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Topic:
OTA reception - change antenna?
This thread has 3 replies. Displaying all posts.
Post 1 made on Tuesday August 2, 2011 at 10:43
PBC
Long Time Member
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November 2002
71
So I recently hooked up a new LCD with a digital tuner to my father-in-laws cottage on the North East side of Lake Scugog, and found an old preamp (amp?) in his shed and hooked that up as well. Here is a pick of the ancient antenna being used. NM .. guess you can't post pics on this thread. But it is a large azimuth (sp?) antenna.

The motor on the rotator on the antenna appears to have burnt out as it no longer works, so I'm debating whether to get a newer CM9521 for around $100 plus tax, or just buy an older model off of Kijiji/Craigslist for $50 or less. Will probably go the latter route.

I seem to get all the channels noted by TV-Fool, except for ones like 11-1 (-12.3 db), 29-1 (fox, -14 db)), 67-1, etc. which are further into the "grey" area. Even channels like 57-1 come and go (db is about -6.4 on that one according to TV-fool).

I'm curious as to whether getting an 8 bay antenna like the DB-8 would provide more channels, or if you guys think I'll get more channels with a rotator and maybe a better amp (the amp I am using must be some 25 years old, big old gray metal box)?

Also, it seems from my brief research that one would not need a rotator with a DB-8? As I guess another alternative would be the used rotator with a new DB-8?
Post 2 made on Tuesday August 2, 2011 at 15:52
newbury
Long Time Member
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November 2006
22
The DB8 is a great lost distance antenna. As a result, the beam width is restricted. I would suspect that you cannot get both Toronto and Buffalo with a fixed setting. I would start with the DB8, and then check the pre-amp. If you need one, then it should be a good one. Using those together you can then check whether you need a rotator.

But along the way, you should replace ALL the coax on the mast with new, and check whether the rotator is actually dead, or just resting since the wire died!
Post 3 made on Tuesday August 9, 2011 at 02:22
Ernie Gilman
Yes, That Ernie!
Joined:
Posts:
December 2001
30,104
That's really LONG distance antenna, and yes, the ability to receive stations a long way away requires that the antenna not receive stations very far off to the side, angle-wise, from the front of the antenna. The more sensitive your antenna is, the more you have to have it properly angled.

A rotator is a perfectly good idea with a DB8.

As for that amplifier, if you don't know what it is and what channels it will amplify (and if it's working properly), you might get better results with a Radio Shack $30 amp! It's worth a try.

You'll want to check tvfool not just for the numbers with a dash, e.g. 57-1, but the actual frequency numbers. If the numbers are all above 13, they are all UHF channels and the DB8 is great. If any of the numbers are 13 or below, you'll need an antenna that can pick up VHF as well.
A good answer is easier with a clear question giving the make and model of everything.
"The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place." -- G. “Bernie” Shaw
Post 4 made on Thursday August 11, 2011 at 14:48
Larry Watching TV
Long Time Member
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August 2010
18
For your location you need both UHF and VHF, as channel 9 will return to VHF (amung others) after the end of the month. If your antenna pre-amp is old, I would suggest replacing it with a new high gain low noise model. You should be ok with a CM-7777. You might be able to repair your rotor if the gears are not stripped. Taking it apart, cleaning, and re-lubricating do wounders on an old rotor that has not been serviced in many years. Also, the control box has a non-polarized capacitor to control the phasing of the motor. On old rotors these capacitors dried out and stopped working. As already mentioned, the cabling should be replaced, both the signal and rotor cabling, and might be the reason of the rotor not working. I don't think you will have much luck reliably receiving WNGS, which is now WBBZ. Matbe only at times of skip. Their signal just does not travel very far into Canada. Even people in Toronto have a hard time to ocassionally receive their signal. If replacing the antenna, the Antennas Direct 91XG, along with Winegard YA-1713, with a CM-7777 preamp  should do an excellent job. I have seen this combo do a great job in Oshawa. (but does not receive WBBZ)


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