| Author |
Message |
    
David Tanny
Junior Member
Username: Hipman27
Post Number: 7
Registered: 10-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 10:05 am: | 
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In San Carlos, before Feb 18, I barely got KGTV-DT, but never received KFMB-DT.
Today, I rescanned. I got no signal of KGTV-DT. Level is about 12-15. KFMB-DT's level is about 20-40. I rarely get KFMB-DT now, but no sign of KGTV-DT anymore.
I'm using an Optima antenna. Picked up most of the Tijuana DT signals well (except XHAS and XHTIT).
What's the power for KFMB and KGTV? No more than 72kw? Any solutions? |
Michael Scott
Advanced Member
Username: Mikeyts
Post Number: 2716
Registered: 08-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 11:02 am: |
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You realize that KGTV-DT switched from UHF 25 to VHF 10?
"Think of the cable company as a group of terrorist (sic)." -- hookbill
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Jesus Perez
Member
Username: Tijuanero
Post Number: 14
Registered: 07-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 11:07 am: |
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I was able to record the last seconds before shut off of analog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uotr6OIwPA0
Samsung 42" Full HD
Sharp Aquos 32"
Windows Media Center wiht Kworld atsc card, 22" HD Display
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DonRB
Advanced Member
Username: Donrb
Post Number: 3094
Registered: 08-2003
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 01:34 pm: |
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I'm getting 8-1 and 10-1 (now on their VHF channels) from Mt. Soledad at 80% or so signal level. This is quite good with only a UHF antenna.
I wonder if 8 and 10 will be building up to full power over the near future or did they startup at full power today already?
If your old antenna doesn't have good gain on the VHF band you may need a new antenna since previously they were broadcasting in the UHF band. Also you may try repointing your antenna more towards La Jolla (west) |
holl_ands
Advanced Member
Username: Holl_ands
Post Number: 2050
Registered: 06-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 01:38 pm: |
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David: You may have to unplug DTV Receiver power to clear memory
before you rescan again....and make sure Rabbit Ears are extended. |
Gary Stigall, XETV
Moderator
Username: Garys
Post Number: 477
Registered: 12-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 03:52 pm: |
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Engineers are reporting that on many tuners, you have to manually DELETE those channels (8.1 and 10.1 today) from your lineup, and then RESCAN to reprogram them.
Gary Stigall
Dir. of Engineering
Bay City TV - XETV
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Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 258
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 03:58 pm: |
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David - does your tuner give you infomation on what channel the virtual channel is being tuned on? For example, does it say 8.1 and channel 8 as the physical channel?
When I read your post it seems to me that you rescanned successfully but are getting too low of a signal to get a picture. In that case, you antenna may be to blame. I believe you have an indoor antenna. If so - you may need to relocate it or adjust the rabbit ears. Previously 10.1 was using being received with the 'disc' in the middle of your antenna. Now you are relying on the rabbit ears for reception. This internal antenna may not be good enough for reception of VHF channels from Mt. Soledad in the location where you have it... |
Vern
Junior Member
Username: Hippiemigra
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 08:37 pm: |
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I also had to delete the old channel and re-scan. Now I get 8.1 and 10.1 stronger than 39.1 and 69.1 and I live in the far east county, mountain region. |
Jeff_DML
Advanced Member
Username: Jeff_dml
Post Number: 768
Registered: 11-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 08:58 pm: |
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I now get 8.1 but not 10.1. Guessing I am having multipath problems with 10.1 which I thought I fixed going to my CM 4228 antenna. Bummer, still weird since both channels are in the same general location and frequency/ |
Patzo
Member
Username: Patzo
Post Number: 11
Registered: 04-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 09:27 am: |
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Keep trying guys... Using the same large outdoor UHF home-brew antenna and same tuner yesterday signal-to-noise ratio for 8.1 and 10.1 was well below 18 dB but late yesterday and today is in the 22 - 24 dB range. I guess the engineers are still tuning the transmitters equipment. 10.1 is about 2 dB weaker than 8.1 although its at higher frequency where my antenna has more gain. Sure indicator that 10.1 has less power in the South direction where I live (cannot be sure about the other directions).
