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c-webster's avatar
c-webster
Explorer
Oct 31, 2017

Tired of antenna handle breaking

My wife and I use our motorhome to travel (no permanent location) and sometimes we like to watch a TV program in the evening. If we can't get anything, that's not really a problem for us--we're definitely not TV dependent. However, when we want to watch it's frustrating to have the crank handle break when there's no convenient place to get a new one. We'd like to replace the TV antenna with either a unit that cranks up but doesn't have a sure-to-break plastic handle or an omni-directional unit.

Is there an antenna that cranks up with a handle that's less likely to break--maybe a metal handle?

If we go with the omni-directional unit on our Damon Astoria, is there a risk that wind will rip the antenna off? (Sometimes traveling in the west, we're going 65 mph while the wind is blowing against us at 40 mph making the effective wind 100 mph.)

We're not channel mongers. If we can't find anything we'd enjoy watching, we have other entertainment options, so while we'd like to maximize our reception, that's not the most important issue. We want a reliable antenna that won't break the roof and won't fall apart with use.

Any advice?

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  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2017
    04fxsts wrote:
    My problem with the crank up is also the plastic handle but not breaking the handle. when I pull the directional ring down to rotate the antenna the handle and spring go flying off. I am afraid of stripping the threads out of the plastic handle if I tighten the set screw too much. I try to push up on the handle while rotating the ring but this is also a pain. If there is a metal replacement handle I could probably tighten it so it wouldn't slip off.


    The problem you're having isn't with the handle but the shaft to which it's secured with a set screw. This shaft is quite long in order to accommodate installation on a variety of different thickness roofs so it's often cut shorter during installation. Often this cut is sloppily done, with the result being the handle set screw not maintaining a tight grip on the shaft. The solution is to replace this shaft yourself and cut it to length, making sure you make a clean, straight cut, and allow sufficient length for the handle to slip over it and the set screw to firmly grip the shaft. This replacement shaft is shown in the owner's manual as part RP-4000. I've done this mod myself and it does solve the problem entirely. All that said, if you're tired of pulling down on the rotating ring and having to constantly rotate the antenna to find stations the Winegard Rayzar Automatic I linked to will solve all those issues for you.
  • 04fxsts's avatar
    04fxsts
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2017
    My problem with the crank up is also the plastic handle but not breaking the handle. when I pull the directional ring down to rotate the antenna the handle and spring go flying off. I am afraid of stripping the threads out of the plastic handle if I tighten the set screw too much. I try to push up on the handle while rotating the ring but this is also a pain. If there is a metal replacement handle I could probably tighten it so it wouldn't slip off. Jim.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2017
    The Sensar antenna handle shouldn't break if the elevating mechanism is properly lubricated - a maintenance procedure that is clearly described in the Winegard Sensar Owner's Manual. Since the OP apparently lives in this rig convenience of use should be sufficient reason to replace his Sensar antenna with a Winegard Rayzar Automatic antenna, eliminating any breaking handle issue because of lack of maintenance.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Oct 31, 2017
    Proper annual lubrication will resolve thid problem. Until you can get a replacement handle (and lubricate the antenna) you can clamp a pair of vice grips to the shaft.
  • dalenoel's avatar
    dalenoel
    Explorer II
    Oct 31, 2017
    If the antenna is hard to crank or it chatters when coming down then it needs to be lubed. I went up by mine and sprayed silicone lube in the gear on top. Also got to the shaft and lubed it the same way. Now the antenna goes very easy and it does not chatter when coming down. Don't know how long this will last as I only did it in the Spring.

    I have no pressure on the handle and it wouldn't break a handle now.
  • jerseyjim's avatar
    jerseyjim
    Explorer
    Oct 31, 2017
    Presumably you have a "Bat-Wing" ? What on earth are you doing...as far as tightening the thing? If it is hard to open (extend) go up on the roof and spray the mechanism with silicone.

    It should open and close without any problems... in closing, (lowering) once you you hear the antenna (hit) the roof...just give it a VERY gentle tweak...and you're done!

    Hope this helps.............

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