Reading, PA - OTA

JJJschmitt · 03-15-08, 12:32 PM

Are you located in the Reading, PA or Berks County area and are using OTA for your main television reception source? This thread is for ways and methods to maximize OTA reception.

So Far I have only been able to tune the following station in DT;

WVTE - 51.1

If you have had success tuning other stations please post the station and the setup you are using. Any additional tips for improved reception would also be appreciated.

JJJschmitt · 03-15-08, 01:33 PM

I am using a Magnavox STB, Model # TB100MW9 DTV Digital to Analog Converter STB and a Phillips VHF/UHF/FM indoor antenna, Model # MANT510

Tommy63 · 06-05-08, 05:06 PM

I'm pulling in KYW-3 at 100% with a CM D2A converter box. I also get WLYH-15 and 49 from Red Lion. Plus Ion and a few others when I turn the antenna.

I have not been able to pull in WGAL-8, which surprises me. I am disappointed with my results so far. Thinking about getting a newer and bigger antenna. Probably will purchase from the Antenna Shop. Do you know of any other places to buy an antenna and get it installed in the area?

30cp · 06-07-08, 07:09 PM

Im using a 12ft Radio Shack antenna and rotor i purchased some 28 yrs ago along with the built in tuner on my 2 yr old Sammy tv. The antenna is mounted in the attic but i can get about half the channels that TV FOOL.COM shows are available with an outside mounted antenna 30 ft off the ground. The channels im able to receive are 3,6,8,10,15,35,39,43,49,51,57,61,65,69. 3 and 57 are border line most of the day but seem ok in the early morning hours.

Tommy63 · 06-07-08, 07:33 PM

Are using a digital to analog converter? Or, are these the analog stations?

30cp · 06-07-08, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Are using a digital to analog converter? Or, are these the analog stations?

If your question was directed to me the answer is all digital.

Tommy63 · 06-07-08, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30cp

Im using a 12ft Radio Shack antenna and rotor i purchased some 28 yrs ago along with the built in tuner on my 2 yr old Sammy tv. The antenna is mounted in the attic but i can get about half the channels that TV FOOL.COM shows are available with an outside mounted antenna 30 ft off the ground. The channels im able to receive are 3,6,8,10,15,35,39,43,49,51,57,61,65,69. 3 and 57 are border line most of the day but seem ok in the early morning hours.

Thanks, 30cp. Maybe, my problem is with the converter box. Although, it is confusing that you have difficulty with KYW-3 and I get that signal at 100%. But, I have trouble receiving most of the channels that you listed. We can't live that far apart if you are in Sinking Spring.

30cp · 06-07-08, 08:24 PM

Im no expert or anything but for me the answer to getting all those channels was to experiment with several amps. If i used the wrong amp i would only get a hand full of channels. I have a surge protector with a builtin amp for the antenna along with a Radio Shack amp #15-1170. If i eliminate either one of them or use a different amp i lose most of the channels. I cant explain your ability to receive channel 3 so much better either.

Tommy63 · 06-07-08, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 30cp

Im no expert or anything but for me the answer to getting all those channels was to experiment with several amps. If i used the wrong amp i would only get a hand full of channels. I have a surge protector with a builtin amp for the antenna along with a Radio Shack amp #15-1170. If i eliminate either one of them or use a different amp i lose most of the channels. I cant explain your ability to receive channel 3 so much better either.

That's good info about the amp. It is possible that my amp is toasted as it has been connected for many years without a surge protector. Also, my antenna wiring is the 300 ohm stuff. Some people from the Forum have advised me to add a pre-amp to my set-up.

Have you noticed any change in channels received based on leaves on trees or no leaves?

30cp · 06-07-08, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy63

That's good info about the amp. It is possible that my amp is toasted as it has been connected for many years without a surge protector. Also, my antenna wiring is the 300 ohm stuff. Some people from the Forum have advised me to add a pre-amp to my set-up.

Have you noticed any change in channels received based on leaves on trees or no leaves?

Sorry, i misspoke on the surge protector. It does't have an active amp, it just provides protection from surges. I got it over at the Lowes on Shillington Rd. a few years ago. Its manufactured by a company named Prime. I don't know if they still carry it.

I can't say that i notice any chages in reception due to chages in the seasons. The only trees in my way are the ones up on Neversink Mtn. Thats the one the pagoda sits on.

Tommy63 · 06-08-08, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy63

Thanks, 30cp. Maybe, my problem is with the converter box. Although, it is confusing that you have difficulty with KYW-3 and I get that signal at 100%. But, I have trouble receiving most of the channels that you listed. We can't live that far apart if you are in Sinking Spring.

"Never feed an amplifier output directly into another amplifier. There should always be a long cable between the preamplifier and the distribution amplifier. Placing the two amplifiers close together can cause overload and/or oscillation." http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/basics.html

I disconnected a Radio Shack amp that I was mostly using as a splitter. After taking this amp out of the feed into the CM 7000, I was able to receive many more channels.

