I have been researching the DTV transition with interest to the Twin Cities market. Wanted to update everyone as to what to expect with KSTP-DT.
Many forum members online, have noticed that KSTP-DT-50 signal is the hardest of the TC full power stations to receive. This is caused by the fact they are actually using a DT-35 antenna for their DT-50 signal, which creates weird issues with only their digital signal.
They have made an agreement with KARE to use KARE's pre-transtion DT antenna, feedline, and transmitter, just as it is, until KSTP can complete their new transmitter system. It will run 1MW (1 million watts)just as KARE-DT-35 does and should come in exactly the same as KARE. Once KSTP finishes their transmitter work, they will switch to their own hardware and continue to run 1MW.
As to the other stations in the Twin Cities, stay tuned, I will be adding more later on this coming week:-)
-Garrett Vrieze (KD0GTI)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
KAAL-DT Update
We have known for some time that KAAL has filed paperwork with the FCC to use KTTC's old Ch. 36 facility instead of their existing ch. 33 location. They have finally issued a press release as to their plans regarding this change.
Basically, here's the executive summary. KAAL-TV Ch. 6 (analog) goes off the air on June 12th. KAAL-DT Ch. 33 goes off the air August 18th. KAAL-DT Ch. 36 will go on air on June 12th.
Basically, here's the executive summary. KAAL-TV Ch. 6 (analog) goes off the air on June 12th. KAAL-DT Ch. 33 goes off the air August 18th. KAAL-DT Ch. 36 will go on air on June 12th.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Current Power Levels For Rochester\Austin\Mason City WXOW Info
I have been in contact with many of the engineers at the local TV stations asking various questions. Some of the info I will directly pass on as it helps with antenna aiming and selection.
ERPs (Effective Radiated Power)
KTTC-DT is 26kW ERP, with plans to add a new transmitter into place that will boost them to 33.7kW, which has been approved by the FCC. This will also allow them to use the older 26kW max transmitter for backup.
KIMT-DT is 800kW, where it will stay. It was increased from 200kW, because KIMT would like to begin sending out mobile DTV signal and a much stronger signal is needed to make mobile DTV work well on small devices with small antennas.
KXLT-DT is 220kW, with no plan on a power increase.
KSMQ-DT is 322kW, they were planning to go to 400kW, but this would have required an additional transmitter cabinet, and their signal testing, showed that they do not believe to need to the extra power. (Which, I agree, their signal is very strong as it is.)
KYIN-DT is 533kW, recently upgraded from 250kW. This one is tough to receive at the authors home, just North of down tower Rochester, even at 533kW, a tight aim for the shared tower with KIMT-DT is required)
As for KAAL, that one is a mess and I wish I knew what the FCC is going to concerning their request to move to the KSMQ-DT/KXLT-DT tower in Grand Meadow and start a translator in Mason City. I have an email out to the engineer, but have not heard back in the last week.
As for our neighbors in La Crosse:
WXOW-DT will be moving from RF channel 14 to channel 48. Also will be increasing power to 371kW, from a brand new top mounted antenna. This signal should be as strong or a but stronger then WHLA-DT currently. The antenna will be installed in the next few weeks (weather permitting) with final move at 9AM on June 12th, 2009.
UPDATE (5-29-09)
I heard back from over at WXOW. They are planning to get the old RF channel 19 antenna pulled off of the tower on Monday or Tuesday (weather permitting)This tower stuff is VERY dangerous and needs very calm weather to work out well. They may be off the air or at 1% power while the tower workers are near the RF channel 14 antenna (the current digital [DT] antenna). (which will affect everyone, cable, DBS, and OTA)If they can stay at 1%, cable and DBS will stay up, but if the radiation levels are too high, they will pull it off the air completely.
ERPs (Effective Radiated Power)
KTTC-DT is 26kW ERP, with plans to add a new transmitter into place that will boost them to 33.7kW, which has been approved by the FCC. This will also allow them to use the older 26kW max transmitter for backup.
