Wing antenna.

[Funkmoney]

Does the standard wing antenna pick up digital signals or do I need to upgrade the antenna? If so which antenna should I replace it with?

[danf7]

Ours is a 2008 and it picks up digital signals no problem. I did buy the bat wing adapter and the reception was better when we out far away for signals. Only cost about $25-$30.

[RJay]

The batwing is upgraded to receive digital signals with the easy installation of the wingman. I haven't had a chance to use it much so I can't comment on how it works but if you do a search this subject has been discussed before. The competitor for the batwing is the Jack Antenna and has also been discussed here. I think if I had to do it over again I would get the Jack because of its clean profile, less to catch on trees and a much smaller footprint and favorable reviews.

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkmoney Does the standard wing antenna pick up digital signals or do I need to upgrade the antenna? If so which antenna should I replace it with?

TO THE ANTENNA.. There is no difference between digital and analog, not one bit. Zip, it could care less. I prove that often.

HOWEVER there are several things you should know.

One: Many VHF stations are now UHF stations,, For example take Channel 7 Detroit.. The screen still says 7 (7-1, 7-2, 7-3) but the broadcast frequency is now old-channel 41's frequency. So what happened to old-channel 7's frequency? It's now channel 2.

Thus the addition of the WINGMAN, which affects (improves) the range of the antenna on UHF, may improve operation.

The other is what used to be say 100,000 watts, may now be 10,000 watts or less. (the station transmitter)

Another factor is trees, as frequency goes up from VHF(lo) to VHF(hi) (below/above channel Six) to UHF to Microwave (Satellite) the effect of trees, epically when wet, increases greatly.. And we tend to park among trees.

Finally Though there is not a lot you can do about it, HEIGHT IS MIGHT.

I proved that one too long story not for today.

[Funkmoney]

Thanks for the info. Now is it worth spending the $50 on a JACK antenna upgrade?

[wildtoad]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkmoney Thanks for the info. Now is it worth spending the $50 on a JACK antenna upgrade?

Probably not. The Wingard works just fine with/without the wingman.

[RJay]

Funkmoney,
The Senar with the wingman upgrade tends to be more directional than the Jack, so more distant stations can be received but more adjustments are needed to tune each station. The Jack seems to be more omni directional so more local area stations are received with less adjustments but distant stations may not be received.

[Funkmoney]

Thank you for the help.

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkmoney Thanks for the info. Now is it worth spending the $50 on a JACK antenna upgrade?

I do not think so, In independent (Forum member) testing there was not a lot of difference between the JACK and the Sensar with Wingman add-on. Which is a lot cheaper than the Jack.

Several forum members, the reviews ranged from "no difference" to 'minor improvement' when they switched the Sensare with wingman for the jack.

The Jack is better than the sensare w/o the wingman.

But what 30-35 bucks and no tools required v/s 50 and tools..