Converter Box sucks...how can I get it to work properly?

Ok, so call me cheap but I don't think I should have to pay a cable company to get basic channels on the tele. Now that everything is switching to digital and America has to buy converter boxes, I hooked up the converter box. Problem is...I can't get a freakin channel to stay on...it's worse than og! Any suggesstions how I can get this puppy to work properly? Do I need a better antennae than the RCA rabbit ears? I know...I'm cheap. But I don't make THAT much money on my meager teachers salary. I've got to stick to my budget.