mrgreg
03-17-2003, 05:31 PM
I used antennaweb.org to determine the direction of my local towers, but how can I find out how far away they are, broadcast strength, and weather they are UHF or VHF?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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View Full Version : How do I locate OTA channels and freq. bands?
LeeS
03-17-2003, 05:54 PM
The antennaweb.org listing indicates the HD channels with a "*" next to the entry. They are UHF (UHF channels are 14-83). You would need to consult a local map to determine the distance once you determine the location of the towers.
As to signal strength, I'm not sure. My OTA STB gives me the relative signal strength 0-100, its in the setup section.
Good Luck,
Lee
As to signal strength, I'm not sure. My OTA STB gives me the relative signal strength 0-100, its in the setup section.
Good Luck,
Lee
mrgreg
03-17-2003, 06:11 PM
I guess my question is how do I locate the actual towers?
LeeS
03-17-2003, 06:26 PM
I guess my question is how do I locate the actual towers?
Other than calling the stations and asking them I don't know :(
I logged onto one of our HD stations home page but I could not find any technical data on signal or tower location. I just happen to know that all the statons in our area have their broadcast antenna on a hill behind downtown.
Sorry,
Lee
Other than calling the stations and asking them I don't know :(
I logged onto one of our HD stations home page but I could not find any technical data on signal or tower location. I just happen to know that all the statons in our area have their broadcast antenna on a hill behind downtown.
Sorry,
Lee
kevinw
03-17-2003, 10:42 PM
Try www.titantv.com the antenna locater also draws a map that you can measure the distance.
mrgreg
03-17-2003, 11:22 PM
Ah, that's what I was looking for. Thanks a lot.
LeeS
03-18-2003, 10:40 AM
Thanks Kevin, I'll remember that one :)
Lee
Lee
57U
03-18-2003, 11:24 AM
I've developed an FAQ for antennae and stuff. Have a look and if you have anything to add, shoot me a PM, or reply below and I'll include it.
LeeS
03-18-2003, 01:18 PM
"The antennaweb.org listing gives the HD channels first."
The above statement is INCORRECT . I'll fix my earlier post.
For my particular situation antennaweb.org lists all the digitals first. The digital stations are indicated by a "*". I checked zip code 30301 (Atlanta), the digital and analog stations are mixed throughout the listing. There sure are alot of digital stations in Atlanta! :)
TitanTV gave me the same map as antennaweb.org. Just a direction, no distance ?
Still learing
Lee
The above statement is INCORRECT . I'll fix my earlier post.
For my particular situation antennaweb.org lists all the digitals first. The digital stations are indicated by a "*". I checked zip code 30301 (Atlanta), the digital and analog stations are mixed throughout the listing. There sure are alot of digital stations in Atlanta! :)
TitanTV gave me the same map as antennaweb.org. Just a direction, no distance ?
Still learing
Lee
LeeS
03-18-2003, 01:45 PM
mrgreg,
This may help a little. Analog and Digital Stations in the LA area. (http://www.losangelesalmanac.com/topics/Media/TVStations.htm) Links and telephone numbers are given for each station. From the looks of the map most of the stations are on the same, or very close, bearing from you. The distance can't be too far, most of the digital stations are available on the two smallest multi-directional antenna's. A medium directional would probably be killer.
I used the zip of 90277 for the search.
My opinion of course, second opinions never hurt :)
Lee
This may help a little. Analog and Digital Stations in the LA area. (http://www.losangelesalmanac.com/topics/Media/TVStations.htm) Links and telephone numbers are given for each station. From the looks of the map most of the stations are on the same, or very close, bearing from you. The distance can't be too far, most of the digital stations are available on the two smallest multi-directional antenna's. A medium directional would probably be killer.
I used the zip of 90277 for the search.
My opinion of course, second opinions never hurt :)
Lee
TSturgill
03-18-2003, 01:49 PM
If you can receive a station's analog signal, does that mean you will be able to receive their HDTV signal or, is it a matter of distance?
I live in the northwest corner of NC and receive a great analog signal from TN, but I'm afraid once they begin hd transmission I won't be able to get it.
I live in the northwest corner of NC and receive a great analog signal from TN, but I'm afraid once they begin hd transmission I won't be able to get it.
LeeS
03-18-2003, 02:35 PM
"If you can receive a station's analog signal, does that mean you will be able to receive their HDTV signal or, is it a matter of distance?"
I can only give you my experience. All but one of our local digital stations broadcast on the UHF band, we have one that broadcasts on channel 4. All our stations broadcast from the same location, Digital and Analog. I have an old Channel Master UHF/VHF medium directional antenna in my attic, the bearing is the same for all stations. My analog reception is poor, snowy etc on ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS. Digital reception on the same stations is great, 100 on the signal meter. I'm about 25 miles from the tower. Antennaweb.org calls out for the smallest antenna for my HD reception.
UHF transmission is more line of sight than VHF, so obstructions matter. You get longer distance with VHF transmissions (from my flying days). Do you know how far away you are from the transmitting tower(s)? IF you go to http://antennaweb.org and use your zip code or full address it will give you the analog and digital stations available to you, direction and antenna recommendation.
