There was a lot of bragging going on about the Wingman at the campsites I was staying at and when we got the new camper, we got one and after a fer camps we installed it. I pulled it off after the 2nd camp(on a 5 camp run) and tried to draw in the channels again. Short answer on my experience: Ours was better without the Wingman. With it on, we got 3-5 channels of moderate signal quality. Without it, we got between 15-18 channels that were all watchable. So. I did a little reading, yes, I should have prior, but I didn't, and I found out that it makes the antennae directional instead of how it is out right off the lot. Has anyone else had the same experience?

Yes and no....in our case the Wingman helped a LOT. Pulled in 32 channels camping this past weekend. Between the Wingman and the new SensarPro wall plate amplifier, our ability to track digital signals is MUCH better.I think the difference may be in the OEM antennae. Our RV is a 2008 model built in 2007 and before digital broadcast became as prevalent as it is now. We needed the Wingman to help our antenna receive more digital signals. Your RV is a lot newer and the Winegard unit that came OEM probably has digital capabilities built in already, so the Wingman may have actually hampered it. Sounds like it was cancelling out the digital signals on yours so you only got the analog signals.From what I have read, digital signals are not as directional as the old analog signals, so we do a lot less turning of the antenna that we had to prior to the Wingman. We also get much better reception with our new TVs that have digital tuners built in.

You could be right. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the response though.

The Winegard crank up antenna is directional. Head needs to be aimed at transponder tower to receive available channels....VHF (2-13) & UHF (14-51)The Wingman helps pull in UHF channels (14-51)Adding the wingman to our antenna helped alot.We use different websites to find the towersDTV ReceptionTV FoolAntenna WebThen aim the antenna towards the tower and scan for available channelsNo such thing as a digital antenna......digital signals can be picked up with a coat hanger provided the tv tuners are digitalDigital is all or nothing unlike analog where the signal would get snowy as signal level is reduced.

My Wingman made a HUGE difference. Many more channels. Many time, when staying one night, I don't even have raise it.

I use a Jack antenna so I don't have a dog in this fight but I thought the Wingman addon only worked on Winegard antennas. Not all batwings are Winegards. Are you certain you have a Winegard? Forest River website didn't specify what type of antenna was on the TT.

Wingman... Removed. | Good Sam Community

35 Replies

Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2014
We tend to be in AZ in the Summer and the NW in the Winter. Kind of sucks being me!
If you want to pay shipping I could send you one.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jun 26, 2014
BurbMan wrote:
Maybe OP will volunteer his since he's not using it :B
yeah but he could sell or give it to a good home. I'm coming at it with metal shears and a Dremel Tool... :)
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jun 26, 2014
I'm in Quartzsite in Jan., but will be all over Arizona doing a big microwave project hopefully AFTER summer. Are you there for any length of time?
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jun 26, 2014
Maybe OP will volunteer his since he's not using it :B
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2014
I have one that I would give you if we were nearby.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
Bill.Satellite wrote:
You can cut off the first "wing" and plastic all the way back to the beginning of the 2nd "wing". This will reduce reception a bit but you should still see about 75% of the gain that would have been available from all 3 wings. That may or may not be enough to provide the necessary clearance. If not (or even if it is), I would add the Sensar Pro to allow you to correctly point the antenna for best reception plus add a secondary inline amp to boost those weaker UHF signals (it will boost both UHF and VHF but the UHF seem to be the most frequently complained about).
Bill: I wouldn't buy one to cut it up, but if you ever run across a junked, but still mechanically intact Wingman (elements and spacing are still there), please let me know. It would be really interesting to bring out the big toys and precisely measure the decrease in gain and expanding sidelobes as the elements are removed front to back to clear obstructions.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Jun 25, 2014
rk911 wrote:
SCVJeff wrote:
ALL channels are NOT on UHF, that is a complete myth. While its true that a significant number did move, and mostly from Lo-VHF, VHF et al is alive and well nationwide. Look it up...

did someone say that ALL channels moved to UHF? you're right...not all have. but a lot have.
Yes they did. Read up
Dutch_12078
Explorer III
Jun 25, 2014
There are about 465 TV stations still broadcasting on VHF, plus an unknown number of repeaters and low power stations. Of those 465, about 38 stations still broadcast on the VHF-low (ch 2-6) band.
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Jun 25, 2014
You can cut off the first "wing" and plastic all the way back to the beginning of the 2nd "wing". This will reduce reception a bit but you should still see about 75% of the gain that would have been available from all 3 wings. That may or may not be enough to provide the necessary clearance. If not (or even if it is), I would add the Sensar Pro to allow you to correctly point the antenna for best reception plus add a secondary inline amp to boost those weaker UHF signals (it will boost both UHF and VHF but the UHF seem to be the most frequently complained about).
1775
Explorer
Jun 24, 2014
There are some large and major networks digitally broadcasting VHF in major markets - ABC in NY for one. For best reception with an antenna the antenna needs both good UHF and VHF capabilities - and despite what some of the omni-directional antennas claim, the antenna needs to be able to be pointed in the direction of the signal.

I have looked at adding the Wingman to my Winegard but the antenna is positioned so that where the Wingman would extend out, the black tank vent on the roof is in the way. It would be nice if there was a way to modify the position the Wingman is mounted by a few inches.

Forum Discussion

Wingman... Removed.

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