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Old 09-21-2016, 02:03 PM   #1
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Replace the Sensar TV antenna with what?

Now that Winegard has introduced the Rayzar z1 is it worth ditching the old wind-up Sensar and replace it with this, or is it worth spending the extra money and go for the Sensar Automatic? I see that some people have had problems with the early Automatic, are they still having problems?
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Old 09-22-2016, 12:10 PM   #2
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I installed the Rayzar Automatic, replacing a Sensar powered lift. The Rayzar gave me the dreaded E3 failure after 9 months of operation. The unit still operated with the E3 (hard stop, antenna will not move) failure, just could not fine tune the stations. Contacted Winegard and they immediately shipped a replacement antenna. Installed the unit and we're back up operating... I really do like the "completely automated" function of the Rayzar.
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Old 09-23-2016, 08:52 AM   #3
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I hope you find an answer. Search here for "E3" and you'll find many of us who have struggled with the Rayzar Automatic. I am on my second one, it's dead now with E3 again, and headed to Newmar in a couple weeks for yet another replacement.

I'd say proceed with caution if you make that change.
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Old 09-23-2016, 10:42 AM   #4
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I hope you find an answer. Search here for "E3" and you'll find many of us who have struggled with the Rayzar Automatic. I am on my second one, it's dead now with E3 again, and headed to Newmar in a couple weeks for yet another replacement.

I'd say proceed with caution if you make that change.
I have been following that issue which is why I thought about the z1 instead. On the other hand raising the Sensar isn't that big a deal but rotating it by hand to pick up stations is a PITA. I also have seen comments that the Automatic is not as sensitive (less stations) and that a noisy 12v supply (led lights and generator) can cause problems. Did any of these affect you?
If I made the change I would mount the Automatic away from the Sensar and leave that in place as a back-up.
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Old 09-23-2016, 10:57 AM   #5
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Now that Winegard has introduced the Rayzar z1 is it worth ditching the old wind-up Sensar and replace it with this, or is it worth spending the extra money and go for the Sensar Automatic? I see that some people have had problems with the early Automatic, are they still having problems?
Algoma
Why spend the $60+ to replace a Winegard Sensar, (aka: "batwing anttena") which, (by experimenting with many differnt RV antennas), I have found to be the perfect OTA for RV use?
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Old 09-23-2016, 11:08 AM   #6
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Algoma
Why spend the $60+ to replace a Winegard Sensar, (aka: "batwing anttena") which, (by experimenting with many differnt RV antennas), I have found to be the perfect OTA for RV use?
Well, the z1 like the King Jack would mean no raising and lowering the antenna but it would still need rotating to get the stations. The Automatic would remove even that step. Both the z1 and King are around $120, add another $200 for the automatic. Not that expensive an upgrade but I have yet to be convinced it is worth the trouble. We need a Consumer Reports for RV's to independently test this stuff rather than rely on marketing hype. But users like yourself are a good alternative. Thanks for your advice.
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Old 09-24-2016, 08:49 AM   #7
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We need a Consumer Reports for RV's to independently test this stuff rather than rely on marketing hype.
There is a guy on the other forum that tests these antennas when they come out. The old batwing is always the winner.
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Old 09-24-2016, 02:47 PM   #8
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There is a guy on the other forum that tests these antennas when they come out. The old batwing is always the winner.
Destroyed my bat wing recently when a tree branch hit it. Didn't help that it was up when I was pulling out. (IT's on my check list when breaking camp but DW didn't get all the way down the list.)

Anyone add a ''Wingman'' to their bat wing?
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Old 09-24-2016, 06:44 PM   #9
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Just added the new batwing whole replacement top with the wingman on it. literally a 5 minute deal. Almost got the whole king conversion kit glad I didn't works great. My Rca dtv converter has a signal meter which displays on the Tv so rotating the antenna is easy following the signal strength.
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Old 09-24-2016, 11:03 PM   #10
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Replace the Sensar TV antenna with what?

I replaced mine with the Razer antenna. It looks like a big flyswatter. Works very well.
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Old 09-25-2016, 06:52 AM   #11
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I replaced mine with the Razer antenna. It looks like a big flyswatter. Works very well.
The Razer TV antenna I tried on my coach make a better flyswatter than a TV antenna, (so I'm once again using the batwing antenna).
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Old 09-25-2016, 02:11 PM   #12
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The Razer TV antenna I tried on my coach make a better flyswatter than a TV antenna, (so I'm once again using the batwing antenna).

I have no complaints with mine. It does an excellent job of pulling stations in. It may be a bit more directional than the sensar however.
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Old 09-25-2016, 04:22 PM   #13
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I have the automatic one and so far, we really love it. We do not have to worry about raising and lowering the antenna and it has done a good job of picking up the stations. We have had it for about 6 months.
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Old 09-25-2016, 04:47 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by Algoma View Post
Now that Winegard has introduced the Rayzar z1 is it worth ditching the old wind-up Sensar and replace it with this, or is it worth spending the extra money and go for the Sensar Automatic? I see that some people have had problems with the early Automatic, are they still having problems?
My opinions, I have had all of these on various RVs ...

The crank up Sensar IV with the Sensar Pro TV Signal Strength Meter / Amplifier is the most sensitive setup and is very directional. The Sensar Pro makes it easy to aim and to figure out if you need lower the gain if you are in an urban area with very signals that overload your amplifier and TV. Survives driving under low hanging branches on the passenger side well when cranked down.

The crank up Razar with the Sensar Pro TV Signal Strength Meter / Amplifier is next best and is less directional. The Sensar Pro makes it easy to aim and to figure out if you need lower the gain if you are in an urban area with very signals that overload your amplifier and TV. Survives driving under low hanging branches on the passenger side well when cranked down.

The Batwings (Jack) are OK but under perform the Winegards in fringe areas. When signal is strong they work fine. Slightly directional. You can also use the Sensar Pro to get them aimed to a specific channel, as the "dumb" signal lights just let you peak all signals not a particular one. Can't crank it down and it will not survive low hanging branches - it breaks off easily.

I don't have any experience on the new automatic aiming ones, personally I would never spend that kind of money when the manual crank up ones work so well for me.

The Sensar IV is getting harder to find it seems that the Rayzar is all that is being made new now by Winegard.
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