antennae tips or tricks

boudie · 09-14-2014, 08:46 AM

2014 Coachmen 320 BHDS

Just purchased.
It has fixed antennae. What brand is it?? Can I amplify it??

My dealer sucks

and I have No paperwork for it. My old camper had the crank up type and seemed to get many more channels than this fixed model.

any tricks??

Please let me know

boudie · 09-14-2014, 07:35 PM

Anyone Anyone Bueller?????

jtstromsburg · 09-14-2014, 07:39 PM

My last TT had a fixed antenna, and it still had a button behind the TV to turn on the booster. Definitely didn't do as well as my current "Jack" antenna, but was OK. Have you looked for a wall plate with button switch

boudie · 09-14-2014, 07:48 PM

Have the button. Just seems like less channels are located. Need to do more checking other than just in driveway. Whats the jack? I'll research it.

mTn_biKer65 · 09-14-2014, 07:53 PM

I've had both antenna types and also find the fixed style picks up fewer channels. That said I still prefer the looks and operation of the fixed style. As mentioned the booster button operation has remained the same. Turned on when using the antenna and off when using cable.

jtstromsburg · 09-14-2014, 07:59 PM

Also, check all connections. Up on roof, behind wall plate, and at TV connection. Some are not tightened correctly from factory or dealer. Yes, research the jack antenna, but with no aiming or raising, keep that in mind when reading up on it

DreiHunde · 09-14-2014, 08:05 PM

If its a Winegard Sensar "batwing" style antenna you might want try this fineal attachment, a "Winegard Wingman". Its Cheap, easy to install. I have a windup but it more than tripled my reception. Good luck!

Evereddie · 09-14-2014, 11:30 PM

A fixed antenna means it is omnidirectional which means it doesn't have as much gain in anyone direction like a Wingman does. The Sensor Wingman antennas with the finial attachment does better than an omni but it has to be on the crank around type mount. The Jack antenna is another kind of directional antenna that is suppose to be even better than the Wingman but I've seen tests which show it is about equal. (Those tests are done with the UHF add on finial mounted on the Wingman) Both of those must be mounted on a crank around type of mount and that would be some work to add that to your trailer. If you really want good reception though I would look into what it would take to add the crank around system. JMHO.

NOTE: Lots of people replace their standard old stock Wingman with the Jack antenna and it does so much better but that is because their old antenna didn't have the add on unit that adds UHF to the antenna. The stock Wingman is basically a VHF only antenna and UHF is where most High Definition channels are now.

Wiscampsin · 09-15-2014, 08:08 AM

Don't forget to go into the tv's menu and scan for channels.

mark0224 · 09-15-2014, 08:26 AM

A fixed non moving antenna is an omnidirectional antenna and with the booster should pick up something. I've always had an antenna that you can aim so not up on how good the fixed ones work. To install one that you can aim like the Jack or Batwing your going to have to put a hole in the roof for the aiming control not something I want to do, just don't like putting holes in roof. On the antenna you have ck the connections of the cable if they are loose you won't pick up as much because you will get a weak signal, Also while your looking at it you might be able to find a brand name of the antenna and if you find it look it up on line under that brand as an omnidirectional antenna. You may be able to get some info on it that way.

M&K Hoffman · 09-15-2014, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boudie

2014 Coachmen 320 BHDS

Just purchased.
It has fixed antennae. What brand is it?? Can I amplify it??

My dealer sucks

and I have No paperwork for it. My old camper had the crank up type and seemed to get many more channels than this fixed model.

any tricks??

Please let me know

The Crossroad Sunset Trail I have traded for a Windjammer had a Jensen ANHD20M which was totally worthless. (See attached photo) I wanted to replace it but was told the reason it was used was because the roof could support any other antenna. The roof was decked with 3/16" Luan plywood. I have no idea what the roofing is on your unit, but if it is rated as non-walkable that maybe the reason for the installed antenna.

Rmstack · 09-15-2014, 09:00 PM

I have the OMNI directional HD TV antenna that is stationary. I can not get as many channels as I used to with the crank up antenna on previous RVs. Also, I have noticed that when the AC comes on, the station that I have on breaks up in blocks. Very annoying. Too bad that the antenna can not be rotated for a better signal, but I suppose Forest River has to cut costs wherever possible.

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