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Old 12-10-2014, 01:06 PM   #1
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2003 19' Bambi
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2003 Bambi TV Antenna Question

Hi!

My dad just bought a used 2003 Bambi and I asked him what he wanted for Christmas.. he mentioned a small TV for his trailer.

Well, with the new digital TV standards out there, I found a TV that was both AC and DC (12V) flat screen about 13" that I think would work great.

My question is... Does anyone know what the "stock" external antenna is for the 2003 Bambi? Do I need to get him a digital/HD antenna and if so, suggestions?

Thanks for the replies!
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Old 12-10-2014, 01:36 PM   #2
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I think your ok with the antenna on the trailer , I have a 30 year old home tv antenna, used for analog tv stations , and I have it hooked up to two digital tv's and they work great and even get HD tv stations .

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Old 12-10-2014, 01:41 PM   #3
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Digital and analog refer to the way the signal is transmitted. The antenna doesn't care as it is tuned for the carrier frequency. Most digital signals are now transmitted in the UHF frequencies and pretty much any TV antenna, home or RV, installed since the Truman administration will pick them up just fine.

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Old 12-10-2014, 01:50 PM   #4
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Ahh great! Thanks for the replies.. Do you happen to know if it's the old 300 ohm flat twin feeder leads or the 75 ohm rounded coax? I would assume coax, but not sure. If it's the 300 ohm, I'll probably need to get a 300 -> 75 converter.

Thanks again,
Shane
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Old 12-11-2014, 09:56 AM   #5
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My 1986 has coax so a safe assumption would be that your much newer trailer should be the same.

Mike


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Old 12-11-2014, 11:02 AM   #6
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The replies might be correct, but I know in my 2007 (23 ft.) when the all digital became finalized, I need to get an extension for digital on my antenna, and of course a converter for the tv. You certainly do not need the converter, but you may need the antenna. On a recent trip I bought one of the approx. 15inch square tv antennas that you set in the unit, it got better reception than the rooftop built in one (with additional arm for digital). Might be an option worth checking. It will allow me to put a fourth solar panel on my 23 footer.
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Old 12-11-2014, 12:13 PM   #7
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The little extension that Winegard sells, the "Wingman", does add some shorter elements that are more sensitive to UHF signals but it also makes the antenna a little more sensitive to how well it is pointed.

As you have probably noticed, with digital you either get the channel or you don't whereas the older analog technology would sometimes give you a watchable but snowy signal when you were on the far fringe of the signal range.

You can certainly upgrade but I think what you have will work fine.

Mike


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Old 12-11-2014, 02:05 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shanek View Post
Ahh great! Thanks for the replies.. Do you happen to know if it's the old 300 ohm flat twin feeder leads or the 75 ohm rounded coax? I would assume coax, but not sure. If it's the 300 ohm, I'll probably need to get a 300 -> 75 converter.

Thanks again,
Shane
Your batwing antenna will work fine and pick up a HD signal as long as your TV has a digital tuner. If it is a new TV it will have one. The antenna is wired to a signal booster as well. The 2003 Bambi has a coax connection for the TV located inside, and should be switchable between cable and antenna. Your cable connection should be located outside and toward the rear behind a flip-up cover and is a coax connection as well.
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Old 12-12-2014, 06:28 AM   #9
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I'm a new airstreamer one problem I had was connecting to cable TV at campground. Had very poor reception but very good TV antenna reception. Discovered small button on the wall near the TV you press for antenna or cable cleared my reception up. Someone else will have to chime in and explain what the button does I just know it worked. I mentioned this just in case you have a similar problem you know to look for that small button.


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