Which Winegard Antenna?

[tlavergne]

I am looking to replace my old antenna with a Winegard antenna. What are the recommendations for the strongest signal...the Sensar Batwing or the Roadstar Omnidirectional?
Thanks.
Tom
1978 Ambassador.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by tlavergne

I am looking to replace my old antenna with a Winegard antenna. What are the recommendations for the strongest signal...the Sensar Batwing or the Roadstar Omnidirectional?
Thanks.
Tom
1978 Ambassador.

I got a Sensar III (batwing) and am very happy with it. Sometimes, simpler is better.

[thecatsandi]

The newer Airstreams come with the adjustable batwing. The omnidirectional as simple as it seems does not allow you adjust for maximum signal.
Pick what you want Simplicity or maximum singal.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

The newer Airstreams come with the adjustable batwing. The omnidirectional as simple as it seems does not allow you adjust for maximum signal.
Pick what you want Simplicity or maximum singal.

What she said...

[klattu]

Get a clothes hanger and some tin foil before you get the Omni.
Omni = every way you park = no signal
A Frizbee with a coax cable attached will work better.

Bats are the best

[tlavergne]

Thanks for the input. I kind of thought that would be the case. A strong omnidirectional seems to good to be true. I have searched the forums and read everything I could find on the replacement process. It sounds straight forward except for running the coax cable. I contacted Jackson Center and they quoted me $800 - $900 dollars to do the job...I think I will do it myself.
Tom

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by tlavergne

I contacted Jackson Center and they quoted me $800 - $900 dollars to do the job...I think I will do it myself.
Tom

Our local dealer wanted $400 for the install. Now that I've got it in, I have found you can get adapters that will go from the new 75 ohm coax to the old 300 ohm flat cable, so it would be even easier.
Something I found is the batwing is longer than the old clothesline antenna, it would be a good idea to offset the mount slightly so you don't have to worry about the edge of the antenna rubbing a hole in the air conditioner shroud. Don't ask how I found this out...

[tlavergne]

Originally Posted by overlander63

I have found you can get adapters that will go from the new 75 ohm coax to the old 300 ohm flat cable

Do you loose much signal strength using the old flat 300 ohm wire instead of running coax the whole length? It also looks like the easiest way to run it would be along the roof and down the frig vent.
Tom

[john hd]

amplified bat wing is the way to go.

john

[walter1]

What are you planning to do with your old antenna?
I'm looking for a 60-70s one. The pole type with 4 arms that fold out.

I know they are worthless as an antenna...just cute
Walter

[tlavergne]

Walter,
I might not have the time to make the switch until spring. I am in the middle of a major house remodel, which according to my wife is more important than the Airstream at the moment. But I work on the Airstream when I need a break from working on the house so I might get to it this fall yet. When I do get rid of it you are more than welcome to it.

[walter1]

Thanks, When you are done with the old one please let me know.

What a concept: working on the house instead of the toys.

Don't let that idea get around.

[thecatsandi]

Coax has much lower loss. Most Modern Televisions only have coax.

[vswingfield]

Hi Walter,

I’m not sure which one you mean. Both my ’67 Trade Wind and my ’83 Excella have the same Braund model. Also, they work great!

Link to photo:

http://www.airforums.com/photos/show...0&userid=17830

And no, the telephone pole and streetlight are not part of the antenna. They crank up poorly.

Vaughan

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by tlavergne

Do you loose much signal strength using the old flat 300 ohm wire instead of running coax the whole length? It also looks like the easiest way to run it would be along the roof and down the frig vent.
Tom

It does lose strength, but is certainly easier than ripping ceiling panels out. Ours had the cable running down the main long ceiling panel, after removing the a/c and vents, it wasn't too bad to get apart. A helper is mandatory.

[Sundance]

What is a batwing antenna??

[thecatsandi]

Replacement Elevating Crank for Winegard® Batwing Antenna - Camping World

[Sundance]

Thanks............... Gonna git one of dem.

[klattu]

They still make those?
Sure looks like would pick up great.

[klattu]

Bat Wing =