Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: John/Pat on September 02, 2021, 11:19:13 am

Title: using batwing antenna
Post by: John/Pat on September 02, 2021, 11:19:13 am
I have always had satellite tv and since AT&T bought direct tv the service is past terrible; so I canceled them. But now I do not know how to watch old fashion tv. I need a how to do list. My coach is 1998 u270. thank you John
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: hdff on September 02, 2021, 11:34:48 am
Raise the antenna , select it for the input on your tv. Do a channel scan on the tv. Watch tv. You do know that you need to be within a certain distance (75 miles or so) from a larger city that has a tv station to get any reception


Keith
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on September 02, 2021, 11:37:00 am
Batwing is a "directional" antenna.  Adding to above advice, there are apps for smart phones that will show location (compass direction) of TV towers in your location.

Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: Protech Racing on September 02, 2021, 11:43:00 am
 I use one but the cable to TV  is a pain.
 I usually use the streeaming deals with  Netflix or Prime .
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: wolfe10 on September 02, 2021, 11:43:11 am
Batwing is a "directional" antenna.  Adding to above advice, there are apps for smart phones that will show location (compass direction) of TV towers in your location.

Or, once you are on the channel you want to watch, slowly rotate the antenna (pull down on the large outer ring outside the crank) until best reception is achieved.
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: gracerace on September 02, 2021, 12:41:30 pm
This is all good input, but unless the TV's have been upgraded to digital TV's, nothing is going to come in.Maybe one or 2 analog channels.
The bat wings are fine, but they really need the Winegard digital "wingman" added to it. Or change out the head completely.
Dish satellite TV is way better then DTV. Most RV dishes work with both. Just need a new Dish receiver
Chris
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: Travelin' Man (RIP) on September 02, 2021, 01:55:02 pm
And if you have a Winguard selector box it also powers up your antenna, so don't forget to turn it on.  First button on the left.
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: Realmccoy on September 02, 2021, 02:51:48 pm
All good advice. I upgraded my batwing to hd , different head from Wineguard. We hardly ever use it, but we haven't had cable, dish, or whatever for years. You do have to rescan at every new location and it helps to know where transmitting antenna is located. Useless with out upgraded head.
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 02, 2021, 03:15:11 pm
An app for your iPhone or Android is available that will give the direction to the stations and the distance from where you are. Then, just point the antenna in the same direction. Cuts location time way down. Here is just an example that works on either platform: The Antenna Point App is Now Available for EVERYONE! | (https://www.antennasdirect.com/blog/antenna-point-app-everyone/). Free too!!

Pierce
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: gracerace on September 02, 2021, 04:29:58 pm
All good advice. I upgraded my batwing to hd , different head from Wineguard. We hardly ever use it, but we haven't had cable, dish, or whatever for years. You do have to rescan at every new location and it helps to know where transmitting antenna is located. Useless with out upgraded head.


Winegard has an app for that, locals, satellites both DTV and Dish

It's the TV signal finder.


Mobile Apps | Support | Winegard Company (https://winegard.com/support/mobile-apps)
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: Realmccoy on September 02, 2021, 04:37:51 pm
An app for your iPhone or Android is available that will give the direction to the stations and the distance from where you are. Then, just point the antenna in the same direction. Cuts location time way down. Here is just an example that works on either platform: The Antenna Point App is Now Available for EVERYONE! | (https://www.antennasdirect.com/blog/antenna-point-app-everyone/). Free too!!

Pierce
Just downloaded. Awesome addition to my RV app collection. Thanks
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: len.barron on September 03, 2021, 05:28:01 pm
We have a 32" Insignia Fire TV and just hook it up to the old bat wing and channel search...works great..
Title: Re: using batwing antenna
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on September 03, 2021, 08:47:03 pm
For those with a laptop, try this TV site. DTV Reception Maps | Federal Communications Commission (https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps) You just need to enter your zip code and then click on the name of the station. A line from your location will go to the TV station. It has the expected reception bars along with the distance and heading. With a map, it's typically a True heading. You may need a True to Magnetic app on your phone to get the most accurate compass heading.

Pierce