South to see if I could pick up the Buffalo stations better -- with little result. And I tried adjusting more to the southwest to pick up Toronto better -- a little more positive result there, but not stable at the expense of a few Buffalo channels. So, seeing little difference, I reset back to what I think is the best compromise for getting both sources.

I will wait for the next clear day and work with someone inside to make sure the aim is at the best compromise for both Buff and Tor.

I take it, then, that it is unusual for overcast, cloudy and snowy skies to have such a dramatic impact on reception?

CFTO 9.1 has basically been out all week except when a patch of blue sky appears. CFTO 9 (RF) is a touch snowy, but stable. Usually this station is a solid 40% for me, then after raising the antenna 6ft it went up to over 60%. Then, when the heavy overcast skies rolled in Sunday and the clouds and the patches of snow, I lost 9.1.

[stampeder]

Of all the other locations posted in this thread, are there some that are very close to you (Ritson & Rossland)? We need to look at whether they've also been experiencing this drop too. If not, that's a good hint that there's a problem somewhere in your OTA gear.

[CaptainKen]

Stampeder, I agree. I'd love to hear from anyone living near Ritson and Rossland in Oshawa.

My hypothesis has proven true. While we were exchanging messages out here, the high pressure front finally pushed out the low pressure overcast sky front. And voila: all my stations have returned! CFTO 9.1 is booming in around 75%. WGRZ 2.1 is back rock solid and WNED 17.1 was showing the highest numbers I've ever seen, over 80%. Right now, outside it is cloudy, but there's a blue sky. Up until a couple hours ago the sky was solid grey (high clouds) and very cloudy (lower clouds). Now that this front has blown away (yes it's still windy), my reception has vastly improved.

Isn't this a bit odd? I mean, I understand that clouds and snow might affect reception a bit, but I basically lost most channels from Toronto and Buffalo for most of a week while we had this overcast grey cloudy sky.

(Since I still can't list my equip as a signature, here it is again: 4221HD raised about 16ft above my roofline + CM 7777 + 60ft cable + Tivax ST8)

[White fish]

This is my first stab at OTA
I do have cable but refuse to pay extra for HD
I live about 20-30km from the cn tower
I built a modded coat hanger ant. With plastic lumber and 12awg alum. Wire
I am getting 5.1, 9.1, 17.1, 23.1, 25.1, 29.1, 41.1, 44.1, 49.1, 57.1, 64.1
don't really care about analog,like I said I have cable

can I get more is there more to get?
I just built a Cent2 ( I think it's called)
will it be any better then my coat hanger ant?
Thx

[White fish]

My tvfoolhttp://http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29&q=id%3d27eeeec352d67d

[Jase88]

You could definitely pick up more stations with a better antenna. Check the reception results area thread pertaining to your locale for more information.

[timecodeclock]

hello, currently have ganged two 2086 side by side. do they need to be butted together or spaced apart about 2 feet? can i use a good splitter to combine the two antennas or do i need a coupler.

have found different opinions on both of these, any help to clarify would be great.

thanks

tcc

[Tom.F.1]

Originally Posted by timecodeclock

hello, currently have ganged two 2086 side by side. do they need to be butted together or spaced apart about 2 feet? can i use a good splitter to combine the two antennas or do i need a coupler.

have found different opinions on both of these, any help to clarify would be great.

thanks

tcc

the 2 sections of the DB-8 are 60 CM center to center.
Side by side will be more dirctional than one on top of the other.
A simple splitter is good to combine them, make both leads exactly the same length.
There is a whole thread on combining, and another whole thread on splitter/combiners. Do lots of reading.
Good Luck!!

[stampeder]

White fish, have a look through this Scarborough thread for people near you so that you can compare their results and see what to expect.

Also your antenna is a problem, so have a look at the following thread to see the very best DIY antennas anyone can build: Best Do-It-Yourself OTA Antennas - see these links

[White fish]

Problem really?
The coat hanger ant. Is pretty much a 4bay right
how do you connect 2ant. Together?
Do you use a catv splitter with coax?

[Jase88]

White Fish: There is a problem with your setup. You're missing 66.1 (SUNTV) Toronto which should be easily received at your location. The problem could be as simple as element length, or spacing with between the reflector (if you're using one) and the elements.

Each of the channels in your TV Fool report marked "LOS" (line of sight) should be easily received with an outdoor antenna mounted at the height you indicated in the report.

[White fish]

I wonder if I am just not pointed right
I do get Sun tv analog
are guess there is more channels I am missing

So for an attic install with I DIY antenna what style is best
I can make a 8 bay coat hanger type

is 2 4 bay stacked good or side by side

or I an do 2 different types

I have no refector should I use one?

is there some where I can look at pics and the names of these different antenna's

[stampeder]

Originally Posted by White fish

So for an attic install with I DIY antenna what style is best

Either a GH or an M4 will be great. Go to the link I gave you and start reading there.

[White fish]

ok so a coat hanger ant. is a M4

how do you connect your transformer to a double m4 or m8

[Tom.F.1]

Originally Posted by White fish

ok so a coat hanger ant. is a M4

how do you connect your transformer to a double m4 or m8

I would stack one on top of the other, connect the 2 of them to the outputs on a coax splitter and the in goes to your tv. The 2 coax leads need to be the same length. works best if the antennas are identical so they end up in phase and don't cancel each other out.
There is a whole thread full of discussion on how best to combine.