KIMT-DT is 800kW, where it will stay. It was increased from 200kW, because KIMT would like to begin sending out mobile DTV signal and a much stronger signal is needed to make mobile DTV work well on small devices with small antennas.
KXLT-DT is 220kW, with no plan on a power increase.
KSMQ-DT is 322kW, they were planning to go to 400kW, but this would have required an additional transmitter cabinet, and their signal testing, showed that they do not believe to need to the extra power. (Which, I agree, their signal is very strong as it is.)
KYIN-DT is 533kW, recently upgraded from 250kW. This one is tough to receive at the authors home, just North of down tower Rochester, even at 533kW, a tight aim for the shared tower with KIMT-DT is required)
As for KAAL, that one is a mess and I wish I knew what the FCC is going to concerning their request to move to the KSMQ-DT/KXLT-DT tower in Grand Meadow and start a translator in Mason City. I have an email out to the engineer, but have not heard back in the last week.
As for our neighbors in La Crosse:
WXOW-DT will be moving from RF channel 14 to channel 48. Also will be increasing power to 371kW, from a brand new top mounted antenna. This signal should be as strong or a but stronger then WHLA-DT currently. The antenna will be installed in the next few weeks (weather permitting) with final move at 9AM on June 12th, 2009.
UPDATE (5-29-09)
I heard back from over at WXOW. They are planning to get the old RF channel 19 antenna pulled off of the tower on Monday or Tuesday (weather permitting)This tower stuff is VERY dangerous and needs very calm weather to work out well. They may be off the air or at 1% power while the tower workers are near the RF channel 14 antenna (the current digital [DT] antenna). (which will affect everyone, cable, DBS, and OTA)If they can stay at 1%, cable and DBS will stay up, but if the radiation levels are too high, they will pull it off the air completely.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Updates on Digital Cutoff Dates
Sorry folks, it's been a while since we gave you an update so some of this is actually old news. My apologies. I'll try to be a little bit more on top of things in the future.
~Matt
First order of Business: KSMQ (PBS - Austin, MN) decided to cut their analog (Ch. 15 from a tower near Austin) by noon on Friday, May 1st.
Second, Wisconsin Public Television also decided to pull the analog plug on all their analog transmitters back on Sunday April 5th, so that means no more analog WHWC (ch. 28 Mennomonie, WI) or analog WHLA (ch, 31 LaCrosse) for us Rochester viewers.
Third, the other day (think it was Wednesday or Thursday), KZSE 90.7 (NPR Talk), KLZE 91.7 (MPR Classical) KNXR 97.5 (Easy Listening) all went down for maintenance for a few hours. All three are up on the same tower east of Rochester (the big one). It was a pretty rare opportunity to DX (distance listen) on those frequencies. Anyone pick up other stations during that time?
~Matt
First order of Business: KSMQ (PBS - Austin, MN) decided to cut their analog (Ch. 15 from a tower near Austin) by noon on Friday, May 1st.
Second, Wisconsin Public Television also decided to pull the analog plug on all their analog transmitters back on Sunday April 5th, so that means no more analog WHWC (ch. 28 Mennomonie, WI) or analog WHLA (ch, 31 LaCrosse) for us Rochester viewers.
Third, the other day (think it was Wednesday or Thursday), KZSE 90.7 (NPR Talk), KLZE 91.7 (MPR Classical) KNXR 97.5 (Easy Listening) all went down for maintenance for a few hours. All three are up on the same tower east of Rochester (the big one). It was a pretty rare opportunity to DX (distance listen) on those frequencies. Anyone pick up other stations during that time?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
New HD Channels In Minnesota On Charter
Well, the weather is great in Southern Minnesota, and Charter Expanded Basic customers with HD STBs (set top box) will be getting new HD channels on March 31, 2009. The following channels will be added on or before the date given: FX HD Channel 753, Sci Fi HD Channel 755, USA HD Channel 757 and MLB HD Channel 759. The channel placement puts them in between the Encore channels, so many users on DSLreports.com are hoping that Charter switches the numbers to a better area..
