antenna upgrade

[JCMack]

I am thinking of upgrading the antenna head of my winegard system (model VS-0604/VS-6412) by adding the new Sensar IV batwing head.Is this a worth while improvement for over the air reception. The cost is minimal and I must be sure it will clear the AC unit, do the make longer square legs to move head higher thus clear the AC unit when it is down. Thanks

[Dutch_12078]

JCMack wrote:
I am thinking of upgrading the antenna head of my winegard system (model VS-0604/VS-6412) by adding the new Sensar IV batwing head.Is this a worth while improvement for over the air reception. The cost is minimal and I must be sure it will clear the AC unit, do the make longer square legs to move head higher thus clear the AC unit when it is down. Thanks

Winegard doesn't offer longer legs for the batwing, but I have seen similar aluminum tubing in hardware/home improvement stores that could be used to fabricate your own. I wouldn't suggest extending them very much though, since you'll be putting a heavier load on the gear mechanism. You can also cut off the end element on the Wingman if necessary to get the needed clearance. That will reduce the effectiveness, but not drastically.

[Johno02]

I saw a great improvement whenI upgradex to the Sensar IV with the wing built in. We are currently in an extreme location on the east coast so I added the Sensar Pro meter, for more improvement. Note that terrain is flat and low, but we are viewing stations at 65mile range. Would not expect this in other terrains.

[wa8yxm]

Batwing is the best VHF and just about tied at UHF with the competition without the wingman

Add the wingman it adds around 3DB (Double the power) gain to the Batwing (1.414 times the range). Making the antenna outperform all competitors for distance.

I also added the Sensar PRO indoor module (Switch/Power supply, Much more) and I am currently watching a show I recorded last night over the air.. STUDIO QUALITY, 45.2 mils RF carrier channel 39 UHF

I Might add the local cable company is not as clear on this channel (3)


now Channel 11 (Carrier and display here) VHF is a mile closer and sometimes drops out. It comes in better on cable.

It seems that 50-60 miles or less depending on the power and height of the transmitter is the max range. But nobody makes a better one for RV use.

(I ovent shot 100 mile paths from my parents house but hey. a 100' Tower and an antenna dang near as long as my RV... That will do it.)

[n7bsn]

The wing-add-on is a must

[cpoo]

Yes. I have not been thrilled with the Jack antenna.

[jorbill2or]

Yes when I had a batwing the adapter ( wingman ) made a big difference in uhf channels what most stations are now on . The batwing with wingman is highly directional but picks up distant stations well if pointed properly