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vampirefish's avatar
vampirefish
Explorer
Jul 26, 2022

Winegard antenna… what’s it good for?

Howdy all. I just acquired an awesome Class C with this whole setup: Dishnetwork receiver (some VIP series) and auto Winegard antenna (not sure of model but big bubble on top of roof). Can I only use dishnetwork or DirectTV with this antenna, or can I take advantage and use this antenna for local digital stations? I am not looking to buy a subscription (monthly or not) to use Dish or DirectTV at the moment. I cut the cord years ago so can use a ROKU in my trailer or Apple TV for that matter. Just wondering on the digital TV channels is all. I’ve never used one of these things (auto sat dish) before.
  • To answer your question, no, the Winegard dome antennas are for satellite reception only and will not pick up the local over the air digital broadcasts. Winegard does make a few over the air antennas that do pick up the local stations, but the domes are not among them.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Most winegard Sat antennas (Big bubble) are compatable with Dish (All modes) and Direc TV (SD only far as I know but this may have changed)

    Since you have a DISH receiver.. I'm going to guess it's programmed for DISH.

    Best option.. Visit a DISH dealer and park "in the clear" ( Like the middle of a large parking lot) fire up the receiver and the antenna and see if it "locks" (Finds a satellite) you may need the dealer to pop in a new card in the receiver to receive anytyhing other than the Dish "Brag" channel (I think that's 101) or NASA (if it's set for NASA) most everything else is encrypted. That's what the card does (Contains decryption key)
  • lenr's avatar
    lenr
    Explorer III
    The Winegard antenna will receive over the air broadcast TV stations 99% of which are digital and free. You then need a digital TV (the only thing sold for many years). If you don't have one, go buy one. A Roku requires an internet connection possibly from a campground WiFi or from a hot spot on a cellular phone. All of these (TV, WiFi, cellular, etc) have to be in range to work.
  • It appears you can only use it for Dish programming.
  • You would need to identify which antenna you have. Then look it up to determine what system it will receive and whether it can be changed.

    Winegard antennas
    What part of eastern Washington?

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