patzo
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Peter Asaro
Intermediate Member
Username: Pasaro1
Post Number: 59
Registered: 02-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 12:07 pm: |
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I Live in Mira Mesa and after clearing all the off air channels on my HR 10-250 *D DVR and re-scanning… I now receive the following channels: 8-1 KFMB-DT (physical channel 8), 10-1 KGTV-DT (10), 10-15 KZSD-22 (10), 51-1 KUSI-HD (18), 69-1 KSWB-DT (19), 57-1 XHUAA (22), 6-1 XETV (23), 28-1 XHUK 28 (28), 15-1 KPBS-HD (30), 12-1 XEWT (32), 39-1 KNSD-HD (40). The program guide still listed all the old 8-1, 10-1 and so on. Then I went to the channel guide options and selected “Received Channels” vice “All channels” and now the guide is displayed correctly. NOTE: You first have to go to the Channel Menu under settings and select which channels you actually receive and then change the guide options to “received only” |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 264
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 06:34 pm: |
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I am getting the following SNR readings with my outdoor High-VHF Winegard YA-1713 from the coast in Tijuana.
8.1 - 34.5 dB
10.1 - 33 dB
Both of these are showing as 100% signal in the tuner on my Toshiba LCD TV. I was getting 29 dB on 8.1 prior to Tuesday when they were broadcasting on VHF 7.
I would say both signals are extremely strong at my location about 25 miles from Mt. Soledad - Line of Site reception (not really that critical with VHF).
So those of you having trouble picking these up - ensure your tuner has been cleared/rescanned. If still not getting them it's likely your antenna type, placement, or orientation. |
William Pritchett
Advanced Member
Username: Sdphoto
Post Number: 169
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 07:53 pm: |
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I disconnected my expensive "ready for HDTV" antenna and got an old $15 Radio Shack antenna out of the closet and hooked it up. I'm getting everything perfectly now. |
David Tanny
Junior Member
Username: Hipman27
Post Number: 9
Registered: 10-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 09:47 pm: |
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I'm discovering that my amplified Optima antenna performs WORSE than the unamplified version of my other Optima indoor antenna.
Someone care to do an indoor antenna review? |
holl_ands
Advanced Member
Username: Holl_ands
Post Number: 2054
Registered: 06-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 10:18 pm: |
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Indoor Antenna Thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1037779
However, EV's PBS station is at nearly 90 degrees from direction
of the main tower location, so he's judging how well he gets
omni-directional coverage rather than how well the antenna
suppresses multipath from undesired directions.
If you are within 5-10 miles of towers, avoid amplified antennas.
More indoor antenna tests:
http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=8346127
http://www.hdtvexpert.com/pages_c/ThreeFor.html
http://www.hdtvexpert.com/pages/antin.htm
http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk/pages/products/indoor_aerials/aerial_sear ch_results.asp
http://www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk/pdf_documents/publications/Indoor%20_Aerial_ Measurements1.0.pdf |
Jo
Advanced Member
Username: Sandog
Post Number: 150
Registered: 07-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 10:50 pm: |
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I own one of these, one good thing is that it has separate amplification knobs for VHF and UHF.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2625059#Specifications |
Tom
Intermediate Member
Username: Tomf
Post Number: 77
Registered: 09-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 - 08:47 am: |
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Posted by Peter Asaro:
"I Live in Mira Mesa and after clearing all the off air channels on my HR 10-250 *D DVR and re-scanning… I now receive the following channels: 8-1 KFMB-DT (physical channel 8), 10-1 KGTV-DT (10), 10-15 KZSD-22 (10), 51-1 KUSI-HD (18), 69-1 KSWB-DT (19), 57-1 XHUAA (22), 6-1 XETV (23), 28-1 XHUK 28 (28), 15-1 KPBS-HD (30), 12-1 XEWT (32), 39-1 KNSD-HD (40). The program guide still listed all the old 8-1, 10-1 and so on. Then I went to the channel guide options and selected “Received Channels” vice “All channels” and now the guide is displayed correctly. NOTE: You first have to go to the Channel Menu under settings and select which channels you actually receive and then change the guide options to “received only”"
Peter, does your HR10-250 show guide data for the new channels?
I'm in Rancho Penasquitos and I only get KGTV and KFMB reliably. On my HR10-250 I had to clear and re-scan several times to pick up the new channels. Then I had both the old channels, KGTVDT and KFMBDT, and the new channels, KGTV-DT and KFMB-DT. The "DT" channels have the guide data but no picture and the "-DT" channels have a picture but no guide data.
