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November 27, 2024 12:14 pm  #1


CBC Radio Ottawa Approved To Decrease Antenna Height

The CRTC has approved CBC Radio Ottawa's request to alter its current antenna height slightly from 323 metres (1,057 feet for those who are old school) to 318 metres (1,043 feet). Why do this?

According to the decision, which applies to both CBO-FM (91.5 Radio One) and CBOQ-FM (103.3 CBC Music):

"CBC indicated that the requested technical amendments are necessary for it to replace the old existing antenna, which will allow the CBC to maintain a quality signal in Ottawa and its vicinity."

Not sure if this will really affect many people in the Capital Region, or when it might actually take effect. I'm pretty sure putting up a new antenna takes time, so there might not be an immediate change. Perhaps those in the area can say if this will make any difference to them.

 

November 27, 2024 12:33 pm  #2


Re: CBC Radio Ottawa Approved To Decrease Antenna Height

The 14 foot drop in antenna height will not effect the signal coverage in any significant way.

With respect to FM stations there is rarely only one antenna that broadcasts the signal. Several antennas often called 'bays' are combined to create an array that concentrates the signal toward the horizon as opposed to radiating it in all directions especially straight up. This increases the range as the signal travels further along the horizon and extends the signal coverage. The space between each bay is important as they interact together. Many stations use 4 - 10 bays. Again, generally, each bay increases the efficiency of the array. Often these bays are mounted to a boom that is attached to the side of the tower. The antenna changes and / or the bay spacing and how to attach the boom may be behind the height changes.  

I doubt most listeners will notice any changes.

Last edited by darcyh (November 27, 2024 12:34 pm)

 

November 27, 2024 12:42 pm  #3


Re: CBC Radio Ottawa Approved To Decrease Antenna Height

Thats not much of a drop in height so shouldnt make any difference. 

 

November 27, 2024 3:07 pm  #4


Re: CBC Radio Ottawa Approved To Decrease Antenna Height

The project is almost complete actually and was due to wrap up on the 29th but it has been extended to Dec. 6th. From an earlier SOWNY thread....
CBC Radio in Ottawa May be Interrupted For Over A Month
Also here is a tour of Camp Fortune, the transmission site that is undergoing the upgrade:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/community/transmitter-update-ottawa-gatineau-1.7340365

 

November 28, 2024 12:42 am  #5


Re: CBC Radio Ottawa Approved To Decrease Antenna Height

When I was up in Ottawa a couple of weekends ago, many of the signals from the Camp Fortune site were definitely at reduced power, presumably from auxiliary antennas or sites while the CBC antenna work was underway. In addition to the four CBC stations, that site is also home to commercial stations on 93.9, 94.9, 100.3, 104.1, 105.3, 106.1 and 106.9, as well as most of the TV stations in the market. 

 

November 28, 2024 11:05 am  #6


Re: CBC Radio Ottawa Approved To Decrease Antenna Height

fybush wrote:

When I was up in Ottawa a couple of weekends ago, many of the signals from the Camp Fortune site were definitely at reduced power, presumably from auxiliary antennas or sites while the CBC antenna work was underway. In addition to the four CBC stations, that site is also home to commercial stations on 93.9, 94.9, 100.3, 104.1, 105.3, 106.1 and 106.9, as well as most of the TV stations in the market. 

Thats almost more than the # of CN Tower stations!

 

November 28, 2024 11:24 am  #7


Re: CBC Radio Ottawa Approved To Decrease Antenna Height

markow202 wrote:

fybush wrote:

When I was up in Ottawa a couple of weekends ago, many of the signals from the Camp Fortune site were definitely at reduced power, presumably from auxiliary antennas or sites while the CBC antenna work was underway. In addition to the four CBC stations, that site is also home to commercial stations on 93.9, 94.9, 100.3, 104.1, 105.3, 106.1 and 106.9, as well as most of the TV stations in the market. 

Thats almost more than the # of CN Tower stations!

89.1, 89.9, and 93.1 are also there.

 

December 2, 2024 12:25 pm  #8


Re: CBC Radio Ottawa Approved To Decrease Antenna Height

The French versions in Ottawa - CBOX and CBOF - have also been approved for the height changes.
 

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