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Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

I have a Winegard VS-1000 (I assume it is called a switch box, I am not sure) I would like to upgrade. I searched "Winegard VS-1000" &  "Winegard VS-1000 replacement" I was not able to find anything. I would like to upgrade it and if all possible keep "Cable in" Antenna in" "To Set 2" "To Set 1" connections while able to use it's power and wall switch connections the same. My goal is to be able to keep using the inside "TV" control switches on the wall. Today I have run couple of testes; when I pay pass this box with source signal OTA " Antenna IN" and source signal cable " Cable in" I get better reception but with VS-1000 reception is not good. I want to be able to switch between OTA & cable without going under the closet, by using the original wall switches that operate this box. Is there are direct replacement (upgrade) box for this Winegard VS-1000.
I just e-mailed Winegard. Let's see what they are going to say. I will update. I have a feeling I will have to get something with RF remote or Bluetooth and the old Winegard wall switch will no longer be used.
Thank you for your help,
AL
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #1 –
Al
I have same issue. Had to bypass with splitter, now perfect picture.

But darn no switch controls front or back work. Does your sat work? What powers the switcches?
The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #2 –
John,
As we can see from the picture of VS-1000 box, it has 6 cox connections, one fuse holder (on right / black) and on the left we see the power and wall switch connections.  I do not have a RV sat yet, I am thinking about Dish Network 211 since we ahve dish for our BS home already. Over the weekend I connected our (BS home) master bedroom Dish network TV2 (standard Def) connection to RV's outside "cable" connection (in the storage area by the 50 amp & phone jack connection) and I was able to test the reception on front and back TV's. As I mentioned without the VS-1000 it is good. There are lot of switching options out there but I want to to be able to utilize the original TV wall switched of this box.
I think i am going to take the VS-1000 box a part and clean it; I will also call Winegard. But I am curious to see what folks will advise here.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #3 –
Quick response from Winegard:
"Unfortunately, we no longer manufacture video switch boxes.

If you're looking to purchase a new video switch box, we now direct customers to a company called Quest Technology. They can be reached at 800-280-1067.

Based off of the pictures you sent me, as long as you have the room on your RV, the Sensar IV replacement head would be compatible with your current setup.

If you do decide to purchase the Sensar IV and a new video switch box, you're going to need a switch box that produces voltage that will go through the coax to the antenna head.

Winegard Technical Services

800-788-4417

help@winegard.com

http://www.winegard.com";
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #4 –
Just wanted to keep it original and use the Winegard wall switch. Oh well maybe I will do it wireless.

While researching for wireless Video distribution I found this, maybe some of you would enjoy this:
Eric Giler: A demo of wireless electricity | Video on TED.com
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #5 –
Al,

Any updates on your project?  I have exactly the same Winegard VS-1000 box under my closet floor, and the exact same switch on bedroom wall.  I still have the original Magnavox tube-type TV's front and rear, plus the original VCR in the bedroom.  The original OTA crank-up roof antenna is in place, plus the typical "cable" connector in the wet bay.  One of the previous owners added a crank-up satellite dish on the roof, plus a SAT receiver and additional A-B video switch in the closet.  There is also a 3-way "ANT-VCR-CABLE" switch up front, on the overhead cabinet right above the driver's head.

I am just starting my investigation of the existing video system.  At the moment, I do not have a picture on either TV - just "snow" like there is no signal.  All the devices power up fine, and the remotes for each item seem to work, but no picture.  The original roof antenna does not seem to pick up anything, or it is not getting through to the TVs.  I have tried connecting to cable at a RV park, but could only get a horrible grainy picture on the front set - nothing on the back set.  If I turn the SAT receiver on, I get a good picture of the initial "looking for signal" screen on both TVs, but I do not have a subscription to SAT service so cannot go past that point.    I have tried every possible combination of switch settings on both control panels, to no avail.

I need a "map" of all the video cables running all over the coach, so I can figure out what is not working.  I wonder if the factory originally supplied a video system diagram to owners?  Have you come up with any way to "trace" video cables?  I might have to make a 40' extension lead for my multi-meter, so I can check continuity on the cables.  Any other ideas?

Let me know if you come up with a good replacement for the Winegard VS-1000.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #6 –
There is a test unit that sends a signal down tv cable.  It can be "read" at the other end and helps confirm cables from somewhere to somewhere else.  Likely a Radio Shack North Tool, or Harbor Freight tool.

Good luck.  We make things work sometimes, then we change from a disc to OTA, or cable and screw up everything trying to find the correct combinations of settings on the wall switches, and the 2 units and the hand controllers.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #7 –
Chuck

Unless you have replaced your batwing with a digital you will see snow. Analog is hot supported since 2009.