When KFMB switched to VHF 7 last March, this lasted for a few days and then the guide data was normal. Right now, I can't schedule any recordings on either of these channels because they both show "Regular Schedule" and the right side of the TiVo Guide is blank.
If you're getting guide data for the two channels then I guess that I'll have to work at it some more.
Update: I did a complete "Repeat Guided Setup" on both satellite and off-air antenna setup. Unfortunately, I had to set up all of my favorite channels again. I was able to get guide data for KFMB, and it is showing up as KFMBDT again instead of KFMB-DT, but I'm getting guide data and picture. No luck with KGTV. Shows up as both KGTVDT with guide data and no picture, and KGTV-DT with picture and no guide data.
(Message edited by TomF on February 23, 2009) |
Peter Asaro
Intermediate Member
Username: Pasaro1
Post Number: 64
Registered: 02-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 - 10:27 pm: |
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No I'm not Tom; the guide data still shows "Regular Schedule" or something like that for the new channels. The program information is still not updated. I guess we're still waiting for software programmers to update the guide data. It has been a week now...and they are still lagging. Hope this gets updated soon. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 29
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 08:38 am: |
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Since last Friday until now (when i re-scanned my tv) i´m able to receive KGTV-DT 10 most of the time (sometimes pixelated because of weak signal strengh), but not KFMB-DT 8. I used to get a fair amount of signal on ch 10 analog (snowy but watchable), ch. 8 was a different story (most of the time with interference with ch 12 because of it´s strong signal power and i live near mount San Antonio.
Does anybody know the actual ERP of KFMB and KGTV DT´s, i don´t know if KGTV-DT´s ERP is the same as the analog signal (about 316 kW). |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 292
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 09:00 am: |
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Unless this has recently changed, per FCC these are the transmitting amounts:
KFMB 8-1 14.9 kW
KGTV 10-1 11 kW
VHF requires much lower power to transmit since the signal is stronger than UHF. Per the above KFMB is approved to transmit at a higher power than KGTV.
But who knows what power they are actually transmitting at - could be lower.
I am getting very, very strong reception of these channels with an outdoor VHF antenna from the coast in TJ.
Hector - what type of antenna are you using? Indoor or outdoor?
Since you are close to the transmission towers on Mt. San Antonio - the local transmissions could be overloading your tuner and causing reception problems with reception of other channels.
(Message edited by andydrew on February 24, 2009) |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 31
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 09:29 am: |
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Andy:
I have two outdoor antennas one UHF pointed at mount San Antonio (a 4 element bowtie, it´s a mexican model similar to CM 4200 series), good to receive both Mount San Antonio and San Miguel channels (since i have direct line of sight), and one VHF only (5 element) pointed at Cerro colorado to get XHTJB 3 (that´s the main reason why i use this antenna). Also i can use this VHF antenna to get XHDTV, but i have to disconnect it from the combiner/splitter and put it into my tv.
The funny part is that i can get KGTV-DT 10-1 with the VHF antenna pointed at Cerro Colorado (because i mixed both antennas with a VHF/UHF combiner/splitter). So i´m really lucky to get it. |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 293
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 10:01 am: |
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low VHF antenna? you may be able to switch out with a hi-VHF antenna oriented at Mt. Soledad to get more reliable reception of 8-1 and 10-1. You may then get low VHF 3 'off the side' - similar so what is happening now but reversed. I suppose it depends on what stations are more important to you. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 33
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 11:01 am: |
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I will try to find an optimal high VHF antenna and try to receive both Mount Soledad Stations, the bad thing is that i live on a low part and i have a hill blocking me direct line of sight and, probably Mount San Antonio is just between Mount Soledad and my location.
Do you think that i cand find a low and high VHF combiner/splitters, so that i can combine it to still receive XHTJB 3 without affecting it if i get a new high VHF antenna? then, i can combine/split it with the UHF antenna.
My actual VHF antenna covers both low and high channels.
(Message edited by nightwalker on February 24, 2009)
(Message edited by nightwalker on February 24, 2009) |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 34
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 11:09 am: |
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Oh, i forgot to mention that i also have a hill blocking me direct line of sight to Cerro Colorado and also Cerro Bola, but with my VHF antenna towards east i get a reliable signal on Ch. 3, a little bit of ghosting sometimes.
