Community Forums

Larry Hahn · 11-20-2016, 08:32 AM

I don't do DISH, DIRECT-TV, OR CABLE. Just would like best reception possible for local broadcasts, mainly in mountainous areas. Can't depend on internet reviews as many are sponcered by the manufactures. ANYBODY OUT THERE with ideas on a RV TV antenna offering best reception?

sbleiweiss · 11-20-2016, 08:36 AM

Winegard is the big guerilla in this industry. Start by looking at their website. Others more knowledgeable may have more specific guidance.

luvlabs · 11-20-2016, 09:03 AM

The Winegard Bat Wing (been around for years) is still considered the best. It's a manual antenna and you do have to crank it up and down.

The second best is probably the Winegard Razer. This is a completely automatic antenna which uses the latest technology.

TV reception is problematic in mountain areas even with big, residential style antennas. I would say your reception is highly dependent upon where you are parked and in some cases, no antenna will help you.

ctpres · 11-20-2016, 09:14 AM

Winegard Sensar/bat wing with wingman is pretty good for 50 to 60 miles with careful aiming. Broadcast TV pretty much line of sight so parking spot very important regardless of distance. Newer Razar good for shorter distances and aiming less important as it does a reasonably good job of receiving off both ends and has wider angle.

wa8yxm · 11-20-2016, 10:30 AM

My recommendation is all Winegard as well, Now there are better antennas but they are NOT suitable for RV use.

First, If you already have a winegard Sensar (Batwing) it is likely an II or III you can add the WINGMAN for around 40 bucks. THis will improve the UHF performance of the antenna making it the best performing RV UHF antenna on the market.

If you do not currently have an antenna the Sensar IV... (Includes wingman)

Inside, most RVs have a wall plate with a light, switch, 12 volt outlet, and antenna connection

Replace it with a SENSAR PRO internal module (About 100 dollars)
You may need to cut a small NOTCH for the TV one lead so it can be brougnt out alongside the Sensar Pro. You may also need to use a spacer included.. Other than that it is a direct repalcement.

And then.. You have what I am watching as I type

RangeMaggotBob · 11-24-2016, 12:27 AM

It doesn't matter much what kind of antenna you get- you're not going to get much reception in the mountains.

SCVJeff · 11-24-2016, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdst51

It doesn't matter much what kind of antenna you get- you're not going to get much reception in the mountains.

That depends on the mountains and what's on top of them. That's the BEST place to be using a high performance antenna

OP- As has been mentioned several times, by far the best antenna out there for RV use is the batwing with Wingman attachment, or the new Sensar integrated antenna. I did some pretty detailed tests with the Batwing & Wingman several years ago, and later on the batwing against the Jack, and there was nothing that came close to the Batwing/ Wingman combo. There's a pretty detailed post on all this over on RV. Net

wileyw · 11-24-2016, 02:09 AM

I just replaced my original 1989 Winegard batwing with a Sensar IV. Sitting in my driveway I could pick up 42 channels with the old antenna. After installing the new Sensar IV sitting in my driveway I still pick up 42 channels. I am about 20 miles from the city so can't wait to get out in the boonies to test it out. Could it be that old antenna was just as good as the new ones?

SCVJeff · 11-24-2016, 02:52 AM

No, the new antenna is demonstrably better. That just means that's all the stations there are in the area. Don't forget the new antenna is more directionally sensitive so you need to be pointed a little more carefully. You cannot receive what's not there, but you can make what IS there a little more robust, at least on UHF

wa8yxm · 11-24-2016, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCVJeff

That depends on the mountains and what's on top of them. That's the BEST place to be using a high performance antenna

You got that straight Jeff... I once proved it in fact.

If you are in the mountains, TV stations (FM Radio too) often like to climb to the top and put up a short tower... The reason is simply this. HEIGHT IS MIGHT.

True story, I'm a ham radio operator and I'd just bought a new toy, this was a Fully synthized 2 Meter 2-way FM radio (Wilson WE-800, I still have it bay the way, Mine is revision 3) well working as I did in Downtown Detroit if the Tigers were playing a Night game (I worked 3-11 PM) going home after work was NOT an option.. So I got the radio out of my locker and got in the elevator and hit the top (21) button (21 floors later (There is a non-numbered floor and we did have a 13th) I got out. and tuned around.. I found an active Repeater in Adrian MI (you can map it if you like) and chatted with some hams in Toledo OH.

A VE3 (Ham from across the river in Windsor) tried to join us but could not make it.. He and I ended up chatting direct.. I ask what he had.

As I recall he was running a gain antenna, and about 10 watts into it, his Effective Radiated power was eithe 30 or 40 watts and the antenna height either 40 or 30 feet (one was 30 the other 40) now, Understand from where I'm standing I can SEE his house. I'm running 1 watt into a "Rubber Duck" type flexible antenna, effective power between 1/4 and 1/2 watt.

I made the trip, he did not, of course I'm like 250 Feet up in the air.

This is why TV stations, FM radio and yes Amateur Radio Repeaters love the top of mountains.

HD4Mark · 11-24-2016, 07:45 AM

Nothing to do with what is the best antenna but there are apps you can download for free on your smartphone that will give you the tower location and station call sign. The one I have is helpful to get you started aiming the antenna.

lynnmor · 11-24-2016, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wileyw

I just replaced my original 1989 Winegard batwing with a Sensar IV. Sitting in my driveway I could pick up 42 channels with the old antenna. After installing the new Sensar IV sitting in my driveway I still pick up 42 channels. I am about 20 miles from the city so can't wait to get out in the boonies to test it out. Could it be that old antenna was just as good as the new ones?

Yes, it is just as good as the new ones. The new fancy wall plate has an additional amplifier and helps aim the antenna, but it can't provide stations that are not there. An amplifier can only overcome signal loss in the interior cables but that usually isn't a problem that needs addressed. I use a King Surelock to aid in locating signals. SureLock | KING

Old Radios · 11-24-2016, 08:13 AM

This on line map from the FCC will show you what digital stations are available in any location and which direction the transmitter is.
Website: FCC DTV Maps

Bigbird65 · 11-24-2016, 09:29 AM

An excellent app I use on my Android phone is called TV Antenna Helper Free.

I would really like to add the Wingman to my batwing but the batwing is too close to the AC. Any suggestions?

I do use a dish for DirecTV but sometimes I can't get the local channels on DirecTV if I'm too far from home.