It's been a couple years since I've been on this forum and am glad to be back. Two years ago we sold our Class C in hopes of moving to a Class A. For different reasons it took a bit longer than expected. Anyway, I head out to Arizona in a couple weeks to pick up the '99 Dutch Star DP we just purchased.I just found out that the tv antenna on the rig is not digital. Do I need to replace only the head (as I've heard) or does the entire unit need to be replaced...as the dealer is telling me?Thanks

You should not need to replace the antenna. What's there covers the the VHF and UHF bands that are the same ones used for analog. For some Winegard models there is a clip on that adds about 3 dB gain in UHF, where some of the VHF stations got shifted.

But you need to get a converter box that will change the signal from anolog to digital signal if you've on older TV.

you might need a digital ready TV but they have a unit that just snaps into place on the antenna unit. I bought one for mine and it really works. I get so many more channels now than I used to. some I didn't even know were in this area. the snap in unit runs about $30

We never changed our antenna, just went to a new TV with digital. But a converter box would work also if it's an older TV.The first digital TV I bought I hooked a bare wire to the antenna input and picked up at least 10 local stations off the air. Rabbit ears will work too. I think your dealer is trying to sell you something you don't need.

roscott wrote:It's been a couple years since I've been on this forum and am glad to be back. Two years ago we sold our Class C in hopes of moving to a Class A. For different reasons it took a bit longer than expected. Anyway, I head out to Arizona in a couple weeks to pick up the '99 Dutch Star DP we just purchased.I just found out that the tv antenna on the rig is not digital. Do I need to replace only the head (as I've heard) or does the entire unit need to be replaced...as the dealer is telling me?Thanksroscott, Well Sir, congrats on the new rig. I'm sure you'll plenty for us to help you with once you get a hold if it and either start to travel or, just are doing some tinkering on it. Now, as for your TV system, for starters, the first thing we need to know is, is it the original TV that was installed in '99 when the coach was built? If so, it is definitely NOT a digital ready TV. It's an analog one. And, since "Big Brother) (for those of you that know the name "Gorge Orwell") forced the SYSTEM to go digital, starting in and or around '05 plus or minus. So, when that happened, all those that had, (which was about 98% of the American public at the time) analog TVs, had to get a DIGITAL CONVERTER BOX. So, I'm sure you remember all about that. Anyway, if the TV in your new coach has not been upgraded to a newer style of digital one, you'll need that digital converter box. Your present antenna will most likely be just fine. The best thing to do in this situation is, leave things alone 'till you get the beast home and can check things out without any kind of pressure or input from sales people. Then, when you start tinkering with it, and find situations you're not familiar with, and you're stumped on what you've found, then jump on here and folks will be glad to help. Good luck.ScottP.S. Posted By: old guy on 11/29/13 04:37pm you might need a digital ready TV but they have a unit that just snaps into place on the antenna unit. I bought one for mine and it really works. I get so many more channels now than I used to. some I didn't even know were in this area. the snap in unit runs about $30Hey Old Guy, What in the world are you talking about, if I may ask when you say, "they have a unit that just SNAPS into place on the antenna"? I'm definitely not the smartest when it comes to this TV stuff but, I've definitely not heard of anything that "Snaps" to the antenna that does any types of improvement. Thanks for any info. Scott

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Bob___Ann
Explorer
Dec 03, 2013
roscot
It looks like you already have an answer to your question. Welcome back to the RV world. Good luck with your new coach. We may see you on the road. Enjoy.
OhhWell
Explorer
Dec 03, 2013
roscott wrote:
Thanks everyone, for the feedback. I already have two new LCD tvs ready to replace the old ones. I think I'll take the advice and wait until I get it home to evaluate things.

Looking forward to road trip from AZ back to Texas...it's been too long coming!

Great. You are probably all set then as the antenna will pull in the digital signal just fine.

I am thankful to "Big Brother" in this case as digital TV over the airwaves is great.
RCtime
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
Congratulations on your new rig.

Here is what you will need to get your analog tvs up and running until you change them out with newer models.
You will need two, front and rear.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sunkey-Digital-Analog-Converter-Box-with-Learning-Universal-Remote-Control-ATB150S/17242504

I got mine at Radio shack and they do a really good job.
mtrumpet
Explorer
Dec 02, 2013
I just use my standard crank up antenna (with the power boost turned on) and it works great with my digital TV's.
AllegroD
Nomad
Dec 01, 2013
Welcome back. Glad you are living the dream, again.
roscott
Explorer
Dec 01, 2013
Thanks everyone, for the feedback. I already have two new LCD tvs ready to replace the old ones. I think I'll take the advice and wait until I get it home to evaluate things.

Looking forward to road trip from AZ back to Texas...it's been too long coming!
country_sunflow
Explorer
Nov 30, 2013
We have the part that attaches to the antenna, and it works great. DH had to help a lot of our RV friends put one on their antenna.
J-Rooster
Explorer
Nov 30, 2013
Welcome Back, CW sells Batwings that fit over your old antenna to help you receive the newer digital signals.
Born_To_Travel
Explorer
Nov 30, 2013
I bought one too.. It did help... Went from 5 or 6 channels at home to 12 http://www.amazon.com/Winegard-RV-WING-Wingman-Booster-Antenna/dp/B001U2DPUE/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1385848366&sr=1-1&keywords=rv+antenna+booster
old_guy
Explorer
Nov 30, 2013
thanks guys for straightening that out. I had no Idea what it was called other than it just snapped into the power head of the antenna. sure worked good after I put it in place.

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