(Message edited by nightwalker on February 24, 2009) |
holl_ands
Advanced Member
Username: Holl_ands
Post Number: 2060
Registered: 06-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 11:35 am: |
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Pico-Macom makes the HLSJ Combiner/Splitter for Lo-VHF and Hi-VHF:
http://yhst-18278607509093.stores.yahoo.net/pico-0144.html |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 36
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 02:04 pm: |
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I just disconnected my UHF antenna (pointed at mount San Antonio) from the combiner/splitter and conected directly on my tv and i can get KFMB-DT 8-1 with a little pixelation. I can still get 10-1 and 10-15 too.
Unfortunely i can´t measure SNR, even my tv doesn´t have a signal strengh indicator to see how strong those signals are coming from mount Soledad. But i´ll keep an eye periodically to see if i lose any of those 2 signals.
So, i guess i´ll need to get that combiner that holl_ands suggested (thank you) to use the 4 bowtie element antenna for high VHF and UHF signals, and the VHF antenna for the low VHF channels. My new arrange will be to combine/separate low VHF with high VHF and UHF signals to get channels 8-1, 10-1, 10-15 from mount Soledad, and XHTJB ch. 3 from Cerro Colorado.
(Message edited by nightwalker on February 24, 2009) |
Peter Asaro
Intermediate Member
Username: Pasaro1
Post Number: 65
Registered: 02-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 10:40 am: |
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Tom, I cleared the OTA channels and re-scanned again and now the guide data is listed correctly with the exceptions of the Mexican channels,(10-15, 12-1, 28-1, 57-1) they still say "regular" schedule" and 39-3 as well. |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 299
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 - 11:38 am: |
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Hector - what happens if you re-orient you VHF antenna towards Mt. Soledad? Are you able to get good signal on 8-1 and 10-1? This way you can see if you get better signal with a VHF antenna oriented correctly vs. trying to receive hi-VHF with a UHF antenna.
VHF can be received without Line-of-site. That is more critical for UHF. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 37
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009 - 09:44 am: |
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In fact, i´m willing to try it, but i need a lot of time to make the movements, and i don´t have my tools right now (my brother has them).
I checked google earth to see the elevations of Mt. Soledad, Mt. San Antonio, the hill that it´s right in front of me and my location.
Mt. Soledad: 764-770 ft.
Mt. San Antonio: 850 ft.
The hill on the north-nw in front of me: 820 ft.
My location: 817 ft.
Since Mt. Soledad is the farthest location to get it´s signals, the hills that have to cross those signals and my location are higher, so i´m still going to have some trouble to get a straigh signal. If Mt. Soledad had an elevation like Mt. Miguel (2560 ft), that could be a different story, because Mt. San Antonio, nor the hills in front of me will block or detour the radiation beam. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 39
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 10:52 am: |
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Today i´ve just re-oriented my VHF antenna towards N-NW at mount Soledad (with the aid of google earth for the right direction) to try to receive both KFMB and KGTV DT´s.
At the moment i´m able to receive both channels, KFMB-DT is more stable than KGTV-DT (with some pixelation). I will leave this antenna in that direction to check these signals periodically and make some adjustments to get the best and strong signal possible at my location. |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 316
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 03:56 pm: |
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If you know your coordinates, you can type them in at tvfool.com and get the exact compass coordinates to aim your antenna - even in TJ. Likely will be more accurate than estimating with Google Earth.
Are you still getting reception of analog 3? |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 41
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 12:48 am: |
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Well Andy, the thing i did on google earth is to draw a direct line between my location and the tv stations on Mount Soledad. I´ve got a reference to move the axis of my antenna just a little to the west of Mount San Antonio, because the line just passed on that side. Unfortunately i don´t have a compass to make the exact movements.
Right now i´m getting a stable signal of both channels and in most of the day yesterday it was that way. Unfortunately i can´t measure the signal strengh because my tv doesn´t have that option.
I will leave my VHF antenna in that direction to see how well i´ll be able to receive both Mount Soledad stations, let´s see if it stays that way on next summer.
Maybe i will consider to get a better VHF antenna with a mayor gain on it´s elements.