Wineguard makes one. $50

I tested the cable by pluging directly from to the cable outside through the window in the closet just before the switch, it made the front and rear tv work, then i knew the cable from the box to the tvs worked.

The sat tuner signal at the tvs tells me that it works. I doubt the vcr will work, thats why i suggested using a $25 dvd player at each tv -simple.

Hope my experence helps you!


The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #8 –
Dave:  Think this is what you are talking about - looks like a handy tool!  I will pick one up next trip to town.

Cable Tracker

John:  I just slapped myself on the forehead and said "DUH".  Of course the OTA antenna won't work...  I do have a "Jack" replacement head for the OE batwing, but I need to look at the instructions and see if it is a "digital" compatible antenna.  Plus, of course, I will try using a portable TV with a digital tuner on my next test session.  Thanks for the tip!

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #9 –
I am by no means a TV expert. However, IF your OE Batwing has UHF and VHF capability, then it will receive digital tv signals. According to Winegard, it will receive UHF signals better with the Wingman upgrade, but it will receive good UHF signals without the Wingman. The original OE Batwing will receive analog and digital VHF signals. So, if your tv will not receive signals, the antenna could be broken. But, there could be another problem not related to the antenna.
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #10 –
Quote from: cajk –
I do have a "Jack" replacement head for the OE batwing, but I need to look at the instructions and see if it is a "digital" compatible antenna. 

We replaced our standard OE batwing with the Jack and it works great for the digital signals. 
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #11 –
Larry:  The MAIN problem was with the operator - I was trying to view OTA channels on 20-year-old analog TVs.  I may well have other problems with the antenna or wiring, but until I try a TV with a digital tuner I'm not gonna have much luck receiving OTA signals.  That was the "DUH".

Michelle:  Thanks for the positive report on the Jack.  I installed mine today on the original retractable arm.  I'm a little unclear if I need to use the "power injector".  I turned on the Winegard switch and the red LED on the Jack antenna did not light up, so I guess this means my OEM batwing was a "non-powered" version.  Once I get a digital TV in the coach I'll be able to try the Jack antenna with and without the "power injector".  That should answer my question.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #12 –
Chuck,

You are on the right track now; I replaced both Analog tube TV's with LED TV's which came with HD tuner.
I also replaced my antenna with Jack & it used the original power source. Now we are able to watch all the broadcasted programing with OTA.

AL
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #13 –
Quote from: cajk –
Michelle:  Thanks for the positive report on the Jack.  I installed mine today on the original retractable arm.  I'm a little unclear if I need to use the "power injector".  I turned on the Winegard switch and the red LED on the Jack antenna did not light up, so I guess this means my OEM batwing was a "non-powered" version.  Once I get a digital TV in the coach I'll be able to try the Jack antenna with and without the "power injector".  That should answer my question.

Do try the Jack on its own first.  Our Jack's LED doesn't light but we see a definite difference depending on whether we flip the Winegard switch or not.  And remember, the "tail" of the jack is what you want to point towards the desired broadcast area.  Just because it's shaped like an arrow, that doesn't mean the point should face the source (quite the opposite).
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #14 –
When digital tv was first forced on all of us you could buy digital converters that you could use with the older analog TV's. I don't know if they are still available.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #15 –
Quote from: red tractor –
When digital tv was first forced on all of us you could buy digital converters that you could use with the older analog TV's. I don't know if they are still available.

They still sell them at Wall Mart RadioS & Amazon
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #16 –
I actually had 3 of those Zenith digital converter boxes gathering dust out in my garage...up until my last great biennial "If You Don't Use It Throw It Away!" marathon.  I donated them to Goodwill.  One of Murphy's Laws:  "Any item upon being discarded will immediately become essential to the current project."
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #17 –
I would also check the coax connections on the roof.  I had my antenna signal go out and discovered it was corrosion at the coax connection.  The one with the antenna was so bad I replace the antenna with a Jack unit.  The LED does light up on the Jack unit when the Winegard power is on.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho
 

Re: Winegard VS-1000 upgrade

Reply #18 –
John:  Thanks for the info on your experience with the Jack LED.  I expected it to light up if the Winegard box was putting out any power through the antenna wire, but then Michelle says theirs does not light up yet seems to work better with the Winegard power switch "on".  I will check for a corroded connector.  The one that plugs directly into the Jack was in good shape, but I didn't think to check the one at the point where the antenna wire goes into the roof.  Good idea!  It probably hasn't been looked at for 20 years.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"