So Sad, Channel 58 Reception Issues

[AndrewP]

When CBS58 started I had 60% signal, but this signal became weaker and weaker until it disappeared in April.
So I visited Radio Shack and bought a stronger yagi antenna to replace original RS yagi. I installed it at the same attic location. Now I have 70% CBS 58!
As for the FOX - 0%.
I am in Muskego right at the border with Racine County.

Andrew
Hitachi 61,
Dish Network HD6000

[sajanisch]

 

Originally posted by MesaV:
My intention was to goat CBS58, not anyone else whose having difficulty getting their signal.  I have difficulty-receiving CBS58 also, that's why I turned my antenna to the west.  I'll take what I can get and I'll wait for the rest.
Yes, HT equipment is expensive; it took me 2 years to update my stuff.  If you knew how much I spent on my HT you'd surely think I cheap out on the antenna.  But it works great.

FYI:

• Madison Community Tower is 64 miles, as the crow flies, from my house.
• Channel Master 4221 4 bay bow tie antenna, with hardware $35.
• Mounted on my chimney 30' above the ground.

hmmm, see it online for about $20, may just order it, it doesn't look that terrible asthetically I guess.

Anything i should be aware of (read tricky) as far as installation goes?

[MesaV]

If you're having trouble pulling in CBS58 now, and your antenna is outside and above your roofline, I don't think any antenna will help you out enough to warrant buying a different antenna.  As I said in my post, even from the west side of Waukesha I have problems with CBS58.  A weak signal is a weak signal.

[drgingras]

 

Originally posted by sajanisch:
hmmm, see it online for about $20, may just order it, it doesn't look that terrible asthetically I guess.

Anything i should be aware of (read tricky) as far as installation goes?

I also use the 4221. Nothing "tricky", except that this is a UHF antenna and very directional. You've got the directional issue covered with the rotor. As for the UHF issue, consider using both the 4221 and the Terk? Would require another RG6 run and an A-B switch at your receiver. Especially if one or both antennas are amplfied. See my setup:
Pictures
Substitute the Terk for the omnidirectional "flying saucer" in pictures. Could be a great conversational piece!
Would also suggest looking into purchasing 4221 locally from someone with a good return policy if possible. As MesaV stated, a weak signal is a weak signal. Very much YMMV when trying antennas.

Dave


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I kinda thought that might happen ...

[MesaV]

I also pickup Milwaukee PBS, which is VHF, on the backside of that antenna.

[drgingras]

 

Originally posted by MesaV:
I also pickup Milwaukee PBS, which is VHF, on the backside of that antenna.

Yeah, someone else here said they were getting PBS-DT on this antenna. I believe it'll pull the higher numbered VHF stations without any problem. My dilemna was trying to get all the analog OTA stations for locals. Didn't work well for channels 4&6.

However, if you're not in need of lower VHF analogs, just a swap for the Terk would be a good starting point.

MesaV - are you running an amp on yours?

Dave



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I kinda thought that might happen ...

[MesaV]

Nope! You?

[drgingras]

Yes - I've got the CM7775 UHF only amp.,fixed 26db gain. This antenna is used mostly for Chicago stations. The big hill between us prevents me from seeing Madison. Even after several beers, my village trustee didn't think I'd get approval for a 600' tower. Mentioned something about FAA and flight paths.

Oh yeah, and sometimes it pulls in Faux6. Sometimes. But never on Sundays. I have their rotor location programmed as 666.

Can't comment on effectivness of amp for CBS58, as I am too close to use the amp for locals at this location, and get good signal from my omnidirectional.

Dave


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I kinda thought that might happen ...

[ReesR]

 

Originally posted by lummox:
Let's play nice boys.....pointing fingers doesn't solve anything.  The idea of this forum is to allow the exchange of ideas.  There is plenty of good information here and we don't need to pick on each other or the stations.

So, if I merely praise that is what you want.  If I place undeniable facts on the table then I am pointing fingers?   Gregg, you have shown your colors siding with the stations ever since I have been on this forum.  It is NOT the only point of view.

You posted earlier and used my name without having all the facts.  If you think playing nice is keeping quiet when you leave improper impressions, then I do not believe in those rules.

Someone new came on and asked about their lack of being able to receive CBS-58 and I gave them absolute truthful information.  They are running low power and they have a directional antenna.  The other stations have been able to do what CBS-58 says is economically unfeaseable.  So, isn't is possible that you are buying into an argument given by Ch58 which just doesn't add up?  Think about it.

Gregg, if you can prove to me that they can't compete like the other stations are able to then I will bow to you.  Until then, please stop slanting this subject and trying to make us feel guilty to express ourselves.

Now, enuff said.


