Airstream TV Antenna Omnidirectional

[mlhomeboy]

Hi, I have a 2016 28ft AS FC and want to replace the TV Antenna. I removed the top half of the disk and noticed it was factory wired with no connector. Does anyone know if the connector is below the metal base or accessible? Thanks -Mike

[Al and Missy]

There is probably a connector below the base. If not, and it is fed with standard coax you can cut the cable and put a connector on it. The tools and connectors are available at Lowes, Home Depot, and Harbor Freight. I carry a set on my trailer for repairs.


Al

[mlhomeboy]

The cable is a very thin coax; not something i seen before in any HomeDepot etc. I can only see soldering the wires together at this point. I haven't removed the base yet as I don't want to open Pandora's box.

[Silverpuller]

Originally Posted by mlhomeboy

The cable is a very thin coax; not something i seen before in any HomeDepot etc. I can only see soldering the wires together at this point. I haven't removed the base yet as I don't want to open Pandora's box.

Just curious... What do you want to replace it with?

[Al and Missy]

At TV frequencies, maintaining the impedance of the line is important. cutting and soldering is probably not a good idea.

If you can figure out the brand and model number, Google it. The installation instructions will probably answer your questions.

I'd be surprised if Airstream ran anything other than RG-6 coax up to the antenna. That small flexible stuff is expensive.


Al

[waninae39]

the thin cable has higher losses that std RG59 cable
you may want to use std cable with vs the small rg6

[KelloggKid]

Originally Posted by mlhomeboy

Hi, I have a 2016 28ft AS FC and want to replace the TV Antenna. I removed the top half of the disk and noticed it was factory wired with no connector. Does anyone know if the connector is below the metal base or accessible? Thanks -Mike

I recently sheared my antenna off accidentally and can confidently tell you that there is no connector down inside the tube or anywhere that I know of. My antenna is salvageable so I'm going to put a connector on the coax remaining in the tube, add a mating connector to the antenna, and reattach the antenna.

I'd be interested in what you plan on replacing it with as this one never has worked very well. It does however do an excellent job of letting you know the garage door isn't all the way up before you shear off the AC.

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by waninae39

the thin cable has higher losses that std RG59 cable
you may want to use std cable with vs the small rg6

RG-6 is newer and better cable than RG-59. It has a slightly larger diameter, not smaller.

https://www.google.com/search?client...&q=rg6+or+rg59

RG-59 would be fine for use with an antenna, but RG-6 would be better. I just use RG-6 for everything since I got a good deal on a 500' box of it.

Edit:
I can't find a manual or specs for the Roadstar but its cousin for the marine environment uses RG-59 which comes with the antenna. Maybe that is what you have. If so you can go to HF, HD or Lowes and get the tools and connectors to cut, strip, and crimp connectors so you can connect the new antenna properly.


Al

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by KelloggKid

I recently sheared my antenna off accidentally and can confidently tell you that there is no connector down inside the tube or anywhere that I know of. My antenna is salvageable so I'm going to put a connector on the coax remaining in the tube, add a mating connector to the antenna, and reattach the antenna.

I'd be interested in what you plan on replacing it with as this one never has worked very well. It does however do an excellent job of letting you know the garage door isn't all the way up before you shear off the AC.

Kellogg, way to fess up (and in doing so, save someone else from a lazy garage door.)

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by KelloggKid

I recently sheared my antenna off accidentally and can confidently tell you that there is no connector down inside the tube or anywhere that I know of. My antenna is salvageable so I'm going to put a connector on the coax remaining in the tube, add a mating connector to the antenna, and reattach the antenna.

I'd be interested in what you plan on replacing it with as this one never has worked very well. It does however do an excellent job of letting you know the garage door isn't all the way up before you shear off the AC.

Well at least it is good for something.....

Al

[mlhomeboy]

Winegard Rayzor

[CinTerLine]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

Kellogg, way to fess up (and in doing so, save someone else from a lazy garage door.)

Love the self-deprecating sense of humor,

[rmkrum]

A good sense of humor is vital, especially as you age...

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by mlhomeboy

Winegard Rayzor

+1 for the Rayzar. My 2002 had the original one on it that was not too good for UHF. I bought the Wingman attachment and it works great. Closest TV transmitters to my house are in Orlando 50-60 miles away. I routinely get over 25 channels sitting in my driveway.

Al