Jack digital antenna

[davendeb]

Originally Posted by ghutch

I have had both the Jack and the Winegard bat wing. My observation is both receive about the same once a signal is found. Differences are: Jack can indicate signal without TV being on, as it has its own led signal meter, and it does NOT need to be cranked up. (or forgotten to be lowered).

I wish the replacement jack had the signal meter. I replaced my batwing with jack and I have to get wife to tell me signal strength as it shows on the TV when I turn the jack. :-(

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by ghutch

I have had both the Jack and the Winegard bat wing. My observation is both receive about the same once a signal is found. Differences are: Jack can indicate signal without TV being on, as it has its own led signal meter, and it does NOT need to be cranked up. (or forgotten to be lowered).

As already mentioned, there are reasons other than performance that can make the Stubby Jack a decent option. In my case, although my Jack typically receives about 20 - 40 channels, I only watch 3 or 4 (major networks) and they are excellent. My primary reason for purchase was the low profile. I really don't care if I get 300 channels ... really.

[JohnRR]

Originally Posted by davendeb

I wish the replacement jack had the signal meter. I replaced my batwing with jack and I have to get wife to tell me signal strength as it shows on the TV when I turn the jack. :-(

Jack sells a add on to check signal strength before running a channel set up check. It works like the built in unit of the complete unit.

I have one in the bus I never hooked up, I'll post the part number on the box when I get out to it.

[davendeb]

Originally Posted by JohnRR

Jack sells a add on to check signal strength before running a channel set up check. It works like the built in unit of the complete unit.

I have one in the bus I never hooked up, I'll post the part number on the box when I get out to it.

Great just mail it to me. Lol. I'll watch for your post.

[Scarab0088]

Similar discussion here:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f53/best-...na-182239.html

For SCVJeff; Heard you did actual signal strength tests...Did you compare the Jack to the Winegard Sensar with the Wingman? (EDIT...sorry, just re-read post 9. Is this test published to read?)
(RE-EDIT...sorry just read post #10 - thanks!)
SENSAR RV VHF/UHF Television Antenna - #1 Antenna in the RV Industry!

Christmas is coming and the $20ish Wingman makes a nice gift idea.

Many thanks

[JohnRR]

Originally Posted by davendeb

Great just mail it to me. Lol. I'll watch for your post.

Evidently my mind must be heading south, I did buy a unit but going back and looking at it it was made by Winegard called a Sensar Pro but it says it works with all units.

It's supposed to let you get your antenna pointed in the best direction before you run the channel scan.

I don't remember paying anywhere near this amount for it but maybe that's something else I'd like to forget.

Winegard RFL-332 SensarPro TV Signal Meter Black Camper Trailer RV

[davendeb]

Originally Posted by JohnRR

Evidently my mind must be heading south, I did buy a unit but going back and looking at it it was made by Winegard called a Sensar Pro but it says it works with all units.

It's supposed to let you get your antenna pointed in the best direction before you run the channel scan.

I don't remember paying anywhere near this amount for it but maybe that's something else I'd like to forget.

Winegard RFL-332 SensarPro TV Signal Meter Black Camper Trailer RV

Thanks

[Shadowcatche]

I come from a quality control background and appreciate the actual testing done well on the Open roads forum. My decision because we have a large teardrop trailer was based largely on, it has to fit in the tongue box and not be buggered up in transport. I attach it using suction cups. Frankly we have yet to use it, part of that, a teardrop means you live outside thing.

[SCVJeff]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

Similar discussion here: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f53/best-...na-182239.html For SCVJeff; Heard you did actual signal strength tests...Did you compare the Jack to the Winegard Sensar with the Wingman? (EDIT...sorry, just re-read post 9. Is this test published to read?) (RE-EDIT...sorry just read post #10 - thanks!) SENSAR RV VHF/UHF Television Antenna - #1 Antenna in the RV Industry! Christmas is coming and the $20ish Wingman makes a nice gift idea. Many thanks

That was me... Test data was taken on the Jack, Batwing, batwing with Wingman (Batman), in all directions, and both UHF, and VHF-Hi. There was no point in looking at VHF-Lo since the Jack was never designed for that, even though there are still stations lurking down there. Here's the original post: http://forums.woodalls.com/Index.cfm...d/27171026.cfm

Had the Jack been at least on par with the Batwing/Wingman combo I would have kept it. So since the money was already spent I exchanged it for a SensarPro. Wether you have a Batwing or Jack, this is worth having (it works on both). I have a handheld spectrum analyzer I used to use, but the SensarPro is way easier to use.

[Bakeryman]

I have a 2004 Damon intruder class A with satellite. We disperse camp in Colorado and dish almost always works. However occasionally blocked by trees or other. I have the original stock batwing style antenna which no longer works with my original tvs. Non HD. I believe this is due to the change in signals a couple years back.

Question: what would I need to buy to be able to pick up some channels while not using the sat antenna? Does the jack or other system convert the signal? Or, do I need another component.

In a few years if I need to replace current older style tvs with HD flat screens will what I buy now also work with those newer tvs.

Thank you!

[Scarab0088]

Bakeryman,
It was the Gov't mandated change in signal format that made your old TV's stop receiving a signal...called the DTV Convertion.
See: Digital Television | FCC.gov

Your antenna can be upgraded (topic of this thread) but doesn't have to be changed.

And your old TV's will still display the new signals...All you need is a DTV "converter box" for each TV or just one to feed the whole coach. It is a small device (about the size of 2 packs of cigarettes) that connects between the antenna and the TV, replacing the tuner inside your TV.

You don't really need to replace the TV, until you want High Def.

Best luck

[SCVJeff]

Adding to that, the existing antenna as it presently sits on the roof will work OK. But since a lot of stations (not all) have moved to UHF, that $30 Wingman add-on can work wonders. don't listen to the sales people trying to up sell you by saying its just a piece of plastic because they clearly have no clue what's going on with that piece of plastic. Also, with converters hovering around $50, last time I looked, do yourself a favor and think about, then look for sales of real HDTV sets. They are WAY less power hungry than a tube, and you can get a 19" LED for ~$100 on sale.

So the answer to the question is: Yes, the Wingman upgrade works fine. You simply cannot get a better antenna than the Batwing/ Wingman combo on an RV.
NO, the converters are no longer needed, so it's wasted $$. That's why I suggested looking for TV's on sale now.

[Rick FLA]

If it is the same jack antenna that came on my new 2013 Journey it works great