Community Forums

sanfordturbo · 10-06-2014, 02:55 PM

I forgot to lower the HDTV antenna yesterday before heading out on the open road. First set of trees overhanging the road make quick work of the antenna less than a mile from my home.

I'll be performing this upgrade this weekend:
JACK Digital HDTV Antenna - iRV2 Forums

Ordered everything from Amazon for $186 (Jack Antenna, Mounting plate, goop)

RickO · 10-06-2014, 03:39 PM

Don't feel too badly. Just a few months ago I did the same thing with my HD Winegard Dish! I'm selling my coach and had backed it out of the covered storage slip to show it to someone. Deployed the dish to show it off and forgot to stow it before pulling back into the parking slip.

Made a really ugly noise.

Rick

wa8yxm · 10-06-2014, 03:44 PM

I hate to tell you this but that Jack, for most, is a DOWNgrade, (For others, not so much)

The jack has a fairly wide "Beam" thus it has lower gain but wider field of vision so it sees transmitters that are spaced out around you a bit (Say a full quadrant) the WInegard with batwing, has serious "Tunnell Vision) but man can it see a long ways down that tunnel.

Based on signal strength read outs, the jack would not cut it where I am. The Winegard system, 100%

sanfordturbo · 10-12-2014, 06:27 AM

I finished the install yesterday and it certainly does not pick up as many channels in the driveway at home like the winegard. However, it does pick up the major channels and does not have to be stowed, so I can deal with the compromise.

I always have the dish network mounted inside a dome, if I decide to fork out some cash.

Happy for now, taking it on the road for 2 weeks and will certainly give it a full workout.

HHIDan · 10-12-2014, 06:36 AM

I installed a King Jack last Thursday to replace my old Winegard. Connector was full of corrosion, copper tip gone, so antenna obviously dead. Anyways my friend is here also with a brand new Ventana and regular Winegard. We both get 10 stations. I realize this is not a very conclusive test but as far as I'm concerned both of these are similar antennas. If you are clos to a large city both antennas will get the same. I do not disagree with WAX8.. who is always so objective!

bassoneman · 10-15-2014, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanfordturbo

I forgot to lower the HDTV antenna yesterday before heading out on the open road. First set of trees overhanging the road make quick work of the antenna less than a mile from my home.

I'll be performing this upgrade this weekend:
JACK Digital HDTV Antenna - iRV2 Forums

Ordered everything from Amazon for $186 (Jack Antenna, Mounting plate, goop)

I am also in the club.... We just got our new Thor Hurricane 34j. I was really excited the first night so I decided to camp out in my d ive way... Trying all the components.. Like the tv.. Put up the antenna wtached tv for a few hours and hit the hay... Next day I noticed that I could do a little bit better parking... I have to use my across the street neighbors drive way to back in to my drive way. SO i pulled across the street and heard what i thought was a couple of little branches hit the AC unit.. I didn't like it but wasn't that concerned. Well then I back up and heard a very loud bang I got out and there it was.. The Antenna just completely broken off dangling in the tree... Not a pretty sight.. I don't know which was louder. The bang or when my wife got home from work saying what were you thinking....

whitetop · 10-15-2014, 05:48 PM

Yep me three! Leaving for a road trip antenna did not seat all the way and caught cable,phone,and power wires across my drive way.Thing held up well though only minor damage to bat wing. Major damage to all wires.Live and hopefully learn.Ha Ha..

greystroke · 10-15-2014, 06:32 PM

I sure like my Jack with the signal finder. My old batwing was bent since it hit my RV cover while pulling out. Now ......no worries.

BeachDude · 11-25-2014, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassoneman

I am also in the club.... We just got our new Thor Hurricane 34j. ......and heard what i thought was a couple of little branches hit the AC unit.. I didn't like it but wasn't that concerned. ...

Performed a similar procedure on our maiden voyage with our new 34E Hurricane at Fort Wilderness in Disneyworld, after pulling out to leave.

Luckily, the weeping willows in the campground just made noise and didn't tear off the Winegard antenna!

Brockx · 11-25-2014, 02:59 PM

Every-time I put the antenna up I put my bright yellow potato chip bag clip on the steering wheel.

wa8yxm · 11-25-2014, 07:01 PM

I have a STOP sign (Google: Antenna Saver) I put on my ignition key or wheel arm.

If you are replacing the best RV antenna ever made with a Jack,,, You have my sympathy. If you sense an improvement, Check your coax, it likely needed replacement.

AKJohn · 11-26-2014, 08:41 AM

I use a 12in red "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" streamer attached to the steering wheel every time I set up. Before sitting in the drivers seat I start the engine, check the antenna (even if I haven't used it), bring in the slides and raise the jacks. A nail board on the drivers seat is the next step if the streamer doesn't work.

smlranger · 11-26-2014, 08:45 AM

We have all had mishaps with our RV's. I have learned never to move it without first doing a final walk around outside.

taylorgso · 11-29-2014, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanfordturbo

I forgot to lower the HDTV antenna yesterday before heading out on the open road. First set of trees overhanging the road make quick work of the antenna less than a mile from my home.

I'll be performing this upgrade this weekend:
JACK Digital HDTV Antenna - iRV2 Forums

Ordered everything from Amazon for $186 (Jack Antenna, Mounting plate, goop)

Don't feel like you're the only one! My first RV I ripped the batwing off driving under a bridge - had forgot to crank it down. I have a HDTV dish roof mounted now, and am deathly afraid I'll forget to retract it sometime and will have to kiss some big bucks goodbye getting it repaired!