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using batwing antenna

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
John
1998 U270 34'

Re: using batwing antenna

Reply #1 –
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
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: using batwing antenna

Reply #2 –
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.

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: using batwing antenna

Reply #3 –
 I use one but the cable to TV  is a pain.
 I usually use the streeaming deals with  Netflix or Prime .

Re: using batwing antenna

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: using batwing antenna

Reply #5 –
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
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: using batwing antenna

Reply #6 –
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.

Re: using batwing antenna

Reply #7 –
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.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: using batwing antenna

Reply #8 –
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! |. Free too!!

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

Re: using batwing antenna

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Realmccoy –
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
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: using batwing antenna

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
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! |. Free too!!

Pierce
Just downloaded. Awesome addition to my RV app collection. Thanks
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: using batwing antenna

Reply #11 –
We have a 32" Insignia Fire TV and just hook it up to the old bat wing and channel search...works great..
Len Barron
1988 GV36 U280 3208T(250hp)/MT643
1972 Jeep Commando LS2/4L65e
2000 Chevy Express Hightop Campervan
LBZ Duramax /6sp Allison
 

Re: using batwing antenna

Reply #12 –
For those with a laptop, try this TV site. DTV Reception Maps | Federal Communications Commission 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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)