KAKE becomes the third, digital only KAKEland Television Network station
KAKE becomes the third, digital only KAKEland Television Network stationKAKE Blog Listing
KAKE becomes the third, digital only KAKEland Television Network station
Topic Author: Jay Prater
Posted: 6:59 AM Feb 18, 2009
Replies Posted: 37 comments
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At 11:58pm, on February 17, 2009 KAKE analog, VHF channel 10, was switched off forever.

At 11:58pm, on February 17, 2009 KAKE-DT 10.1 digital, UHF channel 21, was also switched off forever.

At 12:01am, February 18, 2009 KAKE-DT 10.1 digital, VHF channel 10, returned to the air, on its permanent RF channel.

Initially, we must broadcast at 28.25kW of Effective Radiated Power from atop our tower in Sedgwick County, near Colwich. The modification of the second half of our channel 10 transmitter for digital should be complete within three weeks.

If you tried to view our free over-the-air UHF digital signal before February 18, 2009 and had trouble, please try again, now that we’re transmitting on a VHF channel.

The type of antenna is very important. You’ll need a VHF antenna now, too.  Make sure your antenna is capable of receiving VHF signals. FYI…there is no such thing as a “digital antenna” that’s only a marketing label. There are only TV antennas.If you continue to have trouble, I’ll post a new blog, when we are pushing our full 56.5kW ERP. However, please remember that the 28.25kW we’re currently broadcasting should, at least, equal our old analog coverage area. If you were watching KAKE-DT 10.1 before 2/18, again please remember, that was a UHF signal, and we’re now on VHF.
 

Placing a larger antenna as high as possible, in the attic, or outside, will always work better than “rabbit ears”, even with an amplifier.

If scanning for KAKE doesn’t work. You may also be able to manually tune to channel 10, and some converter boxes have signal strength meters to help you tweak your antenna. I also, recommend www.tvfool.com for antenna help.

Also, you’ll need either a DTV converter box, or a newer TV with a built-in ATSC tuner. The signal is on VHF RF channel 10. After your box, or TV, locks onto KAKE-DT the display will appear as 10.1, the virtual channel number.

Click here for a link to a FCC database map, showing KAKE-DT’s transmitter location. You can use this to help better aim your directional VHF antenna.
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  • by Jay Prater Location: KAKE on May 13, 2009 at 10:17 AM
    Larry: Surf to www.tvfool.com and enter your address. It will provide a list of free over-the-air digital TV stations that you may be able to receive.
    Reply
  • by Larry Location: Wichita on May 12, 2009 at 07:25 PM
    To help with cost, I want to discontinue cable and use antenna and digital converter box. What channels can I expect to receive both UHF/VHF ?
    Reply
  • by Jay Prater Location: KAKE on Apr 7, 2009 at 11:09 AM
    KAKE-DT became full-power on 4/4/09. Please read this blog posting for more information:

    http://www.kake.com/blogs/dtv/42506012.html

    Reply
  • by Jay Prater Location: KAKE on Apr 1, 2009 at 07:57 PM
    Cindy: The power boost MAY help you, onlly a little bit. Are you using "rabbit ears"?
    Reply
  • by Jay Prater Location: KAKE on Apr 1, 2009 at 07:54 PM
    Lisa: KWCH channel 12 will (I don't have the exact date...I've heard July...but I'm not sure) move their digital signal from UHF channel 19 to VHF channel 12. So, if you are having trouble with channel 10, you may lose channel 12, too, after they switch (...since their transmitter is farther away near Hutch, and KAKE's is near Colwich). What's the make/model of your antenna?
    Reply
  • by Jay Prater Location: KAKE on Apr 1, 2009 at 07:46 PM
    Debi: No, in Haysville you should have no problems with the current signal on 4/1/09. What make/model of antenna are you using?
    Reply
  • by Debi Location: South Wichita/Haysville on Apr 1, 2009 at 12:40 PM
    Am I correct in thinking that since KAKE is not at full power this is the reason why the signal comes in and out during windy and/or bad weather?
    Reply
  • by Jay Prater Location: KAKE on Mar 31, 2009 at 02:20 PM
    No...not as of 3/31/09. The transmitter manufacturer has delayed their arrival, to approve our engineer's work, and change some componets for digital. Please remember that a doubling of power is only a 3dB RF gain. It will not "double" the size of the coverage area of KAKE-DT. Word is that by 4/6/09 we should be broadcasting 56.5kW ERP.
    Reply
  • by Jerry Location: McPherson on Mar 31, 2009 at 08:59 AM
    Has KAKE gone full power yet? I thought it was supposed to 3 weeks after the switch in February. Thanks
    Reply
  • by Mike Location: Moundridge on Mar 30, 2009 at 09:56 PM
    Prior to Feb. 17 we were able to receive KAKE just fine. Since you switched, the signal is non-existent. After the 3 weeks or so till you said you were going to boost your signal there is little change (we did rescan). We have a converter box, UHF and VHF indoor antennae- have tried with and without an amplifier. We simply will no longer be watching KAKE since our equipment, which at one time worked just fine, will no longer receive your signal.
    Reply
  • by Cindy Location: 5 miles nw of Inman on Mar 30, 2009 at 08:41 AM
    channel 10 is the only station that will not come in clear. There is either no signal or the picture breaks up. Is the signal not strong enough or if we need a different antenna what kind do we need?
    Reply
  • by Lisa Location: Argonia, KS on Mar 30, 2009 at 07:34 AM
    You are the only Wichita station that we have trouble with getting a clear pic on digital. When can you get it together? I have to watch 3 and 12 now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Reply
  • by Jay Prater Location: KAKE on Mar 21, 2009 at 04:44 PM
    BF: The amplifier may be an issue. Can you turn it off, or by-pass it? Also, the antenna is directional, so a small change in position could make the difference. Instead of scanning, can you manually tune the converter to channel 10? Then make small adjustments to the antenna, stopping to see if you can get a lock. Then fine tune for best signal strength.
    Reply
  • by bf Location: Newton on Mar 20, 2009 at 10:07 PM
    Converter Box and Winegard SS 3000 Indoor UHF/VHF Antenna (SS-3000). Yes, we have deleted 10.1 and re-scanned.
    Reply
  • by Jay Prater Location: KAKE on Mar 20, 2009 at 07:42 PM
    BF: I need more info. What's the make and model of your antenna? Are you using a converter box, or TV with an ATSC digital tuner? Did you delete 10.1 from your channel list, and then re-scan, or manually add KAKE-DT on RF channel 10?
    Reply
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