Oh, about the reception of XHTJB 3, i´m still getting that channel, but now i´m seeing a ghostly signal and sometimes it gets some distortion when having a white background on the video. If it were a digital signal, then my reception would be fine because of it´s ERP.
Thank you for your concern Andy. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 59
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, January 15, 2010 - 11:17 pm: |
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Hello:
Did anybody had reception issues on KFMB-DT 8 in the last 4 weeks (more or less)?
I believe that ch 8 is having power dropouts because i checked KGTV-DT 10 and the reception was fine. When i watched some college football games on new years eve, and NFL games on CBS days after new years day, the signal was pixelating a lot and sometimes i got a frozen signal with pixelations because of weak signal reception and at that moment i checked ch 10 and my reception was fine.
I just hope that these problems are fixed just for the next super bowl because it will be on CBS. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 61
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, February 11, 2010 - 10:53 pm: |
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Does anyone notice some ERP dropouts on this channel during the last weeks? Because now most of the time i can´t get this channel. Last year i had a good reception most of the time. Channel 10 is still receivable in my area.
I´m planning in the future to get a new VHF antenna to improve reception of these stations coming from mount Soledad, and now also KSDX-LP 9, thta i can get now.
Andy, how is your reception of KFMB-DT in your area? Do you notice some dropouts in the signal strenght? |
JoeM
Advanced Member
Username: Joem
Post Number: 140
Registered: 09-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, February 13, 2010 - 10:24 am: |
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Hector: I think you might have FM harmonics interferring with your reception of the high VHF channels. If you go to the tvfool site, they have an fmfool tool that will show you all the high power FM stations in your area. I think radio shack has 75 ohm FM bandstop filters. You might want to try those. |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 408
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, February 14, 2010 - 05:54 pm: |
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Héctor,
No, I have not noticed any reception problems with KFMB-DT recently. I am watching 3-4 hours a week of programming on this channel, usually in prime time.
Maybe you have some issue with your antenna, connectors, or feed wire? Or possibly the recent storms and high winds have re-oriented your antenna without you noticing?
Joe also has a good point that you may be getting some other interference since you are very close to a lot of transmission facilities.
Andy
(Message edited by andydrew on February 14, 2010) |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 62
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, February 15, 2010 - 10:49 pm: |
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Good point.
I will check the antenna cable and connectors to see how they are. The antenna is on the same direction, fortunately the recent storms have not re-oriented them, but the humidity may affected or corrosed the connectors. I also have in mind what Joe said about the FM harmonics, i have many fm stations in the area and the nearest is XHGLX (Exa FM 91.7) about a mile aprox. from point to point. So, i will try to get a fm bandstop filter. But i have to wait because my U.S. visa or border crossing card has expired and i already applied for a renewal, so i have to wait a little until i get my new visa/BBC card. I don´t know if these filters are sold in any electronic store in Tj. |
holl_ands
Advanced Member
Username: Holl_ands
Post Number: 2290
Registered: 06-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 08:40 am: |
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I think you'll have to order it on the Internet or phone:
http://www.tinlee.com/PDF/CR7%20FM%2040.pdf
PS: An FM Bandstop Filter works against the entire FM band...and Ch6,
but Analog XETV will probably come in anyway since it's so strong.
An FM Notch Filter only targets a single station and nearby frequencies:
http://www.tinlee.com/Graph_ALL_FM_filters.php
BTW: XHGLX-FM (91.7) is identified as XHTIM-FM if you enter your
location (LAT/LONG) into www.fmfool.com, where you will see
that there are numerous strong FM stations within just a few miles. |
JoeM
Advanced Member
Username: Joem
Post Number: 141
Registered: 09-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 11:12 am: |
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Message deleted.
(Message edited by JoeM on February 16, 2010) |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 63
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 07:56 pm: |
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Well, as far as i know, the F.M. radio stations that are located near my location are:
XHRM 92.5
XETRA 91.1
XHITZ 90.3
XHOCL 99.3
XHLTN 104.5
These stations cited above are located around Mount San Antonio.
XHGLX 91.7
XHRST 107.7
These two stations are located one at east of my location (91.7) and the other at west or south (since there are two tower antennas, which i really don´t remember which of them is 107.7.
