Antenna is inoperable (mechanically won't turn)

[aka3739]

I received a call from the RV repair shop who is putting on my new roof and they said that the antenna doesn't work. They asked if I want them to just close off the hole, or install a new antenna ($170). I want to install a new LCD flat panel, but don't know what I need to go along with it.

Yesterday, I bought a "Carestream2 Long Range HDTV Antenna", but I don't know if this is a good product to use or not. At Costco they said I could use it without it even being outside. Seems to work in my house okay.
Antennas Direct - ClearStream 2 Long-Range HDTV Outdoor Antenna - C2

Or should I just have them install the new regular antenna for $170?

Andrew
1994 Fleetwood Tioga Montara, Class C, 27'

[Techie]

Probably depends upon the areas you'll be RVing in and the signal strength of the stations in those areas.

Personally, I would close off the hole and just use a stand-alone antenna when needed set-up by a window or set under an awning and run a cable from it.

[Stevegd007]

So I would just replace it. This is easy and can be done yourself. See this: Winegard Co - Winegard Sensar IV DTV/HDTV Antenna - Over-the-Air Antennas - Camping World

Now the old analog TV would work the above antenna (with a converter box) plus when you upgrade to a digital flat screen TV this would also work.

[Bill Adams]

I would highly recommend against just covering up the hole. I am jumping to the conclusion that you have a Winegard Batwing antenna as well. The Batwing is still going to be the most convenient way to pick up your local OTA TV signal without much work.

[aka3739]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams I would highly recommend against just covering up the hole. I am jumping to the conclusion that you have a Winegard Batwing antenna as well. The Batwing is still going to be the most convenient way to pick up your local OTA TV signal without much work.

Thanks Bill. I'm not sure that we're talking about the same thing. I think it just has one antenna, which doesn't work. The original antenna is a Winegard Model RV-3090. They're removing it, and I need to decide whether to replace it with a new roof-mounted Winegard antenna, OR, should I just use the product I bought from Costco (by Carestream 2)???

[aka3739]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aka3739 Thanks Bill. I'm not sure that we're talking about the same thing. I think it just has one antenna, which doesn't work. The original antenna is a Winegard Model RV-3090. They're removing it, and I need to decide whether to replace it with a new roof-mounted Winegard antenna, OR, should I just use the product I bought from Costco (by Carestream 2)???

Wait, I'm sorry Bill. I had misread your post the first time. Thanks!

[frankdamp]

The Winegard on my old Class C wouldn't raise either, after we'd bought it. The fix was very simple. though. The previous owner had been so generous with the caulking on the roof that he'd glued the antenna in the down position.

Ten minutes careful pruning with a Stanley knife and it worked fine. The antenna doesn't crank up on the present rig either, but I haven't even looked at it yet (in two seasons!). We watch o-t-a TV so little, it hasn't seemed worth the trouble.

I'm just about to put the cover on for the winter, so maybe I'll take a closer look when it comes off again in the spring.

[TXiceman]

You probably do not need to replace the antenna. You can replace the lift mechanism (gear) and add a Wingman to get it up to snuff for the signals. A lot of time there so called RV techs, are parts replacers, and not true technicians.

If you go with the new antenna, get the Winegard Sensor IV with the Wingman already installed.

I would not wast the money on the antenna from Costco. It you want to save money you can do a search for home-made HDTV antennas and build a good antenna from a board and a few metal coat hangers.
http://www.tvantennaplans.com/
http://cosinekitty.com/hdtv/

Ken

[Patrol 65]

I use a flat RCA Indoor HDTV antenna that can be hung on the wall or lay flat on a table. I disconnected my batwing from my vcr/dvd player and connected the flat RCA antenna in its place. The antenna is stored flat in the space on the side of the selector panel. Hardly noticeable with the cabinet door closed and doesn't take up much space. It works better than rabbit ears. If need be, I can take it down and just let it sit on the passenger side dash. Only costs $30.00 at Best Buy. It also has its own coax cable and doesn't require power to operate.

Angle

[Ray,IN]

The usual cause of this problem is lack of lubrication. I remove the inside crank and turning knob (every 2 years) to expose the hole for the gears and rotation bushings, spray with silicone, replace everything after insuring it now works. I discovered this after ruining the gears once on our last 5er.
Ken is right, repair parts are not expensive. I found a replacement gear in a clearance sale bin at an RV parts store.

[wa8yxm]

Looking at the antenna you linked to I believe it's more hype than performance.

If the original Batwing won't turn. it is very likely that disassemble. clean, lube and reassemble are all that's needed.

Not a lot that can go wrong with that part of the antenna. 1 hr labor (I would do it myself) 10 cents in part (Oil)

[donandmax]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams I would highly recommend against just covering up the hole. I am jumping to the conclusion that you have a Winegard Batwing antenna as well. The Batwing is still going to be the most convenient way to pick up your local OTA TV signal without much work.

Replace the batwing they are hard to beat for local reception.

[wa8yxm]

Bill Did you look at that antenna he linked to? I mean Back Before Digital they sold those for like 10 bucks.. now it's 100 or more.

And unless I miss my educated guess it's UHF only.. There are still quite a few Digital transmitters on VHF (usually VHF Hi Band though I'm told there are still a few in VHF Low band)

[ArmyEOD]

The worm gear is stuck. It should be lubed every six months. To access the worm gear you go on the roof, remove the black plastic screw on cap. After removal spray in some silicon spray and replace cap. Every thing should then work. Even if the gear is broken or something you can replace all the crank up parts for less than 20.00 buck and 15 min time.