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Rees Roberts
Racine, WI
reesr@wi.net

HDTV Receiver:  Sony KD-34XBR2 16X9
Bi-directional AntennaCraft VHF Yagi Model #2260P
+
2 Winegard PR9022 UHF yagi's pointing N & S
Antennas at about 30 feet
Samsung SIR-TS160 HD Directv receiver

[This message has been edited by ReesR (edited 12-30-2002).]

[BrettD]

I live on the far NW side of Brew City and 1-1 is one of the better signals my Stb pulls in. I only receive it ,though, when the antenna from the TERK TV 42 omnidirectional dish-mounted rig is in use. I don't receive it via the UHF/VHF amplified RS rabbit ears.

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[MesaV]

I think Gregg was aiming his remarks at me, and not you ReesR.  He has already deleted one of my posts earlier this month because he thought it might ruffle some broadcasters feathers.  
These local stations are owned by a corporate power that has an agenda; that is to keep the shareholders happy by keeping cost down and the profits up.  That corporate entity wants to keep his/her job and they really don't care about the consumer.   It's all about the balance sheet; it has nothing to do with emerging technology or FCC regulations.  They're always looking for a loophole that can benefit them, as in FOX 6 and their broadcasting of a High Definition Television signal.  They have one but no one can receive it, yet they're in compliance with the FCC.
This technology is going to take more time then the DVD, 5 years, to become the norm.  There's the high cost for the consumer products (TV's, STB's) and the baffling array of choices, cable, DBS, OTA... you get my drift.  
Take what you can and wait for the rest.

[Gregg Lengling]

Rees, I'm not standing up for anyone but myself.  I've found that there are more forces at work here than that of the small number of viewers (only 2 million HD Ready sets have been sold at this time in the US with probably only about 2,000 to 4,000 in SE Wisconsin with a viewing market over 1 million...you do the math).  I am just say that the FCC has allowed low power to get the migration to DTV going and as the "Owners" of stations start understanding that we want to be able to "Easily" receive their programming maybe they will up the ante.  However there are those that are willing to give their feeds away to people like Time Warner and Directv with the possible hopes in the future that they won't have to maintain any semblance of "Transmitter Plant" as we know it today.
(Read the editorial,,,,rather old,,,about whether the Broadcasters are hurting themselves by going low power. It's in the link below).


 http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org/ubb/Forum12/HTML/000184.html

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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
(Built in DTC100 w/Directv)
HiDTV Pro 2 computer reciever card
glengling@ameritech.net

[ReesR]

Gregg:

I am glad we are still talking about this.  It needs to be fully discussed.  The last paragraph of that editorial said it well:

"Bottom line: Install low power to meet the FCC deadline if there is no other alternative, but be aware of the consequences and don't count on it to satisfy viewer's expectations of digital television broadcasting."

The chicken and egg argument which has been used so much to argue that it didn't make economic sense to invest in high power is the issue.  After doing alot of thinking about this argument I have concluded broadcast stations simply have forgotten that it is their responsibility to earn their viewers.  They do not deserve their viewers simply because they have a license.  They must compete in many ways.

Programming, news and production have, in the past, been the areas where they competed.  But one item has been forgotten.  Simply the act of getting their signal to the viewer must be seen as a function of attracting their viewer base.  The other stations have taken a responsible role in this area.  When I spoke with the General Manager of Channel 12 he said "we decided that we wanted to do it right" referring about going high power 24 hours a day.  He knew that earning their digital viewers was important when they made the decision to do digital/high def.

So, citing old arguments which obviously are false due to the undeniable observation that 3 other stations have gone high power proves the point.  It can be done.  It won't put them out of business even in these low economic times.  Other cities around the country prove that point as well.

So, while arguments have been raised by Ch58 management that their electric bill would be too expensive for them, why doesn't everyone buy into that argument?  Why did 12 go high power out of the box?  Why did 4 decide to go full time right after 12 went digital?  And don't forget 10.  They will soon have 36 to deal with too.  They are telling me 36 will be going high power too.

I realize we sit on different sides of this issue Gregg.  I am merely siding on what I see is happening with the other credible operations in this market area.  It serves the market when stations run high power.  If it serves the market it will also serve the shareholder.  It just requires the shareholder have a vision more than 3 months ahead of their own nose (meaning their quarterly report).

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Rees Roberts
Racine, WI
reesr@wi.net

HDTV Receiver:  Sony KD-34XBR2 16X9
Bi-directional AntennaCraft VHF Yagi Model #2260P
+
2 Winegard PR9022 UHF yagi's pointing N & S
Antennas at about 30 feet
Samsung SIR-TS160 HD Directv receiver

[This message has been edited by ReesR (edited 12-30-2002).]