AB - Calgary, Lethbridge, Southern Alberta - OTA

[stampeder]

Originally Posted by WestCDA

Surprising to me, CFCN increased to 93-95!

You're probably benefiting from some signal bounce from that house or another.

[WestCDA]

Interesting how atmospheric conditions affect this. We've got some towering cumulus building to the north (not uncommon in Calgary during the summer, a precursor to later afternoon thunderstorms). CTV is staying about the same at 93-94, but now Global is fluctuating between 79 and 85. I would guess as these pick up moisture they're going to reflect more of the signal.

[Billsmith]

I do have some photographs of the new Global mast from the Old Banff Coach Road and will be happy to post them in due course.

[Blair123]

I was able to receive CFCN DT today on a TV and a PC with ATSC tuners. I used a simple single 300 ohm bowtie antenna that came with an old TV. I had tried before but was not able to get a signal. I thought the fact that I have metal siding and roof would prevent me from getting reception so I placed the antenna out of an open east window. I was very happy to see a digital TV signal. I later found I could get the signal by moving the antenna in front of the closed windows. Nice to get a clear HD picture and 5.1 audio for free. I was not able to receive CICT DT Global. I will probably make some form of a home built antenna in the future. I have read many of the antenna posts on physical antenna designs and their performance analysis with great interest. I appreciate all of the effort of those willing to share their knowledge of antenna theory and practical assembly techniques.

[stampeder]

Blair123, unfortunately even with a DBGH you won't get Global DTV until they move in the future. Nice that you've gotten a taste of CTV's HD offerings via OTA so that you know what the best picture quality is now.

[DIGITALEight]

I have an HDTV with built in ATSC tuner. What do I need to do exactly step by step to get free HD channels?

I'm in Calgary.

Where can I buy the antennaes?
How do I set it up?

I'm new to all this and have read several threads and FAQs already, but nothing seems to be helping. So please provide a step by step guide.

Thanks.

[stampeder]

Hello DIGITALEight, I've moved your post into this thread for Calgary that will give you a good read of how others have done.

Make sure to read through the OTA FAQ and also download the Antenna Chart. The OTA FAQ has more than 20 separate posts in it, with scores of instructions, diagrams, photos, and illustrations along with tips and other info I've accumulated over years, including how to find sellers of OTA gear in your area.

Which neighbourhood are you in, or which major street corner are you nearest?

[DIGITALEight]

Has anyone used the RCA CANT1020 indoor antenna? Is it any good?

[stampeder]

I would never put that piece of junk on the Antenna Chart. It is a waste of money.

Can you answer my question from Post #383 please?

[DIGITALEight]

I'm in Hawkwood.

[stampeder]

Okay from Hawkwood you would get CFCN-DT with a Zenith Silver Sensor or clone, but it is debatable whether Global would reach you in a strong enough manner for an indoor antenna due to their temporary low power operation.

[Billsmith]

The new CICT Global Calgary tower is under construction beside the old one on the Old Banff Coach Road:

[Billsmith]

The new CICT Global Calgary tower is under construction beside the old one on the Old Banff Coach Road:

[calgeddy]

Hi,

I'm trying to determine whether I can receive OTA HDTV from my location before I go out and buy a HDTV. I am using an Apex digital to analogue converter box to test this.

Here are my results:

First floor west side window: using rabbit ears - no signals

First floor west side window: using DIY SBGH - no signals. Strangely I receive analogue signals from CBC (CH 9), Omni (Ch 8?) and Ch 100 a lot clearer with the SBGH. I have an amplified RCA external antenna which doesn't catch these channels well.

First floor east side window: using rabbit ears - Global HD - signal strength ~ 43

First floor east side window: using SBGH - Global HD - signal strength ~ 72

I'd really like to be able to catch the signals from CTV as in a couple of years Global will move their tower to the same location. I am considering seeing if having the SBGH outside the window about 18' off the ground helps.

I'm not sure how the analogue signals propagate but I can receive the following with my RCA amplified external antenna about 12' off the ground facing south: Global, CTV, City TV and CBC. The signals are not perfectly clear but are watchable.
Anyone have any luck catching CTV from the my neighborhood? Any ideas please?

Thanks

[utol]

I am new on this OTA and was inspired after reading some threads. I build my first GH and
I have it indoor at the second floor and facing a window west view as per my results from tvfool:

http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...497b25ea8883ff

Here are my results:
Digital signals are pretty good if I may say:
Global (Channel 2.1) is at 66% reception
CFCN (Channel 4.1) is at 78% reception
However, the analogue signal's 2 & 5 are not better as my rabbit jensen ears.
channels 4, 9, 13, 38 & 44 are fairly acceptable.

Is this normal whereas analogue channels 2 & 5 are weak signals?