Community Forums

DonavonP · 01-07-2008, 05:04 AM

Has anyone done or know of a company that converts the batwing tv antenna to a directional yagi cellular antenna?

For me, the batwing is obsolete but the need for better cellular reception is important for the cell phone but more so for internet connectivity (Verizon V720 air card).

DonavonP · 01-07-2008, 05:04 AM

Has anyone done or know of a company that converts the batwing tv antenna to a directional yagi cellular antenna?

For me, the batwing is obsolete but the need for better cellular reception is important for the cell phone but more so for internet connectivity (Verizon V720 air card).

LLonearth · 01-07-2008, 06:37 AM

As I sit here watching free High Definition local programming on my TV, brought in by the Batwing, I wonder why you think off-air antennas are obsolete?

To try to answer your question, I don't think the Batwing is tuned to maximize the signals you are wanting for cell reception.

Route 66 · 01-07-2008, 06:48 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Has anyone done or know of a company that converts the batwing tv antenna to a directional yagi cellular antenna? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't believe I've heard of anyone doing that.

John Hilley · 01-07-2008, 07:31 AM

Some people have used the batwing to mount a directional WiFi or cellular antenna so that you can rotate for maximum signal. Some kind of mount could be made to add the WiFi or cellular antenna ans still retain the TV function.

DonavonP · 01-07-2008, 09:36 AM

LLonearth, it's only obsolete for my wife and I because of local tv content. We prefer HGTV, Science Channel, DIY, Discovery, and content not available in Minnesota, Wyoming,and Montana on local channels.

The batwing would be replaced with a Yagi antenna tuned for 800-894 MHz YAGI EXAMPLE

John Hilley, seems to me, from your other posts that you would be highly qualified in this area. I'd appreciate hearing about anything that comes up.

Thanks to everyone that has responded.

Tom N · 01-07-2008, 11:22 AM

I used a yagi cell antenna on PVC pipe but haven't needed it in 2 years.

Not a Yagi but a Wilson Trucker cell antenna.

-Tom

Moder2 · 01-07-2008, 11:51 AM

We did the same thing Tom did.

It wouldn't be hard to replace the bat wing with a directional antenna, but I don't think it would be possible to modify the current one, at least without any kind of gain or efficiency.

John

Pusherman · 01-07-2008, 12:47 PM

Tom N -- nice job! Great pic's. Makes it real easy to understand your installation.

You could probably do the same with a Yagi w/o having to dismantle the batwing. Then you could use either when you chose, and if you get real creative on how the Yagi is mounted on the batwing, both!

paz · 01-07-2008, 02:09 PM

Tom N - good idea to get extra height for the cell phone antenna, but how do you use it while driving?

Tom N · 01-07-2008, 03:04 PM

This isn't my motorhome. A friend sent me these photos a long time ago.

I use a Wilson mag mount stuck upside down on one of my surround sound speaker mounts over the dash. Actually a mag mount on either side of the dash, one for me and one for the wife. I have a cellular yagi antenna but only had it up once on a piece of PVC pipe while parked.

In the last few years, here on the East coast, I've only been without a usable Verizon cell signal, for data or voice, 2 or 3 times.

Tom
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