Community Forums

scooterbob · 08-07-2014, 10:34 AM

I have a 2000 Southwind with the old style VHF UHF antenna. I am in an area where I cannot get my satellite reception.
My question is,
What is the front of the antenna that would be pointing towards the station ?
Do you go by the pointer on the plastic plate inside where you turn the antenna ?

Fred and Bonnie · 08-07-2014, 11:00 AM

Bob, the antenna surface that has the "Winegard" logo faces the stations. If you haven't added the "Wingman" do so, cheap upgrade. Use AntennaPoint.com - Antenna Locator to locate the transmitters in your local area.

Hope this helps.

Fred

wildtoad · 08-07-2014, 11:01 AM

The pointer only indicates where to turn the knob before you lower the antenna. The "Front" of the antenna is opposite the side attached to the lifting arms.

If you don't have one already you should get the Weingard add-on component "Wingman" which will enhance UHF reception. Once installed there will be do doubt which is the front.

wa8yxm · 08-07-2014, 01:07 PM

The old Winegard "Batwing" without modification is kind of like you standing in front of a half-silvered mirror.

Now face the mirror, You can see through it to the world beyond, and also you can see what is reflected in it, Spread your "Wings" (extend your arms out) and you are that antenna.

Adding the wingman... Removes the morror

The "Spine" (mast) is to the rear, the wingman is your nose, it points toward the distant stations.

Jim A · 08-07-2014, 04:21 PM

And if you haven't done so, make sure your Winegard booster is turned on. There should be a red LED to tell you it is on. In addition to turning on the power to the booster in the antenna head, many of them also function as a switch, switching between the cable input and the antenna input. If it is turned off, you may be getting no signal no matter which direction the antenna is pointed.

In addition to the good Antennapoint.com website mentioned above, there are a couple of Android smartphone apps that will help find the transmitters. I use TV Antenna Helper. It will show the available transmitters on a compass screen or a map. I assume they have similar apps for iPhones as well.

The Satellite AR Android app will show where the Directv and Dish satellites are in the sky. It might help find a gap in the trees or other obstacles for your satellite dish to see through if you can move a few feet.