Forum Discussion

Artum_Snowbird's avatar
Feb 24, 2014

Angling the TV Antenna to the stations

I have a cheap TV (RCA 15 inch) in the camper, and for the most part it works just fine for us. We like it for the news and weather, and really don't plan on watching much more than that.

My problem is the signal sensing bar. If it is a weak signal and I have not got it pointed just right, the channel scan will not pick up the channels and show them on the scan.

From there, I might miss completely good usable signals unless I do multiple passes and swing the antenna about 45 degrees with each pass and try and scan to find more channels.

I have no idea what I might use to help this little dilemma... any suggestions?

20 Replies

  • AntennaPoint.com will also tell you where each network (CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, etc.) has nearby antennas.

    I use it every time we change locations. It's amazing what good over the air reception is available now.

    Hope this helps.
  • This little gadget Sure Lock Signal Finder works great.

    Attach it to an antenna output, turn it on and rotate the bat wing until you get the strongest signal, then run the scan on the TV.

    I have mine attached to an unused output on my distribution box and just let it hang out of the cabinet where I can see it from the antenna crank.

    With digital TV you need to have a pretty good signal before the TV will pick it up.

    Whoops, see Roy beat me to it!
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    OK I'll bite...

    There is a HDTV signal finder you can have inline with the RG cable that will MAX UP on the digital TV signals. This is the King Controls SureLock SL1000 Digital TV Signal Finder (SL-1000)... The new HDTV signal all operate on HIGH VHF and UHF frequencies and you have to be pretty zero'ed in on them before picking them up in your TV digital scan. Using the SURELOCK finder you just move the antenna back and forth until you find the signal - keep reducing the gain until you MAX the idiots lights and that will be the direction of the HDTV transmitter. Then you can run the DIGITAL SCAN from your HDTV scan menu.


    We usually get 6-36 digital high def TV signals just about everywhere we go here on the East side of the US... This is with using the BATWING OTA antenna setup.

    Roy Ken
  • After scanning and finding a station, I use the on screen signal strength meter to max the signal. Now if this station is in the direction of the only signals your likely to receive just re-scan and you should be good to go.
  • It's the nature of the beast-digital signals are "all or none" you can't view a weak signal like we could with analog.
  • I have the same problems. Just wish I could reach up and grab a signal with my hand. Waste more time on attempting to acquire 1 or "a" channel than it takes to set up the entire fifth wheel.

    Have a Winegard Sensar with powered head. hmmmmmm. what am I doing wrong.
  • :( oh, come on, somebody has a trick don't they? :) please?

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