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

HappyKayakers
Explorer III
Jun 23, 2014
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.
Tom_N
Explorer
Jun 23, 2014
My Wingman made a HUGE difference. Many more channels. Many time, when staying one night, I don't even have raise it.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Jun 23, 2014
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 towers
DTV Reception
TV Fool
Antenna Web

Then aim the antenna towards the tower and scan for available channels

No such thing as a digital antenna......digital signals can be picked up with a coat hanger provided the tv tuners are digital
Digital is all or nothing unlike analog where the signal would get snowy as signal level is reduced.
stahrmcgee
Explorer
Jun 23, 2014
You could be right. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks for the response though.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jun 23, 2014
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.

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Wingman... Removed.

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