I'm replacing/updating the RV antenna as the up/down gear is broken, killing two birds with one stone. Just need confirmation that I'm getting the right replacement head. Anyone, is this the one?
Winegard GS2200 Sensar III Amplified VHF/UHF TV Antenna System (GS-2200)
http://www.winegarddirect.com/viewitem.asp?d=Winegard-GS2200-Sensar-III-Amplified-VHFUHF-TV-Antenna-System-(GS2200)&p=GS-2200 (http://www.winegarddirect.com/viewitem.asp?d=Winegard-GS2200-Sensar-III-Amplified-VHFUHF-TV-Antenna-System-(GS2200)&p=GS-2200)
Also, the old antenna has the Wingman which I installed last year. Can the Wingman be attached to the new Sensar III to improve reception?
Thanks in advance.
Peter,
Yes on Sensar III and Yes on wingman. You will notice a big difference if your results are equal to mine.
Thats the one.
http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/installing_a_winegard_sensar_III_head.htm (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/installing_a_winegard_sensar_III_head.htm)
I installed one and think it gets better reception
http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/wingman_antenna.htm (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/wingman_antenna.htm)
It seems as though it is and it isn't. After reading the specs, I'm not sure it has the equipment for mounting on a MH like the crank up mechanism. It says it includes a bracket for mounting on a mast. Most Winegard parts are available at RV part stores. This includes just the head, gears, cranks, etc. If you buy from an RV place you will probably get a unit designed for a MH.
Peter, When you try to remove the plastic thingamabobbies that hold the wingman in place you will find that they are one way and will probably break, just wanted to save you some frustration, I don't have a solution.
I bought my sensar III as a head only and attached it to my old mechanism. I don't know if when you buy the complete unit today what head you get, but assume it is the winegard III. But I would confirm if you are buying the entire antennae, not just the new head.
I'm thinking that I'll replace the broken gear and install the new head on the existing mast. I'll also check to see if the plastic thingamabobbies that hold the Wingman can be purchased separately. Gary, you're probably right about the plastic thingamabobbies (plan B is always a good idea).
Many thanks to all.
Forgot to mention that I sprayed the gears in mine with a food grade silicone lubricant and that it has worked very smooth for several months now. I found the lube at a restaurant supply.
I must admit that I've been remiss in the lube department of the gear itself. I haven't been up on the roof in a while, so I plan on doing that this week to really inspect what's really going on up there. I also need to make sure the Wingman is not in the way of the A/C shroud, etc. Jerry, food grade silicone lube sounds unusual. Any reason why you chose this option rather than regular silicone (tested with a styrofoam cup to ensure it does not "eat rubber")?
Peter,
I am sure either suggested lube would be quite fine for lubing the antenna gears.
I use my CorrosionX as it works great too, does not hurt the gears and is the only product I need to keep stored in the coach.
I was in a restaurant supply looking for something else and saw it. Thought that it would not be hazardous to use other places (although it may be), just sprayed some on the antenna gear which was binding, and so far, no more binding. Didn't know about the styrofoam cup test.
Jerry, you can always test the product you are now using to determine if it may be harmfull to weatherstripping. You can use it, I'm sure, on most applications. And, if it passes the styrofoam test, then you can also use it on soft rubber items such as weatherstripping.
I may be too late, as we were touring up North, but the plastic "thingamabobbies" are nothing more than plastic push rivets. To remove them use a pointed object (jacknife, ice pick) to move the center "plug" outward and then pull the entire push rivet out. I did just that a couple weeks ago and can reuse the Wingman and the rivets on another antenna with no problem. The center plug is tapered so that it spreads the outer "legs" to create a locking action.
nighthawk
Thanks, Nighthawk,
I still have not had a chance to get to the coach to replace the broken gear and install the Sensar III. But if I don't get the time before I get to Nac., James @ Xtreme has agreed to perform this change for me.
For lubrication, I used dielectric silicon available in a tube at any electronics shop because I thought Corrosion-X was a petroleum product. Works much better now. It was so stiff that the inside handle broke when puting antenna up.
I replaced the Winguard II with a III and wingman because the II had broken while driving from Texas to California.
To lubricate from the tube, I removed the inside handle and spring loaded rotator from the inside after winding antenna up. Then on the roof, removed large plastic bolt on assembly while holding antenna, then lowered antenna which pushed out pastic worm gear and rod which inside winder handle is attached to. Lubricated gear and reversed process with new inside winder handle. It was actually quite easy to do.
Yup, Wyatt,
That's what I didn't do. I was winding up the antenna when a very loud snap was heard all over the place. :o
Lesson learned.
Peter, I heard that same snap when I hit the darn tree branch as I pulled out of the driveway the day I bought my new coach. I will be replacing the entire mechanism when I get home. Believe it or not I had a brand spanking new Sensar III at the house. As Wyatt said, using the procedures he described, it is a piece of cake.
Oh yea Kent,
My first antenna mast blunder happened at Cepar Point's campground back in the summer of 2K. I had all things set up, hooked up, etc., when I got the bright idea to back up the rig a teensy weensy couple of feet. "Snap"! There went the antenna mast sneakily trashed by a ninja tree branch... >:(
I have a really, really good excuse. The previous owner had disconnected the warning beeper and the antenna so I had forgotten that it was up and I was really excited about my new coach. It never happened before and I trust will never happen again. You should hear the beeper now.