I have to give props to the HDTV Primer. I was reading that when it hit me about having two amps connected.

The AVS Forum Rocks!

Tommy63 · 06-14-08, 12:47 PM

Connecting the antenna feed directly to the CM 7000 has improved my digital reception strength. Previously, I had the antenna feed going into a surge protector and then to the converter box.

Hoping to watch the Phillies on 43 from York this afternoon. Still can't get 29 during the daylight hours.

Tommy63 · 12-16-08, 05:43 AM

The signal here in West Lawn for the WHYY test last evening (12/16/2008) was very strong. Signal meter was at 100%. I did not notice any issues with the signal quality.

Tommy63 · 02-02-09, 07:27 PM

Getting 100% signal strength from WLVT as of their transition on 2/22009.

30cp · 06-21-09, 05:49 PM

I've lost all signal from channels 57 and 29 out of Philly since the changeover was completed. Anyone else having problems receiving them?

03-15-08, 12:32 PM	#1 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a4ac4393' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:30&n=a4ac4393' border='0' alt=''></a>
JJJschmitt Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wernersville, PA Posts: 85	Reading, PA - OTA Are you located in the Reading, PA or Berks County area and are using OTA for your main television reception source? This thread is for ways and methods to maximize OTA reception. So Far I have only been able to tune the following station in DT; WVTE - 51.1 If you have had success tuning other stations please post the station and the setup you are using. Any additional tips for improved reception would also be appreciated.

06-05-08, 05:06 PM	#3 \| Link
Tommy63 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 57	West Lawn, OTA I'm pulling in KYW-3 at 100% with a CM D2A converter box. I also get WLYH-15 and 49 from Red Lion. Plus Ion and a few others when I turn the antenna. I have not been able to pull in WGAL-8, which surprises me. I am disappointed with my results so far. Thinking about getting a newer and bigger antenna. Probably will purchase from the Antenna Shop. Do you know of any other places to buy an antenna and get it installed in the area?

06-07-08, 07:09 PM	#4 \| Link
30cp New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 7	Sinking Spring, Ota Im using a 12ft Radio Shack antenna and rotor i purchased some 28 yrs ago along with the built in tuner on my 2 yr old Sammy tv. The antenna is mounted in the attic but i can get about half the channels that TV FOOL.COM shows are available with an outside mounted antenna 30 ft off the ground. The channels im able to receive are 3,6,8,10,15,35,39,43,49,51,57,61,65,69. 3 and 57 are border line most of the day but seem ok in the early morning hours. Last edited by 30cp; 06-07-08 at 07:52 PM.. Reason: Forgot to add channel 43

06-07-08, 07:33 PM	#5 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
Tommy63 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 57	Are using a digital to analog converter? Or, are these the analog stations?

06-07-08, 08:24 PM	#8 \| Link
30cp New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 7	Im no expert or anything but for me the answer to getting all those channels was to experiment with several amps. If i used the wrong amp i would only get a hand full of channels. I have a surge protector with a builtin amp for the antenna along with a Radio Shack amp #15-1170. If i eliminate either one of them or use a different amp i lose most of the channels. I cant explain your ability to receive channel 3 so much better either. Last edited by 30cp; 06-07-08 at 08:31 PM..

03-15-08, 01:33 PM	#2 \| Link
JJJschmitt Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wernersville, PA Posts: 85	I am using a Magnavox STB, Model # TB100MW9 DTV Digital to Analog Converter STB and a Phillips VHF/UHF/FM indoor antenna, Model # MANT510

06-14-08, 12:47 PM	#12 \| Link
Tommy63 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 57	Took the surge protector out of the feed. Connecting the antenna feed directly to the CM 7000 has improved my digital reception strength. Previously, I had the antenna feed going into a surge protector and then to the converter box. Hoping to watch the Phillies on 43 from York this afternoon. Still can't get 29 during the daylight hours.

12-16-08, 05:43 AM	#13 \| Link
Tommy63 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 57	WHYY Test The signal here in West Lawn for the WHYY test last evening (12/16/2008) was very strong. Signal meter was at 100%. I did not notice any issues with the signal quality.

02-02-09, 07:27 PM	#14 \| Link
Tommy63 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Reading, PA Posts: 57	WLVT transition to Digital 39 Getting 100% signal strength from WLVT as of their transition on 2/22009.

06-21-09, 05:49 PM	#15 \| Link	<a href='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adclick.php?n=a591f81a' target='_blank'><img src='http://rev.avsforum.com/phpAdsNew/adview.php?what=zone:36&n=a591f81a' border='0' alt=''></a>
30cp New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 7	I've lost all signal from channels 57 and 29 out of Philly since the changeover was completed. Anyone else having problems receiving them?