Winegard RC-DT09 DTV Converter Box

[Tom Nugler]

In light of all the DTV and antenna questions that have popped up on the Forum recently, in asking this question I verify I have used the search button.
Is anyone using, or have experience with the Winegard RC-DT09 DTV converter box currently being hawked at Camping World? http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm/Outdoor-and-RV-Accessories/RV-Electronics/TV/DVD/-Home-Theatre/Winegard-Digital-Converter-Box/skunum=39000
I’ve checked the specs and reviews on other forums and it seems to be comparable to all the other low-end units.
I’m not interested in doing any major upgrading and this is just a patch until I find a bigger trailer.
Got my coupons last week so the clock’s ticking on the 90 day expiration.

Thanks,
Tom.

[HowieE]

I talked to a TV station engineer before I installed my converter in the trailer. He suggested getting a box made by LG as they are using the best chip set in them. Zenith is made by LG and Circuit City sells them for a few buck and the coupon.

The reception is great on a digital signal and the box has a pass through for none digital signals

The wiring picture shows my set up before the converter was installed. It supported the trailer antenna, my satellite and campground cable.

I will have to replace the duplex connector with a triplex to make thing permanent and support all 4 options.

[jkcru]

I have the subject unit and it works just fine, remember it is digital only and will not support most campground or cable tv setups so you need a switch to go back and forth.

[Tom Nugler]

Connectivity isn’t a problem with the tongue mounted antenna set-up I use. The cable connection is near the gas bottles. No need for a pass thru analog either.
I like this box because of its small size. Space is at a premium in a 20-foot Globetrotter.
Additionally the 9VDC input from the wall mount AC adapter will make it easier to run the TV with digital off batteries when there is no AC. I’m planning on adding an additional wire with an IC voltage regulator to the TVs 12VDC power cable.
I'll post the results of the conversion in a week or two.

Tom.

[Tom Nugler]

Here’s the results after hooking up the converter.
The antenna is a Winegard omni-directional RV antenna 15 feet above ground on a tongue mounted mast feeding a 6db amp. The set is a 13" TV VCR combo. The location is 55 miles from Chicago, 65 from Milwaukee and 35 from Rockford.
Using the autoscan on the TV, on average it captures 35 signals. 10 are just blank or solid snow, 15 too fuzzy or unstable to watch and 10 watchable with varying degrees of clarity.
After connecting the converter and using its autoscan, it captures 12 to 20 signals depending on atmospherics. Generally 4 to 6 of those are blank with only the station ID displayed. Do the stations use "Placeholders" like short-wave broadcasters do?
So I’ve gained about 4 stations and all are clear. After using the rebate card I’m only out $28 bucks so I’ll call the conversion a success. The real test will come on the next trip where we usually pick up only 4 decent channels.

Tom.

[HowieE]

Not all the station are broadcasting at full power on the digital side yet so some channels you may see a note no signal when attempting to look at them as digital. If the converter you bought has a Pass Through Feature you can still see the analog signal from that station using your Airstream amp.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Tom Nugler

[]Here’s the results after hooking up the converter...

good report tom, thanks!

i just received the 2 hologram secured, digital box converter coupons in 2days mail...

and saw that the winegard version is eligible.

with 90 days to select and purchase, the shopping starts soon.

cheers
2air'

[2dabeach]

Tom
My Winegard RC-DT09 got delivered yesterday and I set it up on a portable TV with a rabbit-ear antenna. The picture quality improved considerable from all channels coming in fuzzy to excellent cable/satellite quality pictures. Unlike some other models, the RC-DT09 converter can be turned on/off and channels can be changed at the box without the use of the remote.

[jsprad]

Does any of this need to be done on a 2005 model International with the A/V upgrade? I have all relatively new stuff in my house, so I really haven't thought about this stuff much. Any thoughts?

[HowieE]

Well I have completed the installation of the digital converter. Now my system is able to receive analog tv of the antenna, digital tv off the antenna, satellite tv from Direct, and cable from the campground.

All in all it looks a bit cluttered but quite simple to use once I decide just which source I am using.

[2dabeach]

Originally Posted by jsprad

Does any of this need to be done on a 2005 model International with the A/V upgrade? I have all relatively new stuff in my house, so I really haven't thought about this stuff much. Any thoughts?

My 2007 came with the A/V upgrade and both Sony and Airstream cofirmed that my TV would need the converter box. I'm not very happy with Airstream selling me an analog set when they must have known that analog was being phased out for the mandated 2/1/09 conversion to digital. I guess Airstream got their TV's from Sony at a really low price by purchasing discontinued models.

[overlander63]

I got a flier from (I think) Radio Shack, offering $199 19" HD LCD televisions. Only $150 more than the converter, but it's about 5" bigger, screen-wise, than what comes in currret Airstreams.

[fredhayes]

Has anyone tried to use a Coby converter box? We have the winegard antenna and can't seem to get the converter box to work, either with coax or rca cables. Is it the box?

[pilgrim]

Lots of interesting comments but nothing that will assist me in making my new converter box work. I certainly agree with 2dabeach - I thought my 2007 would have a digital TV and the salesman led me to believe it was also - so I didn't pay much attention to the conversion discussions. Now the deadline has passed and I have no TV. Purchased a converter box but have had absolutely no luck with getting anything
hooked up. When I hooked up the wires, nothing happened. The book says the channels will start cycling through - but I have nothing but snow conditions. I don't know where to go next. Any suggestions......electricals drive me nuts!! Only the gods understand electricity and I prove it isn't for mere mortals over and over.