Winegard Wingman notes

**KyDan** · 05-04-2009, 06:55 AM

Bought a winegard wingman UHF booster and got to
try it out this weekend.
As soon as my jacks were set I climbed up on the roof to
attach the wingman. I pulled out the existing feet on my antenna
and then noticed my refrigerator top vent is right in the way!
If I permanently attach the wingman it will sit down right on
top of the 'fridge vent when the antenna is in the down position

I climbed back down and grabbed a couple of extra large rubber
bands. I was able to simply slip a doubled rubber band over
each end of the antenna and then up onto the base of the wingman.
This held it securely enough to last the weekend.
I had the TV on a digital station that was coming and going before
"installation" and when I tried the wingman, the station was pretty solid.
It dropped out once or twice during a half hour program when before
it was dropping every few seconds.
The wingman does work on UHF stations (those above channel 13)
but you need to check your roof for obstructions near the antenna
in the down position.
The wingman mounts under the antenna and sticks out about 8-10 inches
on the side opposite the mast.

I guess I now have another thing I have to do every time we setup
and take down

We'll only use it if we have "iffy" stations but that's nearly all the time!!
It's a good thing my trailer has a built on ladder or this gizmo would
be for sale today!!

**Bama Rambler** · 05-04-2009, 07:03 AM

Good info Dan. I hadn't thought about that. Now I'l have to go check before I decide to buy one!

Joe Falco · 05-04-2009, 07:24 AM

Dan, just curious, and may be too much work just for the Wingman accessory, but can you remove the antenna, spin it around, and reseal it to facilitate installation?

Joe

**KyDan** · 05-04-2009, 08:06 AM

I thought about that but then the antenna would be facing forward
when in the down position.
70 MPH+ road winds would be trying to lift the antenna.
I don't think that would be a good idea.

The antenna base has 2 molded on fingers that form the "nest" for the mast
when it's at the home/lowered position.
I also thought about grinding one of them off so I could then lower the antenna
at a slight angle away from the 'fridge vent.
That might work but then the antenna mast would not be in a secure nest and
those cross winds you get when you pass a semi might actually try
to turn the antenna and maybe damage the plastic parts inside that hold
it in position.

Turning my entire mount about 15 degrees inboard and re-mounting/re-sealing
would probably be the best bet. I won't rule that out one day, especially if my
roof caulk looks like it's time for a re-do.
In other words, if the antenna is at 6 o-clock now it would be more like 7 o-clock
in the new position.
I think that would still be rearward enough to be safe and the 2 finger nest would
still be there to hold it securely from trying to turn in the cross winds.

MtnGuy · 05-04-2009, 03:22 PM

KyDan, can you get me an exact measurement of how far the Wingman juts out from the base of the antennae ??? My antennae is close to the side of my trailer, and I don't want it to hang over in case we decide to buy a Wingman.

Thanks

08flagvlite · 05-04-2009, 05:34 PM

I purchased my wingman about a month ago, and I just returned from a camping trip to the Ocala National Forest/Alexander springs. Since it is in the Nat. forest, there is limited at best ATT cell coverage, and TV reception is not too good, either. BUT after installing the wingman, I got 16 searched channels, and when viewed, basically about 9 "watchable" channels-(although some I wouldn't want to watch), so I would say it is a worthwhile investment for the money.(40.00) The measurement off to the side, right hand side facing the front is 8 7/8". Mine comes very close and actially grazes my AC housing, but it DOES go on down, with relative ease. I considered bending the aluminum mounting bar slightly to compensate for the grazing, but it's really not too bad. Hope this helps you!!! Randy

PJ73USAF · 05-04-2009, 05:55 PM

I too have the same problem that KyDan has,frig vent in the way.I have an 08 Lex.GTS with ladder.Like KyDan says one more set-up and take down procedure.

j2detroit · 05-04-2009, 07:14 PM

I installed our wingman and WOW while i didnot gain any channeles what i get is great the picture and sound are fantastic while they were ave before well worth th 30bucks i paid for it at cw

MtnGuy · 05-05-2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 08flagvlite

The measurement off to the side, right hand side facing the front is 8 7/8". Hope this helps you!!! Randy

Thanks Randy. When it stops raining here I will get up there and do some measurements, but looking at it from my upstairs windows, I think it is about a foot to the edge.

**KyDan** · 05-05-2009, 08:27 AM

Unless your knuckles are literally banging the wall when you crank it
up or down I think you'll be fine.

08flagvlite · 05-05-2009, 09:27 AM

Those of you with the fridge vent in the way, it looks to me like the 3 foot (est.)aluminum "mast" that raises up the antenna could be bent to conform with the vent, if it isn't right on top of the vent upon lowering. I wouldn't think that would interfere with the signal.....just a thought....I wouldn't want to climb up un the roof every time I went camping, A.) not too safe; and B.) might make roof leak; and C.) not designed for that!
Myself, I bought my unit for EASY and convenient camping trips! Randy

**KyDan** · 05-06-2009, 07:57 AM

My antenna comes down right beside the fridge vent.
If I put on the Wingman it will come down on top of the vent.
I'd have to put a SERIOUS bend in my mast to make it miss.
I'll either live with it or turn my mount clockwise about 15 degrees one day.

I don't like adding any extra steps to setup and take down either but we do watch
the tele most nights before bed and very few of the parks we visit have cable.
In the "old days" we could put up with a snowy picture but on digital, you either have
it our you don't.
When the analog signals all stop I think there will be lots of folks out in the fringe areas
that will suddenly find they have no signal they can use.

08flagvlite · 05-06-2009, 09:16 AM

I know exactly what you mean!! Those annoying "digital freezes" as I call them make me change the channel every time! I did notice that on the base of the antenna, it has 2 metal "nesting" tabs that the mast drops into upon lowering. That does seem like it would work to turn the whole shebang a little one way or another to allow clearance of the vent. Good Luck, and HAPPY CAMPING!! Randy (PS...I'm going up on top to see if the wingman could possibly mount to the LEFT side for you guys with this problem.) Will post result later... Randy

**KyDan** · 05-06-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 08flagvlite

(PS...I'm going up on top to see if the wingman could possibly mount to the LEFT side for you guys with this problem.) Will post result later... Randy

No way. I looked.

hunt4240dw · 05-06-2009, 12:43 PM

Me too ... No way ... My antenna was mounted closer to AC than Randy. I have traded one email with Winegard Tech help about another solution.

David

**KyDan** · 05-06-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunt4240dw

Me too ... No way ... My antenna was mounted closer to AC than Randy. I have traded one email with Winegard Tech help about another solution.
David

Please let us know what they say about this issue!!!

hunt4240dw · 05-13-2009, 09:42 AM

This is their response ...

You can remove the last element and will still get much of the UHF signal boost. This is not something we recommend but in some cases it is the only option.

Winegard Technical Support
1-800-788-4417

David

**KyDan** · 05-13-2009, 10:42 AM

That's a thought.
In my case I'd have to remove 2 of the elements which pretty much negates the
gain of having it.
Guess I'm stuck removing my booster each trip. At least until I turn my antenna
mount some day.
Thanks for the reply!

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