Community Forums

reubenray · 10-14-2018, 10:18 AM

Are there any amplifiers that would work with the batwing antenna? I am looking to pull in some weak channels a little more that what the standard Winegard cable/ota box does.

mrboyer · 10-14-2018, 11:53 AM

An amplifier will also amplify any noise. You can buy an add on to the batwing that will make the antenna more directional and increase gain. I think it is about $30. You may find in metropolitan areas that you will need to aim the antenna when you change channels.

I found near Cincinnati I had aim between some channels, northwest of Phoenix I didn’t.

Old-Biscuit · 10-14-2018, 12:15 PM

Winegard Batwing Antenna is directional....front of antenna should be pointed towards the TV Transponder Tower to receive strongest channel signals

Many websites available to get compass directions for aiming the antenna

Batwing antenna has a amplifier in head of antenna

12V DC powered via coax cable

Never tried an 'add-on' amplifier.
When the Batwing wouldn't pull channels in I would hoist up a single array antenna on a pipe attached to rear ladder and then connect it to cable input...set TV for cable input and rescan.

reubenray · 10-14-2018, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrboyer

An amplifier will also amplify any noise. You can buy an add on to the batwing that will make the antenna more directional and increase gain. I think it is about $30. You may find in metropolitan areas that you will need to aim the antenna when you change channels.

I found near Cincinnati I had aim between some channels, northwest of Phoenix I didn’t.

I have this already.

I also use a compass to find out what direction the towers are.

Mutt · 10-22-2018, 07:28 PM

I purchased the Camping World amplifier unit that also shows signal strength. It works a little better than the installed Batwing amplifier. But, as suggested, you will need to try and turn the antenna while watching a signal strength meter to find the best reception. And depending on the station locations, you might have to turn the antenna for different stations. On the other hand, I understand from a fellow Camper who installed the Omni-directional Antenna, which as I also understand, is fixed as far as installation goes, but it has a 360 degree antenna built into the Antenna Head. And thus will receive signals within range of the Antenna. I think he said the Antenna is by "King." In any event, you will want to research any product before you jump on it. FWIW.

runamuck · 10-23-2018, 08:18 AM

the batwing antenna on my trailer is in a fixed direction and does not raise or lower either. is there a device to maybe add onto it that might improve reception of those stations that out of it's aiming pattern?

KanzKran · 10-23-2018, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runamuck

the batwing antenna on my trailer is in a fixed direction and does not raise or lower either. is there a device to maybe add onto it that might improve reception of those stations that out of it's aiming pattern?

The typical directional antenna will have what amounts to nulls to either side, meaning it has essentially no ability to pick up signals. Off the back will be greater, but depending on the forward gain, generally pretty weak compared to the forward gain. So no, you can't amplify what isn't there, and you'd be adding noise to an almost nonexistant signal, which will actually make it worse.

A common medium/high gain 4-bay 'bowtie' UHF antenna radiation pattern plot. Essentially nothing off the sides, little off the back, and max gain from the front. Zero gain is referenced to an isotropic antenna, or theoretically perfect omnidirectional antenna. Positive gain means greater signal strength, and negative gain means weaker signal strength, compared to the reference. A 'perfect' omni would plot just a circle at the zero mark.

Tom_M · 10-24-2018, 07:23 AM

The Winegard SensarPro is a replacement wall plate that is a combination amplifier and signal level indicator. It can be used with Winegard or Jack antennas to help with the initial aiming of your antenna and has an amplifier that allows you to increase or decrease the gain.

reubenray · 10-24-2018, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom_M

The Winegard SensarPro is a replacement wall plate that is a combination amplifier and signal level indicator. It can be used with Winegard or Jack antennas to help with the initial aiming of your antenna and has an amplifier that allows you to increase or decrease the gain.

This is in my Amazon wish list. I think it may be my best option. It will also help me turn the antenna in the best direction. I use a compass with headings I get from TVFool and Antennaweb.org but this will help more.

Jim A · 10-24-2018, 10:41 AM

Mine works great! If you use a directional antenna like the batwing, it is well worth the price. You can even set it to show the signal strength of a specific station for fine tuning. The last time I checked, CW had them for less than Amazon.

Tom_M · 10-24-2018, 11:07 AM

Keep in mind that sometimes too much amplification can be a bad thing. The SensarPro allows you to adjust gain plus or minus 10db. Also the channel numbers most likely will not match the channel numbers displayed on your TV. The SensarPro displays the RF or real channel and your TV displays the Virtual channel. For instance, channel 2 in my area is actually broadcast on RF channel 34.