SW Ontario Coverage

wrenchpro · 24-Dec-2010, 6:28 PM

I'm new here and considering going to an antenna vs cable. I live about 20 km's (12 miles) south of London, ON. It's also almost directly north across Lake Erie from Clevland, OH. Is there anyone who is using an antenna in the nearby area? Was wondering what antenna works best and what channels/stations can be received?
I was looking at one antenna that claims a 150 mile range and has a built in rotator to aim it. Model is LAVA HD2605 Motorized Outdoor HDTV UHF/VHF Antenna with 20% More Gain.
Any help is appreciated.

John Candle · 25-Dec-2010, 8:58 PM

As the other question askers do , Do this --> http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=4 , As Many other question askers found out , the USA and Canada and Mexico are flooded with cheap junk tv antennas the Lava and other cheap junk antennas. The Real Tv Antennas the real strong and sturdy tv antennas are made and sold by , http://www.winegarddirect.com , http://www.channelmasterstore.com , http://www.antennacraft.net , http://www.antennasdirect.com

Dave Loudin · 25-Dec-2010, 9:25 PM

Please post your question in the right sub-forum at digitalhome.ca. Canada will be going through the conversion to DTV in 2011, and this site is keeping the closest eye on the situation. You will likely find someone in your situation.

John is right, stay away from the Lava antennas. They are junk.

Tower Guy · 25-Dec-2010, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrenchpro

I was looking at one antenna that claims a 150 mile range and has a built in rotator to aim it.
Any help is appreciated.

Don't believe it.

TVfool will tell you what antenna to put up.

John Candle · 26-Dec-2010, 1:50 AM

Yes I will help you with your Tv antenna situation. -->Canada IS changing to Digital Now<-- at the major cities. The Full Power transmitters at the major cities will complete the change over to digital sometime in 2011. The rest of the analog transmitters at the major cities and through out Canada will be a long time to change to Digital because there is no funding. As other question askers do --> Do this --> http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=4 , And here is some useful information http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/105462 , http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/home-accueil.htm . It is Ok to post your tvfool radar report.

John Candle · 27-Dec-2010, 10:54 AM

It is Ok to post the tvfool radar report for your location so we can recommend the antenna for you location. Is the building a , house , condo , apt. , motor home , mobile home , trailer , etc. ?

wrenchpro · 27-Dec-2010, 2:36 PM

Thanks for the feedback. I had meant to post the coverage map but forgot to include it, so here is the link.
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...da323b6e83d958
As to the antenna claims of 150 mile range, I'm always leery of such ads so appreciate the input from others. I believe I'd be looking at mounting the antenna at about 20' above the ground on the rake of my roof. It would be on the south side of the house and there are two maple trees 40' to the NE that are higher than that and a row of cedars that aren't quite as high as that about 80' to the east. The secound story of the house is about 20' to the north and is covered in aluminum siding. I would likely need a rotator as several towers are NE and others north and east with the American ones across the lake to the south. The total run of the cable fron antenna to TV would likely be about 50'.

John Candle · 28-Dec-2010, 1:10 AM

For the American stations at 142 magnetic compass. I suggest a 91XG antenna with a AP4800 preamp directed at and dedicated to receiving only the American stations. . Not knowing how the Canada stations are going to shake out , I suggest a Winegard HD7697P antenna on a CM 9521A rotor. Or if you choose a group of stations like say the ones at 326 / 340 magnetic compass the a rotor would not be needed. . . How many Tv's will be connected ?

wrenchpro · 29-Dec-2010, 10:44 AM

Just one TV will be connected.

John Candle · 29-Dec-2010, 10:20 PM

One Tv thats good , no conflict with others about the Tv stations the rotor and antenna is pointed at. The best way to connect the two antennas to the Tv is to bring a RG-6 coax cable from each antenna to a Remote control A/B antenna switch located close to the Tv. The most often used roof top antenna mounts are the tripod mount , chimney mount , eave mount . . The metal of the second story will disrupt the Canada Tv transmissions so the antenna needs to be above the second story. . http://www.solidsignal.com , http://www.starkelectronic.com , http://www.amazon.com , http://www.3starinc.com

wrenchpro · 30-Dec-2010, 11:22 AM

Thanks again for all the help. We don't watch that much TV so didn't see the need to subscribe to a cable/satellite service. The only conflict, with only one TV, is what channel its on!
I may try the local buy/sell website to see about an antenna tower and set it up near the back of the lot, which would be quite free from all obstructions as we back onto a farm field. But, for the time being I'll mount one on the upper storey.

piki · 30-Dec-2010, 12:33 PM

I'm in the same situation as you and I've got signal at 280 degree (15 miles) and 175 degree (75 miles)that interest me.

These may not be sexy, but DIY coat hanger antenna do work. I'm close to Montreal and can pickup signal from 75 miles with that antenna (Burlington, vt). At least it doesn't cost much and it's fun to build.

John Candle · 3-Jan-2011, 8:19 AM

http://www.saveandreplay.com of Canada has antennas and etc. .