Has anyone installed one of these digital replacement antennas:http://tweetys.com/jack-digital-hdtv-antenna-w-built-in-signal-meter.aspx I like the idea it doesn't have to be cranked up and has its own built in amp and signal locator.

LinkaroonieI did. It's a nice part and seems to work well. During this coming season I plan on using both the Batwing and the Jack and keeping track of the differences in reception between them.

The following link shows a comparison of the Jack and Batwing. If you can read the spectrum analyzer results you can see the the Batwing really does outperform the JackTo me the biggest down-side of the Jack is it is NOT designed for VHF stations, almost all major markets have at least one VHF stationLink

Nice article. I read Spectra so this is a good comparison. It would be nice to have one of those $20K Analyzers, wouldn't it? Yep, carrying around an extra 25 pounds and 2 cubic feet of space not to mention the power draw.Oh, well. If someone can borrow one and analyze and publish, I say good on 'em.

Gonzo42 wrote:Nice article. I read Spectra so this is a good comparison. It would be nice to have one of those $20K Analyzers, wouldn't it? Yep, carrying around an extra 25 pounds and 2 cubic feet of space not to mention the power draw.Oh, well. If someone can borrow one and analyze and publish, I say good on 'em.It was $60kOP: It's not a digital antenna, its just an agnostic antenna. Also, rule #1 in radio of any kind, and the hams here will back this up: There is NO substitution for height.Getting the antenna away from the RV and all the noise generated within (like allot of LED's) can often make all the difference in reception. If you INSIST on installing a Jack, at least get one that can be mounted on the mast that you can get away from the coach and up in the air where where it belongs.

Bought a new TT and didn't have time to change the Batwing to the Jack antenna before first trip. Got to campground and could not receive any stations so as to be able to watch TV on the Batwing. Climbed up on the roof and changed over to the Jack antenna. I then got 5-6 stations clear and strong with NO break up of signal. I'd go with the Jack even though some report shows different on a bench test, real life use is what counts.

"Jack" digital antenna | Good Sam Community

earnesttee
Explorer
May 07, 2014
I install one on my crank up and removed the bat wing best thing I have done as far as signal it is great lot better than bat wing
B_O__Plenty
Explorer II
May 06, 2014
I added just the head to my original mast. My reasons were different than most. My old antennae rattled so much when it was windy that it kept us awake at night. Even when we cranked it down it was noisy. The Jack doesn't do that. As a bonus our reception is now better as well.

B.O.
SCVJeff
Explorer
May 06, 2014
dodge guy wrote:
AH, I see. well just try and get it up as high as possible for a good signal!
There is no substitute for height, BUT... It's not unusual to park the antenna in a null, and those can happen about every 6" with some stations for a variety of reasons. Often when you run into a marginal station you can slowly crank the mast down several inches and make a substantial difference in receive carrier.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 06, 2014
AH, I see. well just try and get it up as high as possible for a good signal!
shepcal
Explorer
May 06, 2014
Never had an antenna on TH, internally wired for antenna, but due to modifications made when it was build, these are on wrong side of trailer.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 06, 2014
Why not mount it on the existing antenna mast? The higher the better!
shepcal
Explorer
May 06, 2014
This is interesting! For the last 5 years on my trips to the desert, I have taken Dish. I'm a TV addict; in the TH, TV is on.

Usually I can find the birds in less than 10 minutes. Some times it takes forever, sometimes only one. For a backup (and NASCAR) I bought a Jack head. I'm not going to mount it on roof. Gonna use the bucket of cement for base and the Jack. Desert get some high winds and will experiment. Jack away from trailer couple feet off ground; if that doesn't work can strap a pole to side. Not many trees to worry about just distances and mountains. We'll see??? ;-)

Shep
Crabbypatty
Explorer
May 05, 2014
I just did the replacement unit not the whole unit and it works really well. Cranking isn't an issue as it's much lighter
rbpru
Explorer II
May 05, 2014
I would guess the bat wing add on will require more accurate antenna pointing.

Basically it is adding directional elements to improve the signal pickup; making it more like the old home TV antennas you had to point towards the tv stations.
dodge_guy
Explorer II
May 05, 2014
The Jack replaces the old out of date batwing. so it sits flat on the roof when in the lowered position. all the old crankup hardware is reused.

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