Forum Discussion

Bayley's avatar
Bayley
Explorer
Oct 17, 2015

Omnidirectional TV Antenna

We were recently on a trip to a somewhat remote campground where we had electricity so we decided to try to get a TV signal. I have a newer 5th wheel with an Omnidirectional 360 degree (non telescopic)
antenna. I ran a complete channel scan with no result.

My camping neighbor had an older analog TV with a converter box. He has a telescoping directional antenna.
He was able to pick up 4 channels.

Does anyone have experience with the omnidirectional antenna and would I be better off to have a telescoping antenna on my rig?

Thanks for any input!
Tony

17 Replies

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  • willi4nd's avatar
    willi4nd
    Explorer
    Oct 18, 2015
    Replaced my stock Antenna Tek 550 with a Winegard Sensar and Wingman, 44 channels.

    Was considering the omnidirectional but could not find many reviews and the $350 price tag scared me.
  • Searching_Ut's avatar
    Searching_Ut
    Explorer
    Oct 17, 2015
    I just traded in my TT that had an Omni directional antenna (Not because of the antenna mind you) and had almost forgotten how much worse the reception was on it compared to the TT I had before it. Now that I have a good "old style" antenna again I'm quite pleased with how much better the reception is.
  • TXiceman's avatar
    TXiceman
    Explorer II
    Oct 17, 2015
    An Omnidirectional antenna receives equally bad in all directions. Best thing to do is trash it anf get a Winegard Sensar IV.

    Ken
  • lap527's avatar
    lap527
    Explorer
    Oct 17, 2015
    We trashed ours and had a batwing installed. Biggest POS they put on campers, IMHO. We like to watch the news and at night while falling asleep.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 17, 2015
    Omnidirection sits flat on roof and has limited distance


    The higher one can get an antenna the better

    The higher and having the ability to 'aim' antenna even better

    The higher, ability to 'aim' with increased UHF even better still


    I have Winegard With Wingman and use a website that shows direction/distance to towers gives me the best reception
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Oct 17, 2015
    Tony, unless you camp close to TV towers, the omni antennas are junk. I have one, and about the only thing it is good for, is the FM radio.

    I use a Jack antenna on a mast, fastened to my ladder, if no channels show up on the omni scan.

    Jerry
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Oct 17, 2015
    As Someone said on a forum just earlier today, it's possible your air-conditioner could have been blocking the signal. Nice thing about batwings, is they do crank up higher than everything on the top of your camper. Chances are, nothing is wrong, just the air conditioner blocked the signal. (I'm just guessing ... )

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