Winegard Rayzar Automatic

[QuiGonJohn]

I just finished replacing the CRT TV in my RV with a Flat Panel LED.

Now my next project is to replace the crank up Winegard with a Winegard Rayzar Automatic Dome.

I was going to buy and have this installed at Camping World or maybe installed at my local RV Shop, as I am unsure about me actually putting the holes in the roof or worrying if I sealed the old holes good enough or if the unit is secure enough.

But, I am concerned that either place will not take all the specifics of the install and setup that I want. Has anyone ever tackled a job like this and if so, can you give me a sense of how difficult it might be?

I read a lot of bad reviews for work done at CW in general and Ft Myers (the one I would probably use), as well.

[Bill_Satellite]

If you want to make it super easy then just add the Sensar Pro to your current Winegard antenna (about $80). Now, when you get to a new location you turn that on, raise the antenna and rotate until you see the highest signal strength (about 10 seconds). Done!

[QuiGonJohn]

Bill, the batwing w/wingman works. I just really liked the convenience and idea behind the Rayzar Automatic Dome. Instead of having to crank it up and then manually move it around to get the strongest signal, it does it all automatically. Obviously there are mixed reviews. I did read about a couple people having it not work or die quickly. But most of the reviews I have found where it does work, the people are pretty happy with it, like the Amazon review page I posted. I'm thinking of calling Winegard and seeing if I can find out when it was first released, if there have been any newer versions released or in the works. I sure would love to hear from anyone who has one (or installed their own) as to how it works and how the install was. One person said he was able to just use the same coax he had. Although the instructions say to use the cable that came with it. I am also curious as how, with only a regular coax connected, it is able to power the unit to move the antenna inside the dome. I would think that would require a special coax or a separate power connection.

[jorbill2or]

The "saucer on a post" Models , that don't rotate and are omni directional have marginal reception. I haven't yet seen any reviews on the "dome" Razar , Which has a powered rotating directional antenna head inside a dome that does a automatic search for channels (transmitters). sure sounds very nice but it is smallish and not elevated above the roof objects ..all bad points but..
My beaver had powered rotating antenna just like the batwing but with no hole in the ceiling and rotated and elevated by buttons. No longer made and no parts no comparable product from anyone ..Im not about to put a hole in my decorator ceiling for a crank so the dealer gave me a saucer as a replacement ...it works .. kinda. I'll wait for more reviews on the dome I wish someone would make a motorized automatic "batwing"

I would keep the Batwing and just replace the head if its not working or add the wingman"

[QuiGonJohn]

stevekk wrote:
That antenna did not get that good of reviews.
If you google, you should find more information including installation.
It was some RV magazine, can't remember which one.

Does anyone know of a similar product by any competitor that has more positive reviews?

az99 wrote:
Keep your crankup. If it is old and does not have the Wingman addon just get that. Save $400 and the worry of a poor installation.
You could also get the Sensar IV head for about $47 on Amazon. 2pins and 1 coax to replace it.

I have the old batwing and when we bought the RV in 2012 I put on the Wingman at that time. I just think the concept of the Rayzar Automatic is nice, a dome, no cranking and no rotating for best signal, as that is all automatic.

Also, I'm confused as I did a search for reviews and found this page on Amazon, all pretty good reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/Winegard-RZ-8500-Automatic-Amplified-Antenna/product-reviews/B00T36ODKK/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

[az99]

Keep your crankup. If it is old and does not have the Wingman addon just get that. Save $400 and the worry of a poor installation.
You could also get the Sensar IV head for about $47 on Amazon. 2pins and 1 coax to replace it.

[stevekk]

That antenna did not get that good of reviews.
If you google, you should find more information including installation.
It was some RV magazine, can't remember which one.

[n7bsn]

Since Good Sam Inc (owner of this forum) bought CW, their level of service has declined.

I would look for a locally owned shop. If you are anywhere near Deland FL I would recommend Bryant RV. Chris is top-notch, and a member of this forum.

[Johno02]

You will probably have a lot better job with the ten-year old next door than with Camping World. Talk to you local RV shop.