In my radio F.M. signals i receive too much interference from 91.7, it also interferes with my A.M. radio
Oh, by the way, about Exa F.M. 91.7, XHTIM were the former call letters on this frequency used by it´s sister station "La Mejor F.M." (from M.V.S. radio group), but when the former sister station XHTIJ 97.7 "Pulsar F.M.") went off the air, M.V.S. decided to move "La Mejor F.M." and it´s call letters (XHTIM) to 97.7 and leaving 91.7 silent for that moment. Then, M.V.S. decided to introduce it´s new and actual station Exa F.M. to use 91.7 and now has XHGLX as it´s call letters. |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 409
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 10:47 am: |
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Héctor,
If you just started having these problems your issue is more likely some issue with your current setup vs. a 'new' interference issue with FM. Unless of course there was some recent change with a new FM station coming on-line, frequency change, power increase, etc. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 64
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 - 05:11 pm: |
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Well Andy, i started to notice these problems with KFMB-DT since last december, a lot of pixelation (maybe of weak signal strengh) but now, most of the time i can´t get any signal. KGTV-DT is still receivable from last february (2009) when the digital conversion occurred. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 68
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 27, 2010 - 09:18 pm: |
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I recently cheked my VHF antenna and conectors, it got rusty (from the last storms, i guess) so, i removed them (from the cable terminal and the 300/75 ohm adaptor) and it didn´t do much, but at least KFMB-DT is watchable sometimes. KSDX-LP and KGTV-DT are still watchable most of the time.
I´m going to change this antenna because it´s pretty old (about 9 or 10 years). Any good recommendation anyone? |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 411
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 28, 2010 - 06:12 pm: |
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Winegard YA-1713 (Hi-VHF channels 7 - 13 only):
http://www.winegard.com/kbase/upload/ya-1713.pdf
Antenna Craft Y10-7-13: http://www.antennacraft.net/pdfs/Y10-7-13.pdf
maybe
Antenna Craft (less powerful) Y5-7-13:
http://www.antennacraft.net/pdfs/Y5-7-13.pdf
If you are limited to buying in TJ, that is going to hurt your choices. Best bet on these models is to order them on-line, have them shipped somewhere in San Diego, pick it up and drive it into Mexico.
www.solidsignal.com has:
YA-1713 $38.96 + 9.95 shipping
Y10-7-13 $43.99 + 16.95 shipping
Y5-7-13 $26.99 + 7.95 shipping
I have the Winegard YA-1713 and the reception is excellent. You have may have more challenges than me in your location so best to go with one with higher gain if price and size is not a factor.
When you replace you should consider swapping out all of the cable with RG6 and new connectors and get a UVSJ (UHF-VHF combiner) if you don't have one already to properly combine your UHF and VHF antenna's so that you can receive both sets of signals on one downlead. |
JimboG
Intermediate Member
Username: Jimbog
Post Number: 58
Registered: 03-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 30, 2010 - 03:37 pm: |
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Héctor,
Andy just offered some excellent advice. Get a dedicated hi band VHF antenna and consider running new RG-6 while you're climbing around on the roof.
Also consider walking the roof with your new VHF antenna to see if there is a "sweet spot" that gets better reception than where you have your antenna right now. Over the air propogation can be a strange thing, especially if you are near hills, tall buildings, and other sources of multipath interence.
Best of luck! |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 69
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 09:11 am: |
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Thanks guys for the recommendations and your support. I will have time to consider them before i choose any of those. I´m also planning to change the mast.
My current antennas are connected with RG-6 coaxial cable, i will replace those cables with new ones when i buy my new antenna. I also have a VHF-UHF combiner to mix up both antennas.
Fortunately i now have my new U.S. visa and also have a p.o. box, i don´t know if these providers send shipments to p.o. boxes, i´ll have to ask them. |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 412
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, April 01, 2010 - 10:04 pm: |
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Depends on what you mean by p.o. box. If it's a 'real' Post Office box at the United States Post office, you will have to find a place that will ship via the US Postal Service. They won't accept packages from UPS or FEDEX there.
If you have another type of mailbox place such as Postal Annex, you can receive packages there from any carrier.
There is always a chance that you could find something locally. I would suggest that you call a few places on the phone before you go. Although most local stores carry UHF and UHF/VHF combos. It is more difficult to find a high-VHF only antenna. You may find a local store that will special order one though.
