Community Forums

RVluvin · 07-16-2011, 11:20 AM

RV parks always claim to provided more TV channels than the 5 or 6 channels I receive. My tv is connected directly to the wall plate. Is there some other piece of equipment I should be connecting between the TV and connection on the wall. Thanks.

texnet · 07-16-2011, 11:43 AM

For either a cable hookup from the RV Park or off the air signals of television stations you will need to use your TVs menu system to scan for available channels as they will change at each location.

njs42 · 07-16-2011, 12:13 PM

Make sure you use your TV menu to scan for channels---it usually has a menu feature called "set up" or something similar. We do this every time we set up in a new park and we get all the channels.

RickO · 07-16-2011, 12:26 PM

Even while at the same park we have to run the channel scan when switching between park cable and OTA antenna.

I'm betting this is the root of your problem.

Good luck...

Rick

wa8yxm · 07-16-2011, 04:49 PM

I have over 20 "Services" where I'm at (Over 8 channels) I've seen the count hit 30 or more, and I've seen it hit 3.

First: Assuming you have the common WINEGARD Sensar go toAddress and enter your zip or address. then follow instrucitons to the map, fine tune your location and find out where the stations are (Several web pages down as you click)

now point your antenna in that direction.

Second, If you have a WINEGARD SENSAR (Batwing) Not a competitor's add the Wingman

With all of them. That wall plate you mentioned has a switch and a light, LIGHT ON PLEASE.

Finally.. Some folks have reported success with an in-line pre-amp, it goes between the wall plate and the TV, I'm a bit leary of those but will try one.... Later. They run about 40-50 bucks and just now I need that someplace else.

num1dgh · 07-16-2011, 05:13 PM

I went nuts at an RV park in San Diego with our Winnebago at the time trying to get more than just a few TV channels. I finally complained to the park manager and told him that they shouldn't promise all those channels and not provide them. He very obligingly came out to the MH with me, picked up my remote, and explained that I did not have it set on CATV for cable TV. I sure felt silly!

Not only do you have to scan everytime you go to a different park, but you need to be sure that CATV is enabled on your TV.

Bill Adams · 07-16-2011, 05:35 PM

What are you trying to watch? Cable or OTA? If OTA using a Winegard Batwing are you getting all of the channels that others around you are receiving? If not, you will want to add the Wingman as mentioned above. Additionally, Winegard has now added a product called the Sensar Pro to their line of products which adds a secondary amplifier to the Sensar antenna helping to bring in distant networks.
If you are wanting OTA channels, have you checked to ensure the power supply is turned on (switch on and light lit on wall plate)? If so, but you are not getting many channels you can go up on the roof with a voltage meter, remove the coax from the Sensar and check the voltage at that end of the coax to ensure you have 12+V to allow activation of the antenna's amplifier.

paz · 07-16-2011, 06:20 PM

As others have said, run setup when switching from cable to OTA and vice versa.

As others have also said, if watching OTA channels, make sure the power to the wall plate is turned ON.

► If watching cable, turn the power to the wall plate OFF. ◄

goldwingerx2 · 07-16-2011, 10:01 PM

I have found that the brand, model etc can make a difference also. Right now we are sitting in Forest City at the Winnebago National Rally. The front TV is getting less channels than the bedroom TV. Without moving the antenna I get NBC on it, the front TV says no signal I can turn the antenna and still no NBC on the front TV. Don't know if this helps or not.

MikeandClaudia · 07-16-2011, 10:28 PM

We were at Branson, MO and had very poor reception. I went and bought a Winegard Co - Winegard Wingman - Over-the-Air Antennas - Camping World

Wineguard Wingman and got three additional channels after installing it.

I also fine, if I am on a fringe area, that I may need to rotate the antenna slightly one way or the other in order to get the most power for the picture.

It cost $ 24 or so, but I am happy with it.

Half Dimes · 07-16-2011, 10:35 PM

I just bought the Surelock Digital Signal Finder a couple of days ago and have been using it successfully to locate OTA digital signals so I can aim the antenna before doing the scan. It retails for $39.95 but can be found for less.

RVluvin · 07-17-2011, 02:21 PM

I usally set up the satalight dish, but there are the one night stays that just not worth the trouble or I don't have a clear view of the SE sky. I'll admit, I never thought to run through the set up and ensure I'm on CATV. I'm sure I'll have better luck next try.

Thanks every!!

Easyrider · 07-17-2011, 02:42 PM

Before investing in the Wingman, consider getting the "Jack" antenna instead. I've tried both and though the Jack antenna costs about twice as much it gave us much more bang for the buck!

mrschwarz · 07-17-2011, 07:49 PM

There is a difference between channel numbers over the air and on a cable system. Any channels beyond 12 are between broadcast channels 7 and 8 (I think. It may be a couple of others). When you set up to watch cable, you need to change the tuner to use cable channels, not OTA channels.