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Old 02-16-2009, 06:22 PM   #1
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Install a Winegard Sensar on 71 TW

I want to install a Winegard Sensar on my 71 Tradewind to replace my long gone Skyliner. If anyone has any advice I will GREATLY appreciate it:

1. The main issue is placement of the Sensar. If installed right down the center line, using the old antenna roof hole, it will lay right on top of my middle roof vent and even touch the front end of my AC. If I install the Sensar with the attachment point the same as the old Skyliner but at about a 5 degree off center alignment so that the end of the Sensar is next to the vent I think that should work. What do you think? (see photo)

2. I have the old 2 wire antenna wire (see photo) for the Skyliner still on the roof. Should I splice to and reuse it or replace it all with coaxial? Can I attach an end of coaxial cable to the old 2 wire cable and use that to fish it through?
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Old 02-16-2009, 06:50 PM   #2
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I think if you don't mount it directly fore & aft, it will put stress on the sector wheel, which is just a cheap piece of plastic. At 60 mph it's probably going to be a couple of pounds force.

The cross section of the antenna head is about the same as your hand, so it's about the force your arm would feel outside your window.
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Old 02-16-2009, 08:09 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by markdoane View Post
I think if you don't mount it directly fore & aft, it will put stress on the sector wheel, which is just a cheap piece of plastic. At 60 mph it's probably going to be a couple of pounds force.

The cross section of the antenna head is about the same as your hand, so it's about the force your arm would feel outside your window.
I was thinking I could make a lightweight aluminum cradle mounted to the roof the antenna head would lower into to counteract the apparent wind's tendency to push the head of the antenna towards the trailer mid line. You think?

Sector wheels are also inexpensive in addition to cheap
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Old 02-16-2009, 08:14 PM   #4
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I had a winegard installed on my 73 and was told to replace the wire with coax....
It works fairly well....so far no leaks
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Old 02-21-2009, 02:26 PM   #5
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Would This Work?????

Lumatic,
I just bought the Wingard Sensar III and it looks like I might have little more room on my Overlander. I haven't taken a hard look yet, but it seems like the poles could be cut shorter. I know the antenna would be shorter when in the up position, but it would fit the roof better. the instructions show the clear space needed to be five feet from the back of the base plate. If possible I will cut my poles to a length that will allow it to be laid down in a distance of about 48 inches more or less. The difference in length would be 12 inches. I read somewhere that the raised height of the antenna was about 40 inches. When cut down the antenna it would still stand 28 inches above the roof. I was just thinking out loud again. Please check my logic. Don
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Old 02-21-2009, 02:36 PM   #6
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I mounted a batwing onto my sovereign and installed it off center and put many miles on it without incident. However, I had it up when a micro burst came through a couple of years ago at a rally and broke the plastic head mounting. I had to buy a new head.
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Old 02-21-2009, 03:59 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Boyd View Post
Lumatic,
I just bought the Wingard Sensar III and it looks like I might have little more room on my Overlander. I haven't taken a hard look yet, but it seems like the poles could be cut shorter. I know the antenna would be shorter when in the up position, but it would fit the roof better. the instructions show the clear space needed to be five feet from the back of the base plate. If possible I will cut my poles to a length that will allow it to be laid down in a distance of about 48 inches more or less. The difference in length would be 12 inches. I read somewhere that the raised height of the antenna was about 40 inches. When cut down the antenna it would still stand 28 inches above the roof. I was just thinking out loud again. Please check my logic. Don
I called Winegard about shortening the "boom". They said they do make shorter booms. They said it would work but did not really answer my question how much performance would be lost. They did say the higher the antenna the better.
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Old 02-21-2009, 06:00 PM   #8
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I was also going to add the Winguard Wingman to mine. looks like it protrudes from the side 8~10 inches. I think it would hang over the side too much. The Wingman is supposed to double the range of the antenna. I am converting from the old style antenna without a booster to to the Sensar III with a booster and Wingman, I think it will be much better. Since Winguard sells shorter booms, it tells me that the antenna will function fine. I think the built in signal booster will be what makes the biggest difference. Don
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Old 02-23-2009, 07:34 PM   #9
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A baby winguard antenna???

I measured the distance I had between the old antenna hole and my astrodome and it was about 47 1/2 inches. I used these measurements to make my antenna 46 1/2 inches when closed. I cut 17 inches from each pole. it is now only 21 inches tall,but it will fit the roof well. the tubes are aluminum and can be cut slowly with a miter saw. the pins fit through 1/4 holes and the cable goes throught a 5/8 hole that can be made with a paddle bit.I am very happy with the way it turned out. it looks like the metal part of the wing is held up because it sits on the lift housing,but it actually does not touch due to the rubber feet that hold the center of wing off the trailer.Don

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Old 02-24-2009, 07:07 AM   #10
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Don's Baby Winegard

I hope when you get it hooked up you will give us a report on the reception quality.
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Old 02-25-2009, 06:00 PM   #11
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If I can get a few warm dry weekends I should get it installed. I shall report my results whether good or bad(I sure hope it is good). Don
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Old 04-14-2009, 05:33 PM   #12
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Tada!!

Here are some pictures of my baby antenna. I hooked my digital tv to it and got 21 channels and the digital conversion is not even complete.I just need to trim the extra cable. I was able to use the old antenna wire and dish soap to pull the new cable into the camper.

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Old 04-14-2009, 06:03 PM   #13
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I tried to pull the coaxial through but the old antenna wire would not budge. I drilled a hole under the fridge vent which feeds into the roo flocker and werks gud. I ended up using the whole boom and offset the antenna so it lays down between the roo fvent and the fridge vent. It has a Wingman which also helps to hold it in that postiion. I have not it on the road yet but I doubt I will have any problem with the wind and the position.
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