Also, if you have not noticed, Charter is now carrying KIMT-DT2 on Channel 391 (SD or HD STB reqiured) Also on Clear QAM channel 82-3 (KIMT-DT is on 82-6)
Also, if you have not noticed, Charter is now carrying KIMT-DT2 on Channel 391 (SD or HD STB reqiured) Also on Clear QAM channel 82-3 (KIMT-DT is on 82-6)
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
A table of ERPs in the Rochester/Austin/Mason City Market
Just thought everybody could use a handy little reference for output powers of various stations.
KIMT
Analog Ch. 3: 100kW
Digital Ch. 42: 800kW, formerly 200kW. Before the KIMT-DT tower, the station broadcast at an extremely low power from an antenna on top of their studio
KAAL
Analog Ch. 6: 100kW
Digital Ch. 33: 224kW
Soon to be Digital Ch. 36: 324kW, eventually increasing to 620kW.
KTTC
(Former) Analog Ch. 10: 316kW
(Former) Digital Ch. 36: 324kw
(Current) Digital Ch. 10: 20kW
KSMQ
Analog Ch. 15: 1200kW
Digital Ch. 20: 322kW, formerly 34.2kW
KYIN
Analog Ch. 24: 1740kW
Digital Ch. 18: 250kW with an app in for 533kW (we are unsure which ERP they are currently at, but leaning toward 250kW)
KXLT
(Former) Analog Ch. 47: 1510kW
Digital Ch. 46: 1Mw, formerly 220kW. They used 55.3 during the "special temporary authority" (STA) period.
KIMT
Analog Ch. 3: 100kW
Digital Ch. 42: 800kW, formerly 200kW. Before the KIMT-DT tower, the station broadcast at an extremely low power from an antenna on top of their studio
KAAL
Analog Ch. 6: 100kW
Digital Ch. 33: 224kW
Soon to be Digital Ch. 36: 324kW, eventually increasing to 620kW.
KTTC
(Former) Analog Ch. 10: 316kW
(Former) Digital Ch. 36: 324kw
(Current) Digital Ch. 10: 20kW
KSMQ
Analog Ch. 15: 1200kW
Digital Ch. 20: 322kW, formerly 34.2kW
KYIN
Analog Ch. 24: 1740kW
Digital Ch. 18: 250kW with an app in for 533kW (we are unsure which ERP they are currently at, but leaning toward 250kW)
KXLT
(Former) Analog Ch. 47: 1510kW
Digital Ch. 46: 1Mw, formerly 220kW. They used 55.3 during the "special temporary authority" (STA) period.
KIMT-DT increases ERP
We have known for some time that KIMT-DT (CBS. Mason City, IA) has been operating at 200KW and had paperwork approved by the FCC to increase that to 800KW.
As of later Tuesday (3/10/09), reports began to surface on the AVS Forum's Rochester, MN - HDTV thread of increased signal strength readings. This most likely means that they have increased their output power to 800kw. Hopefully, that will fill up most of KIMT's analog footprint.
In the Rochester market, all that's left is for KAAL their act together with digital channel 36 and for the analog channels 3, 6, 15 and 24 to shut off on June 12th. It would be nice if KTTC increased the output power, but don't hold your breath on that one.
As of later Tuesday (3/10/09), reports began to surface on the AVS Forum's Rochester, MN - HDTV thread of increased signal strength readings. This most likely means that they have increased their output power to 800kw. Hopefully, that will fill up most of KIMT's analog footprint.
In the Rochester market, all that's left is for KAAL their act together with digital channel 36 and for the analog channels 3, 6, 15 and 24 to shut off on June 12th. It would be nice if KTTC increased the output power, but don't hold your breath on that one.
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