Antenna Signal Meter

[Hornnumb2]

Wanted to get one of these to aid in getting the antenna in the right direction, is there any certain one that is recommended for camping? Thanks Michael

[Ron3rd]

myredracer wrote:
One problem if using the SensarPro is that in a lot of cases, the amplifier switch/CATV jack plate is in an awkward location to reach. In our case it was behind the TV and near the outside wall at end of a dinette seat and a real PITA to reach. Why the heck do they do that?

I mounted the SensarPro on the wall below the TV and installed a blank cover over the old plate on the ceiling. I extended 4 RG6 cables to the SensarPro along with a pair of wires for the DC power. It wasn't too difficult finding a spot to get the Coax down a wall, through the dinette seat and back up to the new location. The hardest part was working in the extremely tight ceiling cavity where I had to connect to the existing Coax. We have an arched ceiling and the ceiling cavity tapers down to almost nothing at the sides of the TT.

Well worth the effort tho. Since the antenna is in another room, it's easy to use the audio signal to aim in the best direction. I took the coax to an A/V home theater shop and had them install crimp type F connectors for only around $10.

I just wish the SensarPro was a more user friendly. It's not exactly immediately obvious what the different features/settings do. DW just throws her hands up and makes me operate it.

I have a similar issue because of where the mfg mounted the original plate, ie, I can't see the Sensor Pro while rotating the antenna. I could use the beep feature though, but will probably end up moving the Sensar Pro to a more convenient location. Problem is, I need to pull the slide out to get to it and I can't fully extend the slide at home. I can only fiddle around with it while at the campground.

[myredracer]

One problem if using the SensarPro is that in a lot of cases, the amplifier switch/CATV jack plate is in an awkward location to reach. In our case it was behind the TV and near the outside wall at end of a dinette seat and a real PITA to reach. Why the heck do they do that?

I mounted the SensarPro on the wall below the TV and installed a blank cover over the old plate on the ceiling. I extended 4 RG6 cables to the SensarPro along with a pair of wires for the DC power. It wasn't too difficult finding a spot to get the Coax down a wall, through the dinette seat and back up to the new location. The hardest part was working in the extremely tight ceiling cavity where I had to connect to the existing Coax. We have an arched ceiling and the ceiling cavity tapers down to almost nothing at the sides of the TT.

Well worth the effort tho. Since the antenna is in another room, it's easy to use the audio signal to aim in the best direction. I took the coax to an A/V home theater shop and had them install crimp type F connectors for only around $10.

I just wish the SensarPro was a more user friendly. It's not exactly immediately obvious what the different features/settings do. DW just throws her hands up and makes me operate it.

[SCVJeff]

Chris Bryant wrote:
One problem with the Surelock is that it seems to be simply a radio signal finder- we're across the street from a large communication antenna, and it makes the Surelock worthless some places. Not sure if the Winegard Sensar Pro is more discriminating (I believe it is).

and that's its problem. It likes UHF communications sites as well as FM transmitters. The SensarPro is a real TV tuner and can identify channel specific carriers

[RJsfishin]

winegard pro sensor

OEM, no clutter no mess no hassle

[wa8yxm]

I use antenna helper free on my smart phone, However there are many just as good. It really helps to know where to start.

[Chris_Bryant]

One problem with the Surelock is that it seems to be simply a radio signal finder- we're across the street from a large communication antenna, and it makes the Surelock worthless some places. Not sure if the Winegard Sensar Pro is more discriminating (I believe it is).

[ford_truck_guy]

I also use the app - TV Towers... It really is a good app... shows you the direction to each TV Tower....

[wa8yxm]

I put my Sensar Pro in a couple years ago. However I have the Box of Many Buttons (matrix switch) so I had do do a bit of modification.. But yes, it is amazing how much improvement it made.

