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This afternoon my CM-4228HD graduated to the rooftop!
Before my installer arrived, I tried another front-porch reception attempt for Rockford (54 miles) and clearly picked up both WTVO and WQRF. Aiming was critical.
Since I do not yet have a rotor, the installer aimed at Willis Tower in Chicago (29 miles). This captured nearly all stations on that heading for a total of 22 stations yielding 85 sub-channels. The only exception was WOCK (RF4), whose low-VHF frequency does not conform to my antenna.
When we completed the channel scan, we were surprised to see WSBT (RF22) from South Bend, Indiana (more than 100 miles). This is a full-power station on virtual channel 22. Since I also have a local low-power virtual 22, my LG OLED successfully intermingled the South Bend and Chicago channels in my guide.
From my location, Chicago and Rockford are almost 180 degrees apart; thus, Rockford is on the back side of my eight-bay antenna. While WTVO and WQRF appeared at ground level facing Rockford, there was no signal at roof level facing Chicago. In contrast, WREX (high-VHF 13) now bounces up and down in strength, as if it's on the threshold of coming in, even though there was no signal on the ground. I have a feeling I should be able to capture all three stations with a rotor.
I have been studying signal maps for stations in all adjacent markets, both current and after the upcoming repack. It is interesting to see how some stations are not only relocating channels, but towers as well, apparently to gain population in their coverage area. The most extreme example is WAOE in Peoria, which is a city 2-1/2 hours away by car. WAOE's new signal map shows a tower located so far northeast that Peoria--its city of license--is on the southwest outer fringe, while the northeast fringe will reach suburban Chicago!
I talked to my installer about coming back for a future rotor mounting. That way I can point all directions . . . although there's a risk I'll end up wanting to try even more antennas!
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