Jack Digital HDTV Antenna Replacement Head

I just went back to the test and added numbers to each pic so its easier to sort out 27 different tests

If anyone wants to know how the two antennas stack up (Well actually 3 or 4 antennas, but you can read about why I added numbers on the link) this is another thread in this very forum:

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27171026.cfm

The long elements on the Batwing have no effect on it's UHF reception. BUT contrary to apparently popular opinion, VHF is NOT dead by any means. In Los Angeles, channels 7, 9, 11, & 13 are still alive and well, and all are network-owned stations.

If you go back and look at the Batwing vs. Jack comparison, and look at the VHF tests between the Batwing (pic# 8) and Jack (pic# 22), there is a 10db difference between the two antennas looking at channel 7. That is a HUGE difference!, and can easily mean the difference between completely usable OTA, with a built-in fade margin, and zero reception. It's performance on UHF trails behind the Batwing as well, with or with out the Wingman attached.

But, if it don't fit, it don't fit...

trb46 wrote:

ericosmith wrote:
That's what I did, about a 60 second installation. Works fine.

Takes longer to climb up the ladder with your tools than it does to switch out the antenna heads. My reception improved after I installed the Jack. Your results may be different.

DH took longer to get on roof then install. We are happy.

Yes, you just replace the head and connect the coax (MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SELECTED CABLE OR TURNED OFF POWER TO THE BOX OF MANY BUTTONS before removing the Batwing.

Then, if you have the wingman added, you can expect much poorer performance from your new antenna.

Suggestion: Before you spend money on the Jack, replace the section of coax that goes from the roof bulkhead connector to the head.. This often "Wears out" as it were.

The Batwing is 3-10 DB more powerful than the Jack depending on the frequency. OR MORE.

RoyB wrote:
I found the JACk antenna to be more NARROW beam i.e. have to be more precise on pointing it towards the transmitting tower. In my case here in Northern Neck VA the local TV comes from the Washington DC area which has TV towers on both sides of the district. Using the BATWING I am able to watch all three networks just fine with one position of the OTA antenna. Using the KING antenna I have to move the antenna abit to get all of the networks coming from Washington DC.

Once tuned in the JACK Antenna works great here. You will probably see little difference in reception using the JACK over the BATWING in your installation... The JACK Antenna is certainly a much smaller footprint.

The JACK Antenna is very easy to install on the existing crank-up assy with just two pins being used. Takes less than five minutes to install.



Roy Ken

Washington DC is one of those areas where 2 of the 3 major networks remain on the VHF frequency. ABC 7 and CBS 9 but NBC 4 is broadcast on UHF 48. That means the long VHF arms of the Batwing will have better reception of both UHF and VHF much easier.

OK, Guys. You have sold me on the idea to keep the Batwing. I think I will reposition the MH around so the MotoSat dish will not be in the way of the rotation of the Batwing. I think that this is the first time this has been an issue.
Thanks, Jim

YC 1 wrote:
Guess I have to disagree with the batwing outperforming the Jack.

IF the batwing has the add on then yes, the gain is a bit more but is much more directional. The Jack was designed with the UHF frequencies used by most of the current television stations due to the Digital change which also included a frequency change.

I have installed several Jack antenna's and they perform extremely well.

Well worth the money and changing the head is a breeze. Needle nose pliars to remove a couple of C clips, some tape to re-secure the coax and you are done.

I take from your post you are making money doing this and have something to gain here. Replacing with a Jack may seem less costly then the labor to check all connections without replacement. The customer feels like he got something new for his money.

I would like to add a few points why replacing the head with a Jack Antenna may end up working better.

- Replacing the head involved re-attaching the coaxial cable to a clean connector on the head. Doing same on old may have worked.

- Replacing the power injector would have taken care of a failed amplifier in the old antenna head, or re-attachments of coaxial cables and 12v wires connected.

- You already mentioned adding the Wingman. That alone would have improved getting channels above 14.

I found the JACk antenna to be more NARROW beam i.e. have to be more precise on pointing it towards the transmitting tower. In my case here in Northern Neck VA the local TV comes from the Washington DC area which has TV towers on both sides of the district. Using the BATWING I am able to watch all three networks just fine with one position of the OTA antenna. Using the KING antenna I have to move the antenna abit to get all of the networks coming from Washington DC.

Once tuned in the JACK Antenna works great here. You will probably see little difference in reception using the JACK over the BATWING in your installation... The JACK Antenna is certainly a much smaller footprint.

The JACK Antenna is very easy to install on the existing crank-up assy with just two pins being used. Takes less than five minutes to install.



Roy Ken

I just revived Jeff's past post on testing the antennas.

You will find it in this forum category.