Community Forums

MojaveJoe · 06-04-2010, 09:10 AM

I have a 2005 toyhauler with a Winegard batwing (Sensar II ?) I want to upgrade to a digital Sensar III or IV Batwing. Will I be able to use my existing hardware and just buy the head?

lonestarace · 06-04-2010, 09:39 AM

I can't remember if the Sensar 2 is amplified?

If your Sensar 2 is not amplified, you'll need the wall mounted amplifier, the antenna head thats compatible with the amplifier, and the bolt on Wingman for better UHF reception.

If your Sensar 2 is amplified, then alls you need is the Wingman($30)

On second thought, I guess if your Sensar 2 isn't amplified you can still put the Wingman on for improved UHF reception, it just won't have the range of the amplified 3 & 4 models.

MojaveJoe · 06-04-2010, 10:26 AM

Thank you for your reply.
I already have a Wingman on my wall amp'd Sensar II, but it hangs off the roof edge 6" My goal is to have a good digital antenna that is low profile and all on the roof. That's why I was asking about head compatibility with my old lift arm. Any suggestions?

schupaul · 06-05-2010, 06:53 PM

I just got that is a batwing replacement. It is about the size of dinner plate and is digital and UHF. It is supposed to be much better than the wingaurds. It is made by King Controls. Best of all, it was on sale at one of my local shops for $42.

http://www.jacktv4free.com/

New "JACK" HD Ready Digital TV Antenna | RV Buddies Online

wa8yxm · 06-05-2010, 07:27 PM

The original "Batwing" was not amplified, but in all cases the hardware can be interchanged... If you are changing from a non-powred (amplified) one to one that eats 12vdc.. You simply buy the winegard power insertion block from the same place you got the antenna from. It goes in the coax INSIDE the rig and takes 12vdc.

For those with the batwing plus wingman who find the wingman extends over the edge.....

Check to see if you can "Flip" the antenna so it extends toward the CENTER LINE instead off the edge.. Just a few bolts in most cases.. However you may have an air conditioner or something else in the way.

MojaveJoe · 06-05-2010, 07:49 PM

Well schupaul...don't keep us in suspense. Do you like the way the Jack works? Is it equal to a Winegard Sensar w/wingman? I surely like the small size and fewer edges to catch on stuff.
Wondering if it was a direct replacement on your wingard crank-up mast w/amplifier inside?

I will have to see if that reverse mount will work on my setup. Good cheap solution. Thanks wa8yxm!

Bill Adams · 06-05-2010, 07:58 PM

MojaveJoe,
Your current Sensar is just as digital capable as any of the newer products on the market. There really is no such thing as a digital antenna. There are only antennas that can receive the UHF and VHF signals. Your current Sensar and Wingman will do as good of a job as anything else out there including the "new" Sensars.
The "Jack" is just another antenna capable of picking up UHF and VHF signals. The only thing "new" is that most of the TV broadcasts were done on the VHF frequencies and now with the move to digital about 75% of the TV signals are being broadcast on the UHF frequencies. Same stuff, same technology. The Sensar is optimized for the VHF reception and with the addition of the Wingman it is also optimized for UHF. If sounds like you have everything necessary and should not need to spend any additional money especially for any kind of a replacement for the well proven Winegard.