Willy's Electronics in National City carries the Winegard and Antenna Craft brands. So likely they could order something if they don't have it in stock. They also stock accessories and cabling so you may be able to get everything you need in one place. I don't know what their special order policy is.
http://shop.willyselectronics.com/
I suppose you could also go with a combo UHF/VHF antenna and a rotator. Those antennas are much easier to find in stock locally. But since they are a 'combo' they are neither great for UHF or VHF. A compromise for convenience. And if you have a DVR and want to record TV shows on a schedule, a rotator isn't an option. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 70
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 07, 2010 - 05:35 am: |
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Today i sent an email to solidsignal.com to see if they deliver packages to a P.M.B. (private mail box). A few days ago i ask them (the P.M.B. address) if they receive packages from UPS, Fedex, etc. and said yes. So, i guess this is my best way to order the antennas.
I´m also considering to get the Clearstream, or another type of UHF antenna, because i want an antenna with a coaxial connector output to avoid installing 300/75 ohm adaptors and get a better weather protection but, my goodness, it´s way expensive (the C2 clearstream costs almost $80 bucks + tax and shipment. I will compare the Clearstream vs Channel master 4200 series (that´s a similar model that i have right now in my rooftop) and see if getting a clearstream would be a worthwhile purchase since i want to get these two antennas (including the Winegard YA-1713) that would last long and don´t have to worry for weather conditions for my wiring and connectors.
I have in mind (when i get the new antennas) to combine them on the top of the mast and have one downlead and them split them for 2 tv sets (one HDTV box and my HDTV set). I will use new RG-6 coaxial cable and weather proof connectors or normal connectors and using any type of electrical insulation putty, something that will protect them from humidity and dust. |
Micawber
Advanced Member
Username: Micawber
Post Number: 239
Registered: 11-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 07, 2010 - 07:46 am: |
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Just as an FYI, the Winegard 9095P UHF that I use has a coaxial input on the antenna for the VHF antenna input connection. I use that for the YA1713 input. So I have the single coax going into my 8275 preamp and then down the roof to the 8275 power supply and then to my TV setup.
You can check the manual on the Winegard website for more details.
99.5% Dark Matter
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Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 420
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 07, 2010 - 08:10 pm: |
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I own a couple of ClearStream4's and four Channel Master 4221HD's. I purchased the ClearStream4's prior to the 4221HD's. If I were to do it all over again, I would purchase the Channel Master 4221HD.
Why?
As you noticed, the 4221HD's cost less. And they are more weather resistant than the ClearStream series. Both the plastic and the aluminum on the 4221HD's are holding up to the weather better than the ClearStream4. The screen on the ClearStream4 starts to corrode very quickly. Yes, it should not affect the reception - but it sure looks bad fast. Keep in mind that I live very close to the ocean so my equipment begins to corrode quickly due to 'salty' air.
The other issue with the ClearStream4 is that the plastic element rings don't seem to be sealed well. When it rains water seems to get in there. I noticed this when re-mounting a ClearStream 4 a day after a rain storm. Quite a bit of water came out when tilting the antenna. I can't yet prove that the water is corroding the inside elements, but likely this is not good...
In my experience, reception on both antenna's is close. So if a lower price and the ability to withstand the weather better, go with the Channel Master 4221HD.
I hope this helps. |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 421
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 07, 2010 - 08:22 pm: |
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Also, regarding purchasing the Channel Master 4221HD, acehardware.com or Frys is currently less expensive than Solid Signal. And with Ace Hardware you can get it shipped to a store and save on shipping.
Solid Signal - $38.95 + 13.95 shipping = $52.90
Amazon.com - $49.02
Fry's (be sure to call to check stock) - $44.99 + $3.94 = $48.93
Ace Hardware, shipped to your address - $33.99 + 10.12 shipping + 2.97 tax = $47.08
*Ace Hardware, ship to store - $33.99 + $2.97 tax = $36.96
It's $10 less expensive with Ace Hardware, ship to store vs. these other options. Prices subject to change  |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 72
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 06:49 am: |
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Great suggestions. I will take time to consider them and find a way to get the high band VHF antenna. I receive the answer from solidsignal.com and told me that they don´t deliver packages to P.M.B.
Thanks Andy and Micawber.
