TV Reception / Digital Antennas

To actually answer the OP's question... (I read that as digital device or antenna, not digital antenna)

I put the Wingman attachment on my batwing Winegard and switched to the Sensar Pro for the booster/switch. This works fairly well for stations with transmitters with 30 miles, but not so great on the fringes. The Wingman does a better job at picking up the UHF band.

Not sure where I saw the port (probably tech issues), but Ace Hardware has a UHF array thats is reported to work great. I was thinking about building a mast with that on the top for the fringe areas.

And now, queue the "I go camping to get away from television" crowd...:R

First "Digital Antenna" Is a marketing ploy the antenna could care less if the signal is digital, analog, or something yet to be invented (I left out a whole bunch of modulation types I often use)

To prove it I have 50' of wire running over my RV I use on Ham Bands.
AM, SSB, FM Digital modes.. all the same wire, even the same transmitter. Just switch a switch or 3.

Now.. What is different between Digital and Analog TV.

Well in the analog days the stations all wanted lower frequencies cause they tend to travel farther. VHF low band (2-3-4-5) was popular and VHF HIGH (7-13) as second choice.

But with DIGITAL they want the UHF band (14-69 now days) because the higher frequencies mean you can cram in more sub channels.

SO in DETROIT. Channel 2,, broadcasts on 7 and Channel 7 on 41.. Both moved UP in frequency. So you need a UHF capable antenna for best performance and you may still find need for VHF, especially VHF-High.

For a house.. A top end Channel master. with Rotor and Tower can see stations a long, long long way off (I've done 100 miles plus)

For an RV don't expect that kind of performance. for one thing that tower was 100' and yes. This Acrophobe has been to the top (Good safety harness)

For RV use. the Winegard Sensar IV. with a SENSAR PRO interior module (Power supply/switch/additional amp/signal strength indicator/scanner) is the best

Mine is an Sensar III + Wingman.. (Basically the same as the IV) with Sensar pro.

WOrks great..

I highly recommend the sensar Pro.. It makes a big difference

IF You already have a Sensar II or III You can add the wingman for about 30 bucks

The Sensar Pro replaces the wall plate, with the switch, light, 12 volt outlet and antenna connection..

I crank the antenna up. Touch the MODE button as many times as needed to get to Scan. and peak on the strongest carrier (NOTE: Carrier channels displayed on the Sensar Pro may be different from the TV channel display. YOu can go into MENU on the TV (generally the manually add a station) and it will tell you the carrier for the CURRENT Station (Whatever you are tuned to).

FOr example in this RV park I know to to to Carrier 12, and two notches clockwise of peak. But I spend a lot of time here.

I can also change the carrier I'm seeking (Read the instructions)

ONe more thing

IN the days of ANalog signals went 5,4,3,2,1,0

Now days it's 5,5,5,5,2,0

The signal on my TV is "Studio Quality" less it breaks up (the 2) then it's ****.

THe Sensar Pro lets me amplify the signal MORE than the roof top amp does as well. Big improvement in a few places I park.

I spent 3 years stuck in GA. My favorite station came in better most times on the antenna than on PARK CABLE (Which was free) believe it or not..

Uh oh! Here come all the TV nerds! LOL

All antennas pick up digital signals. Some do it better than others. I use a Jack which for me and most people I know has worked better than a batwing with wingman add on.

A paper clip stuck in the television coax cable "in" plug will pull in all kinds of digital signal. No special antenna, and anything that is advertising "Digital" as something special is selling snake oil. ANY antenna will work to pull in over-the air stations.... even that paper clip. Don't believe me, try it!

Our trailer has an old school batwing antenna with the "booster????" (Ok SoundGuy... you convinced me!) We pull in over 60 channels at home, and when traveling, of course it depends on location.

Currently we are at Boonsboough State Park, Kentucky, and our batwing is pulling in about 30 different stations. Of course, the antenna has to be rotated some to pull different stations in better, but still, it's no problem at all. Signal strength is pretty good right here!

And of course, every time we move to a new location (camping), we have to re-scan the television.

If your Rv is older, or does not have an antenna please state so. Some on here will get a little dismissive on blanket questions.
There are antennas which provide decent service, The "bat wing" designs have become standards and work pretty well.
What problem are you experiencing, and where?

If you are having an issue with your antenna, you should say what yours is, so others can comment that they like/don't like that model. Always a good idea to fill in your profile page, with RV model, truck used for towing, etc.

Jerry

Dutch_12078 wrote:
There are no "digital TV antennas".

Of course, but it must be fun to say it - since everyone does. :W

It's also popular to call the television wall plate a "booster" when in fact it has no ability to amplify the signal at all - it merely routes 12 vdc power to the antenna head where there is a signal preamp and routes the appropriate signal to the television.

Fun though ... apparently. :p

MY wineguard works fine

There are no "digital TV antennas". RF signals are RF signals, and the old standby amplified Winegard crankup "batwing" works just fine. Installing a "Wingman" add-on element array will enhance the UHF performance though unless you have the newer model that includes it. When "digital" and "HD" terms are used to describe TV antennas, they are products of the marketing department, not the engineering department.