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Topic: Upgrading OTA antenna (Read 965 times) previous topic - next topic

Upgrading OTA antenna

Thinking about upgrading our over the air antenna. After looking at what is available,we are confused as to which one to purchase. Have any of you changed out your. Ota antenna?
Lynn and Linda Day and Harry the pug
RIP: Tank 01-2008 to 03-2020
2012 Nimbus 42' build 6555
ISX12-500hp
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
MC# 17723

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #1 –
Lynn, I bought one that looks like a small airplane wing "suppose to be cats meow "  We got worse reception with it than the original
so my plan is to go back to original.  Others may have had better luck.
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #2 –

We have marginal signal at our home.Tested a bunch, put the "Jack" on the old arms, works as good, if not better then the bat wing. Was pleasantly surprise with it.
Doesn't rattle as bad in the wind when down. You can also shorten your arms before installing it.

https://www.amazon.com/KING-OA8300-Replacement-Directional-Antenna/dp/B01N59MJQ2


Just changed out a customers FT with this one. Worked awesome, but he is now getting loud wind noise from it


KING Jackâ„¢ Directional Over-the-Air Antenna with Mount & Built-In Signal...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #3 –
I changed antennas and have been super happy with the new one. A CL deal at $30 and since the photos, I have added a VHF bar to the top of the antenna. Reception is almost as good as our deep fringe antenna on the house. The signal strength is behind a big hill with the Sacramento stations about 60 miles away. I turned the OEM antenna 90 degrees before the new installation to clear the solar panels so didn't have to change anything. Only one aluminum arm now as the new antenna does not need to pivot 90 degrees. I did make a small aluminum slotted angle iron for the antenna to rest in when in the down position so it could not move fore and aft while underway.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #4 –
I replaced the crank up Winegard with a KingJack amplified antenna with signal finder.  Works great after I pulled new coax cable up to the roof...the original coax cable antenna end was gonzo from corrosion.  Also replaced OE signal booster with King's.  Zero wind rattling now going down the road or when parked.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Pyolet –
I replaced the crank up Winegard with a KingJack amplified antenna with signal finder.  Works great after I pulled new coax cable up to the roof...the original coax cable antenna end was gonzo from corrosion.  Also replaced OE signal booster with King's.  Zero wind rattling now going down the road or when parked.
Pyolet make an excellent point. Good to replace the coax if reception is poor before buying a new antenna. RG-6 is the stuff to use today if replacing the RG-59. I also got rid of the front to back to front coax runs.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #6 –
I build ham radio antennas and spent days researching this. The Winegard Sensar IV may SEEM old, but was SUPERIOR to other antennas because:

- Performs better. Both VHF and UHF bands get more decibels of gain and more channels. Other antennas are UHF-only so they do not receive channels 2 to 6. Channels 2-6 are in the VHF band (54MHz and above) and penetrate foliage better than UHF. So the Sensar IV is better for wooded campgrounds.
- Inexpensive $120. No subscription.
- Well supported
- Easy to use signal finder and rotator

See Sensar IV RV VHF/UHF HDTV Antenna | Winegard Company

Get the signal finder at:  SensarPro | Winegard Company

Works great in my rig.

1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #7 –

I had this one installed a couple of years ago.  It works "OK", but not great.  It died once and I got a replacement from Winegard.

It is easy to use , but I don't feel like it get good distance reception.  If the tower is more than 30ish miles forget about watching that channel.

https://www.amazon.com/Winegard-Automatic-RZ-8500-Ultra-HD-Amplified/dp/B00T36ODKK/ref=asc_df_B00T36ODKK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309881068962&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17368401300619172365&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9030133&hvtargid=pla-684371766632&psc=1

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1998 U320 40'
2005 GMC Yukon
MC# 17609

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #8 –
The one I have on the IH45 has an error message and when I looked it up is say to replace unit. To replace it the cost was not cheap so I have done nothing, it is still working but I guess not great.

When I was at the Grandvention this year Winegard was there and they talked about the new Air 360+ (Make sure of the +)  Cost for this is $89.00 and you can get a module that will let you get cellular internet wifi with this unit.  They said come June 2020 they will have a Togo module that will work with this unit. Togo is ATT wifi, unlimited data and only $360.00 per year You have to pay upfront for the year and if you cancel before the year is up they do not refund any money.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #9 –
I have the King Jack antenna and so far very happy with it.
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #10 –
Thank you for your time and help. I have several ones to look at and do a bit more research on.  Will definitely check out the coax cable prior to purchase of the new antenna. Linda
Lynn and Linda Day and Harry the pug
RIP: Tank 01-2008 to 03-2020
2012 Nimbus 42' build 6555
ISX12-500hp
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
MC# 17723

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #11 –
Quote from: gracerace –
We have marginal signal at our home.Tested a bunch, put the "Jack" on the old arms, works as good, if not better then the bat wing. Was pleasantly surprise with it.
Doesn't rattle as bad in the wind when down. You can also shorten your arms before installing it.

https://www.amazon.com/KING-OA8300-Replacement-Directional-Antenna/dp/B01N59MJQ2


Just changed out a customers FT with this one. Worked awesome, but he is now getting loud wind noise from it


KING Jackâ„¢ Directional Over-the-Air Antenna with Mount & Built-In Signal...