In my case antennaweb.org recommended a larger antenna for the analog stations and smaller for the digital. But I'm close to the tower. What is your zip code?
Someone else please jump in if I'm not giving accurate info :(
Good Luck,
Lee
I can only give you my experience. All but one of our local digital stations broadcast on the UHF band, we have one that broadcasts on channel 4. All our stations broadcast from the same location, Digital and Analog. I have an old Channel Master UHF/VHF medium directional antenna in my attic, the bearing is the same for all stations. My analog reception is poor, snowy etc on ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS. Digital reception on the same stations is great, 100 on the signal meter. I'm about 25 miles from the tower. Antennaweb.org calls out for the smallest antenna for my HD reception.
UHF transmission is more line of sight than VHF, so obstructions matter. You get longer distance with VHF transmissions (from my flying days). Do you know how far away you are from the transmitting tower(s)? IF you go to http://antennaweb.org and use your zip code or full address it will give you the analog and digital stations available to you, direction and antenna recommendation.
In my case antennaweb.org recommended a larger antenna for the analog stations and smaller for the digital. But I'm close to the tower. What is your zip code?
Someone else please jump in if I'm not giving accurate info :(
Good Luck,
Lee
TSturgill
03-18-2003, 05:22 PM
Thanks for the information Lee. I will check out the website. My zip code is 28663, and I know I'm a good distance from any towers.
LeeS
03-18-2003, 05:40 PM
TSturgill,
* blue WCYB-DT 28 NBC Bristol VA Now Live 268°
* blue WMSY-DT 42 PBS Marion VA Under Review 339°
violet WCYB 5 NBC Bristol VA 268°
violet WJHL 11 CBS Johnson City TN 267°
violet WXII 12 NBC Winston-salem NC 110°
violet W25AY 25 PBS Jefferson NC 246°
* violet WXII-DT 31 NBC Winston-salem NC Now Live 110°
Not a lot of choice right now. The good news IMHO is that I like NBC for the best demos :) PBS isn't bad either.
Looks like large directional with amp. You must already have something like that with a rotor if you're pulling in the analogs??
* - digital
blue - medium directional with amp
violet - large directional with amp
Lee
* blue WCYB-DT 28 NBC Bristol VA Now Live 268°
* blue WMSY-DT 42 PBS Marion VA Under Review 339°
violet WCYB 5 NBC Bristol VA 268°
violet WJHL 11 CBS Johnson City TN 267°
violet WXII 12 NBC Winston-salem NC 110°
violet W25AY 25 PBS Jefferson NC 246°
* violet WXII-DT 31 NBC Winston-salem NC Now Live 110°
Not a lot of choice right now. The good news IMHO is that I like NBC for the best demos :) PBS isn't bad either.
Looks like large directional with amp. You must already have something like that with a rotor if you're pulling in the analogs??
* - digital
blue - medium directional with amp
violet - large directional with amp
Lee
TSturgill
03-19-2003, 09:29 PM
Thanks Lee, great information. Believe it or not, I can get the Bristol NBC with rabbit ears - extremely goog analog signal.
Travis
Travis
FullBandwidth
03-20-2003, 10:38 PM
Originally posted by TSturgill
If you can receive a station's analog signal, does that mean you will be able to receive their HDTV signal or, is it a matter of distance?
I live in the northwest corner of NC and receive a great analog signal from TN, but I'm afraid once they begin hd transmission I won't be able to get it.
In my area (Metro DC), and, from what I read, many other locations, the stations are playing Hob with signal levels. The FCC mandate to be broadcasting a digital signal apparently doesn't require them to broadcast at full power. I think my microwave oven puts out more signal than some of these stations.
I believe in my area that 100% of digital broadcasts are on UHF freqs, even if the station's "normal" channel is VHF (2-13). My point is that even if you get a good strong analog VHF signal, you might get squat on the station's UHF digital signal. I have heard lots of people say they get digital OTA with rabbit ears (VHF) but you should check on antennaweb.org or titantv so see what freqs your TN station will be broadcasting on.
If you can receive a station's analog signal, does that mean you will be able to receive their HDTV signal or, is it a matter of distance?
I live in the northwest corner of NC and receive a great analog signal from TN, but I'm afraid once they begin hd transmission I won't be able to get it.
In my area (Metro DC), and, from what I read, many other locations, the stations are playing Hob with signal levels. The FCC mandate to be broadcasting a digital signal apparently doesn't require them to broadcast at full power. I think my microwave oven puts out more signal than some of these stations.
I believe in my area that 100% of digital broadcasts are on UHF freqs, even if the station's "normal" channel is VHF (2-13). My point is that even if you get a good strong analog VHF signal, you might get squat on the station's UHF digital signal. I have heard lots of people say they get digital OTA with rabbit ears (VHF) but you should check on antennaweb.org or titantv so see what freqs your TN station will be broadcasting on.
TSturgill
03-21-2003, 09:25 AM
Thanks, I will check those websites.
