The sob stories have begun

[Dan.Strassberg]

Somebody else will have to answer whether WAGM-DT is on VHF or UHF but
the odds are much better than even that it is on UHF. I assume that
WAGM-TV (analog) has been on VHF. If DT is on UHF and analog was on
VHF, the antenna that your folks have been using to receive WAGM is
probably not a good choice for DT. They need an antenna optimized for
UHF reception (log-periodic antennas are a popular type) and, at a
distance of 55 miles with no other terrestrial stations closer than 55
miles, it almost certainly should be an amplifed antenna. (Amplifiers
should be avoided in locations with large numbers of strong signals
because the strong signals--even if you are not trying to tune them
in--may saturate the amplifier.)

I assume that your folks have an outdoor antenna. Am I right? The new
outdoor antenna that you get for them should be mounted at least 30'
above ground (even higher is better, if you can do it conveniently).
If your folks are concerned with reception of only one terrestrial
station, they should not need to mount the antenna on a rotator, but
since the most popular UHF antennas are directional, the antenna needs
to be carefully oriented for the best signal strength. Try to avoid
obstructions such as trees in the signal path that will leaf out in
the spring and cause reception problems a few months from now, even it
there are no such problems in the winter.

-----
Dan Strassberg (dan.strassberg@att.net)
eFax 1-707-215-6367

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Cooper Fox" <fox893@yahoo.com>
To: <bri@bostonradio.org>; "Garrett Wollman" <wollman@bimajority.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:26 AM
Subject: Re: The sob stories have begun


> This is slightly off topic, but I cannot think of a better place to
> ask this question...  I am currently in northern maine visiting
> home.  My mother and stepfather have Dish Net, but also use an
> antenna to recieve WAGM (Approx 55 miles away).  The analog signal,
> depending on conditions, ranges from crystal clear to snowy.  I
> cannot seem to make the converter boxes (memorex) that they have
> work.  Curious as to how much signal strength is neccessary to make
> DTV work.  Are the DTV power outputs comparible to what their analog
> counterparts are/were?
>
>
>