Have him coax the better half into rotating  it a bit while traveling at speed to find the sweet spot.. then mark it for future reference..
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
'02 40' U320t  4010WTFS Build 6036 1 slide
Motorcade # 17841
SKP 151920
Retired truck driver
 5 million miler
Still have itchy feet for travel

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #12 –
Quote from: gracerace –
We have marginal signal at our home.Tested a bunch, put the "Jack" on the old arms, works as good, if not better then the bat wing. Was pleasantly surprise with it.
Doesn't rattle as bad in the wind when down. You can also shorten your arms before installing it.

https://www.amazon.com/KING-OA8300-Replacement-Directional-Antenna/dp/B01N59MJQ2


Just changed out a customers FT with this one. Worked awesome, but he is now getting loud wind noise from it


KING Jackâ„¢ Directional Over-the-Air Antenna with Mount & Built-In Signal...


Did the same as Gracerace, works terrific.  I still need to shorten to avoid shadowing solar, next summer.
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #13 –
Quote from: gracerace –
We have marginal signal at our home.Tested a bunch, put the "Jack" on the old arms, works as good, if not better then the bat wing. Was pleasantly surprise with it.
Doesn't rattle as bad in the wind when down. You can also shorten your arms before installing it.

Amazon.com: KING OA8300 Jack Replacement Head HDTV Directional Over-the-Air...

Just changed out a customers FT with this one. Worked awesome, but he is now getting loud wind noise from it

KING Jackâ„¢ Directional Over-the-Air Antenna with Mount & Built-In Signal...

Did the same as Gracerace, works terrific.  I still need to shorten to avoid shadowing solar, next summer.

KING OA8300 Jack Replacement Head HDTV https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N59MJQ2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5oq1DbGTTMQDK
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #14 –
Go with DISH Playmaker Antenna and normal DISH package.  Use it at home and then take the antenna, walley receiver on the road.  At home antenna sits on edge of roof(reachable from ground, no latter) and on the road just on the ground.  Don't forget the remote, since it is a RF remote walley receiver is in the top of closet.  Works on both TVs(new flat screen), it is plugged into the Power Amp in place of the VCR. Walley receiver comes with a DVR.  I ran a new coax from closet to wet bay so as to be able to place antenna any where in a 50' radius.  Now I have OTA(original antenna works great),  local cable, and DISH Satellite with DVR on original coach coax.
Pat/Blue Angel
1995 U240 36ft
MC# 16511
Build# 4653

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #15 –
Two things:

1. I updated my prior reply to correct the Winegard model: Sensar IV. This has the "Wingman" UHF antenna and booster.

2. Antennas are a more like a religious belief than reality because we are dealing with:
    - A complex and unseen phenomenon. My Extra-class ham radio license makes me realize they we still do not fully understand wave propagation with regard to how reflections affect TV reception.
    - Vendors who do not share their "proprietary" specifications. This is deliberate because they have poor performance.
    - Variability of installations. Metal vs fiberglass roofs reflect radio waves differently.
    - People "swear by" a certain brand / cool-looking design, which has nothing to do with actual performance.
    - Any hunk of wire will amazingly pick up signals.

However, Winegard engineering sent me a spreadsheet with the specifications for their antenna, with DB (decibel) gain figures at all the VHF and UHF frequencies. The fact that they shared their data means their antenna performs well enough and they have nothing to hide. The Winegard Sensar IV is a combination of a dipole and a Log Periodic antenna. All RV TV antennas are a compromise of gain vs size vs user interface.

The Sensar IV is:
- Rotatable. This helps with sorting the weak and strong signals
- Retractable. This elevates the antenna above the steel of the AC units on the RV roof.
- Tunable gain with the signal finder/amplifier.
- The best gain antenna for most frequencies.
- A compromise between size and ease of use.
- Cheap: $149 for the best-gain antenna is a bargain. And no subscription or monthly fee.

It is not:
- As easy to use as omnidirectional antennas.
- Bullet-proof. It uses light-weight parts. The steel rivets Winegard used are rusting. If not retracted during travel, it can be damaged.
  High winds can cause it to shimmy and make noise.


1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.
 

Re: Upgrading OTA antenna

Reply #16 –
Quote from: saddlesore –
Have him coax the better half into rotating  it a bit while traveling at speed to find the sweet spot.. then mark it for future reference..

I told him to do that, haven't heard back. Will update when I find out. It can point any direction anyway.
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348