(Message edited by nightwalker on June 10, 2010) |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 424
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 12, 2010 - 09:56 pm: |
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solidsignal will deliver to a PMB. I have received several orders from them at my PMB.
Likely you can format your address as an APT or STE number instead of using the PMB abbreviation and they will process your order and UPS will deliver it.
For example, if the address is:
123 Main St. PMB 100
Use
123 Main St. APT 100
or
123 Main St. STE 100 |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 75
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, June 14, 2010 - 07:52 am: |
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Good suggestion but, if you do that, don´t you have to be there to receive the package and place your signature on their shipment document? |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 425
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 10:58 am: |
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No, the employee of the mailbox store can sign for you. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 77
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 01, 2010 - 02:16 pm: |
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Thanks Andy for the advice, it help me a lot.
I now have the winegard YA-1713 VHF antenna and i will install it on my rooftop until i have the new UHF with a coaxial-ready output connector.
I´ve made some ground tests with YA-1713 and i can get both digital channels from Mt. Soledad (8 and 10), and 9 from Mt. San Miguel on my Vizio Tv, i didn´t test it on my Samsung HDTV box-set to check it´s signal strengh.
I´ve checked the Channel Master 4221 UHF antenna at Fry´s. I like the design, it´s similar than the one i have on my rooftop, but i have something on my mind that i like to consider first before purchasing it. I like to know from anyone here who has this model mounted on your rooftop, that if there´s a good support on the mast, i mean, if this antenna stays or stands good mounted in windy conditions (santa ana or any stormy condition). Because there´s only one bracket to attach it on the rooftop mast. Also the bracket´s that support the antenna with the back structure don´t seem to overcome these kind of weather conditions.
I apologize if i´m not explain very well this situation. My english is not quite good with these terms, but i certainly hope that anyone can understand it and, i will appreciate any response to this that can help with my decision to purchase this CM 4221 or not.
Once that i have my new UHF antenna, i will mount them on my rooftop mast and i have in mind to combine them right up there, so i can have only 1 downlead and then split it for two wires on the bottom of the mast to my two HDTV sets (living room and bedroom). I don´t know if this is a good idea, but i sure like to test it if there´s a low signal loss because of cable running. I also have in mind to use some kind of electrical putty to isolate humidity on the connectors to avoid corrosion. |
Andy
Advanced Member
Username: Andydrew
Post Number: 427
Registered: 04-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, August 03, 2010 - 10:56 am: |
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Héctor,
I have two of the 4221HD antenna's mounted parallel to the ocean. I have not noticed any wind related issues. Shouldn't be a problem unless we get a hurricane here!
The bracket is actually pretty strong since it's in the center of the antenna, it is well balanced. |
Héctor Servin
Intermediate Member
Username: Nightwalker
Post Number: 82
Registered: 09-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, August 22, 2010 - 08:55 pm: |
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I´ve finally bought my CM 4221 UHF antenna and already installed this and my YA-1713 VHF at the top of the mast.
Gotta say that my reception of KFMB-DT is good, but sometimes i get some pixelations (probably due to weak signal reception). KGTV-DT, on the other hand, is coming great all the time since then (the instalation was on august 11). The reception of KSDX-LP is very weak, sometimes i can get it and at sometimes i don´t. My YA-1713 is pointed towards at Mount Soledad.
I´ve noticed that KFMB-DT has an ERP of 14.87 kW, and KGTV-DT has 20.7 kW (according to wikipedia). So, maybe that´s the reason why KGTV-DT´s signal is more reliable in my area.
I´ve combined both antennas at the top of the mast (with 1 meter of feed cable from each to my combiner), having 1 downlead at the bottom of the mast where i splitted into 2 feeds, using RG-6 coaxial cable.
I also gotta say that my Vizio TV has a better or more sensitive tuner than my Samsung HDTV box, in my HDTV box i can´t get both channels (very weak and unstable signal reception). I´ve moved my Vizio tv to test it´s feed cable and i was able to get both channels. So, i´m concluding that my Vizio tv has a more sensitive tuner (maybe it has an integrated pre-amplifier, i really don´t know).
So, that´s the fact guys. I really hope that my reception of KFMB-DT is good most of the time, and i´m on time to catch the next NFL season games (especially Charger games) on CBS.
I will comment about the reception of the UHF channels on the Mount San Antonio thread. |
General over-the-air (OTA)