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tvfrfireman's avatar
tvfrfireman
Explorer
Feb 08, 2014

Winegard motorized antenna not working, what now?

Drove with the antenna up and then replaced the damaged parts. It would raise and lower but not rotate. Today, I got on the roof to try and manually aim it and must have broke something as we get no stations. They know longer make the MA1000 W antenna's and the only place I can get one is from DRV (who made our rig) who has bought up all the units and wants to charge me $500 bucks for a new one. It sounds a little high to me. They are still installing these antenna's even though they are not made any more. I can't put a manual in as the location would require a step ladder to aim it. I am so out of touch with all this tech stuff I don't know where to start. I want the major network channels and I have heard a lot of conflicting stories about Dish vs. DTV and don't know what to buy. In a nut shell, what would you do. Thanks for any help in this matter. David

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  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Feb 08, 2014
    Have you called Winegard about the possibility of sending it to them for repairs? I don't know if this is something they can do but it's worth a call.
    One other question. Is the antenna operating correctly (up/down/left/right) but not receiving channels or is the antenna operation failing?
  • MNtundraRet's avatar
    MNtundraRet
    Navigator
    Feb 08, 2014
    Yes. Some 5th-wheels do have the antenna high up on the ceiling where no one can reach it without a ladder. That's why they installed the powered rotating Winegard.

    There is no other choice that will work as well. Considering your choices are very limited (1) and no other will be found close by (considering fuel), you only option is letting the dealer install the replacement.

    Otherwise; deal with reaching the crank and install a Winegard IV and Sensor Pro. Only a fool would purchase a Omni-directional antenna unless they were on a seasonal site within 25 miles of the closest transmitter.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Feb 08, 2014
    I can't put a manual in as the location would require a step ladder to aim it.


    this an OTA ..only electric
    is the inside of your RV so tall that you can't reach a ceiling crank
    there is some issue here that i am missing
    why won't a regular winegard sensor pro work for you ?
    is there a physical or health issue not apparent in your posts , that prevents the use of a regular crank up
    the lowest price i found on the net was $409.99 shipped, not installed
    IF you can't use a crank up then i'm afraid you are stuck with your OEM's replacement costs
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    Feb 08, 2014
    Yeah, don't install an omni! You will not be happy.
    The unit you have retailed for over $400 plus installation so while I think DRV is trying to make the usual unnecessarily high profit that most dealers do, Winegard is currently not retailing that unit and your manufacturer is your best source. I believe that Winegard will come out with a replacement automatic unit but I can't say for certain and I can't say when.
    I did the same thing with an older Concorde Braun antenna and had to bite the bullet and install a new unit (the Winegard auto). Yes, it hurts but there's just nothing better available.
  • WyoTraveler's avatar
    WyoTraveler
    Explorer
    Feb 08, 2014
    I would bet any RV dealer would install an OTA antenna for a lot less than $500 if that is what you have. For a motorized satellite antenna it may cost more than $500 installed.

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