hdtv antenna

[jefkar]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a new HDTV antenna? I currently have a winegard fold up. I would like to get something that is shorter and doesn't need to be cranked up and down. Any Suggestions?

[Richard S.]

Have you looked at this RV Antenna - VHF UHF Winegard Sensar Antennas

[MikeandRuth]

I installed one of the Jack antennas a couple of years ago.
I used the model that stands about 12 inches above the roof.
I was tired of the crankup unit and wanted to get rid of it.
My thinking was and still is, that if I get into trees or something that hooks the antenna, since it is all plastic it will break long before my roof gets damaged where it is attached. $130.00 for a new antenna is much cheaper than fixing a roof!
I made a spacer plate and drilled all the Winegard mounting holes as well as the pattern on the Jack base. Every hole has a screw in it so there are no potential leaks.
So far everything is fine and the antenna has excellent reception and picture quality.

[RDAYZ]

I purchased the King Jack Digital HGTV Antenna. I removed the 2 square tubing on the " Bat Wing" fold up and attached the HGTV antenna to the shark looking fin at the roof level. No need to crank up the antenna or lower prior to travel. PM me if you need help.

[wa8yxm]

Originally Posted by jefkar

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a new HDTV antenna? I currently have a winegard fold up. I would like to get something that is shorter and doesn't need to be cranked up and down. Any Suggestions?

The best I can recommend is what is on your roof.

You want something shorter: HEIGHT IS MIGHT
The one you have is a VHF/VHF/UHF antenna.
Though adding a WINGMAN (around 30 bucks and you may not need tools (or a simple pair of pliars) to install it) will improve the UHF performance

Adding the SENSAR PRO to replace your wall switch or ahead of your Matrix Switch (Box of many buttons) also improves it BIG TIME.

But the Batwing with Wingman outperforms all the competition, And that is WITHOUT the Sensar Pro.

How important is height? Well there are two answers.. First height above interfernce.. IT is important to get the antenna above other stuff on the roof as things like an Air Conditioner make a much better DOOR than they do windows.

I did a test once (VHF) where I was talking to some folks via a repeater (This was 2-way radio) system, the relay station was around 50 miles away.. I was good copy.. Another Ham tried to join in without success but we got enough of his call to believe I might hear him direct.. I could..

He was running around 40 watts effective radiated power at 30 feet.. I was running closer to 1/4 watt effctive power at 250 feet.I COULD SEE HIS HOUSE from where I was standing we were that close HEIGHT IS MIGHT.

By the way.. What is the difference between a regular TV antenna and an HD TV antenna? PRICE of course. HD costs more.. works exactly the same and in many cases 10 or 15 years ago was sold as a regular TV antenna. But put HD on the box.. and the price goes up.

[speed racer]

I and several of my friends have the Jack made by king electronics. I sometimes go to a spot in south carolina that is high on a hill but couldn't get but 3 chanels on my batwing. With the Jack I get 21 chanels.

[wa8yxm]

Speed.. You also replaced or reconnected a cable or 3.. And that too makes a difference.

I check my cables often (annually at least) I got 5 stations to my Jack neighbor's 4.

[jefkar]

Thanks to all who commented. I decided on the KING Jack and installed it this weekend. It was easy. However, make sure you have the proper tools to complete the job. I tried to splice the cable wire and put a new connector on it without using the proper tool. The connection was not good and the antenna did not work until I used the proper tool to put the new connector on. The antenna works great and I don't have to worry about lowering it when I drive off.

[ed mulvaney]

I second the suggestion of Mike and Ruth Nilsons
I did the surface mount Jack and the reception of channels in Atlanta, Ga. went from 38 to 77 over the air! Amazing High Def. quality
Ed

[wa8yxm]

The one you have is among the best.

The Best is a Winegard Sensar IV (Or a II or III with wingman added)
and a Sensar Pro indoor module

Nothing else can do a better job of bringing in far off stations

Though the JACK is better close in.