Analog cable converter channel range

[Jon A.]

I recently added a second Jerrold StarCom III (Canadian model, possibly the first wireless remote converter) to my side collection of analog converter boxes, this one with the instruction leaflet. The instructions say that it can receive up to 36 channels, but the tuner display goes all the way to 99. So, when I do get my modulator system set up, will this converter not be able to tune hyperband and ultraband channels, or was channel 36 just a limitation of cable companies at the time? Also, when I set my modulators to CATV frequencies, does the setup *have* to be hard-wired? Finally, can these receive channels on broadcast frequencies?

[NoPegs]

Originally Posted by Jon A.

Also, when I set my modulators to CATV frequencies, does the setup *have* to be hard-wired?

Yes, or you'll eventually get a cable tech knocking on your door when his leakage detector freaks out as he passes by your house in the van/truck. You'd be surprised at how seriously most CATV companies take egress.

[Jon A.]

Okay, no big deal. Most TVs I'm after are not cable-ready anyway. I'm still wondering if my converters can be used with broadcast frequencies... channels 2-13 shouldn't be a problem anyway... it would be nice to get some use out of them with sets that are not remote-capable.

[ChrisW6ATV]

Cable channels roughly 65 to 139 are the same range as UHF channels 14 to 83. Whether that box can tune the channels that its panel can display may be something you will need to experiment with to find out.