My mod
Mounted a standard outlet box (any hardware, lowes, Home Depot et-al) and put the Sensar Pro in it. Extended antenna cable to box and ran a jumper from it back to the BOMB's ANTENNA in jack.. In my case I did a couple other things too, Since I use a pair of DVR's to record most all the TV I watch via digital converters I ran a RG-6 coax from the 2nd TV out on the Pro directly to the rear converter This gives it a somewhat stronger signal. In fact strong enough I split it so it feeds one of the two Bedroom TV/Monitors (I have two because one is also used as a computer monitor) The DVR's can select the digital adapters (Line 1) or a camera (line 2 front) or Sat Receiver (line 2 rear) or Park Cable (RF-IN) depending on the channel number set to record. They chat and can be downloaded as well. A most advanced system beyond anything on the market now. Oh well.

[Ron3rd]

wa8yxm wrote:
If you mean the satellite antenna, The software in your receiver coupled with a portable battery operated color TV is your best meter. Dish has the best software, A meter that does exactly what the DISH receiver does sells, used, for over 1,000 dollars... It's that good. Direct is not quite as good, but, Well, I'd give it a nine which is not bad.

For OTA, if you have a WINEGARD batwing, I suggest you upgrade your wall plate to a SENSAR PRO, not ti's about 100 dollars, so its not cheap. but.. It has a signal finder (automatically scans for digital carriers, (I will explain the difference between carrier and channel in a bit) displays both the carrier number and the strentgh,, IE: channel36 Strength 58

The unit also lets you page through the carriers it found and display their strength in case you want to peak on a different carrier

And you can MANUALLY set the channel to measure.

you can also adjust the gain of the built in second pre-amp (zero to 20) this can turn that 58 into a 90 at the TV.

And you have an optional audio feed back (Beep like a sat receiver) in case the display is hard to see, adjustable volume.

It is a very nice device.. really adds to the performance of the Antenna as well.

Explained much better than I could. Sensor Pro is about $68 on Amazon right now. Installed mine a couple weeks ago. I also considered the King Controls Surelock which is a good signal meter too but wanted the added features of the Sensar Pro. It simply replaces your existing wall plate as noted above.

[SCVJeff]

Hornnumb2 wrote:
Any reason the sensar pro would not work with the Jack? That way is mounted in the wall and wired. Thanks

it will work fine with the Jack

[1775]

I have the Surelock as shown previously. It is easy to install - plug the coax on from the antenna, find the signal while turning the antenna, stop when the LEDs indicate, unplug the coax and put it back into the TV. I set it up with an A/B switch to find the signal and then put it back to the TV. Cheap and easy. It saves a lot to time tuning in the antenna to the channels, turn once while while looking at the meter, stop and done. No more turn, scan the TV channels, turn again, scan again and on and on.

[Unit505]

IAMICHABOD wrote:
I have good luck finding the antennas to point my Jack and Now Rayzar. Using this App.

TV Antenna Helper

Thank you for the app. Downloaded it and love it!

[wa8yxm]

If you mean the satellite antenna, The software in your receiver coupled with a portable battery operated color TV is your best meter. Dish has the best software, A meter that does exactly what the DISH receiver does sells, used, for over 1,000 dollars... It's that good. Direct is not quite as good, but, Well, I'd give it a nine which is not bad.

For OTA, if you have a WINEGARD batwing, I suggest you upgrade your wall plate to a SENSAR PRO, not ti's about 100 dollars, so its not cheap. but.. It has a signal finder (automatically scans for digital carriers, (I will explain the difference between carrier and channel in a bit) displays both the carrier number and the strentgh,, IE: channel36 Strength 58

The unit also lets you page through the carriers it found and display their strength in case you want to peak on a different carrier

And you can MANUALLY set the channel to measure.

you can also adjust the gain of the built in second pre-amp (zero to 20) this can turn that 58 into a 90 at the TV.

And you have an optional audio feed back (Beep like a sat receiver) in case the display is hard to see, adjustable volume.

It is a very nice device.. really adds to the performance of the Antenna as well.

[IAMICHABOD]

I have good luck finding the antennas to point my Jack and Now Rayzar. Using this App.

TV Antenna Helper