Crank up antenna vs. UFO

[TitanMike]

The antenna that came with my TT looked somewhat like the "millennium falcon" from Star Wars. Worked OK if within 10-15 miles of a TV tower. Beyond that it was DVD time .
I replaced it with a Winegard Sensar (Bat Wing) and also added the Sensar Pro signal strength meter and amplifier. It allows me to select a specific channel number and dial in for best signal.

Still doesn't pull in signals from towers that are hidden behind geographic obstacles like high ridges or mountains.

One note for those used to adjusting their antenna on the old analog TV signals. Digital signals today are pretty much On or Off when adjusting an antenna. Old signals got fuzzy then clear and you could dial it in easier. With digital, unless you have a signal strength meter (there are all kinds sold), the picture will stay clear then suddenly disappear of freeze. Much harder to work with when setting up.

Sometimes you can take all afternoon orienting the antenna, scanning, then moving the antenna to another section of the "pie" and scanning again.

[dalford]

Originally Posted by bubbles

My original post was to let GXPWeasel know that his antenna install was not done incorrectly as he thought. You chimed in referencing my post with a post that seemed to disagree with mine and agree with GXPWeasel's post then it just escalated from there. I did not say the antenna could not be pointed; what I said was that the arrow on the rotator is not for referencing which way the antenna is pointed which was GXPWeasel's assumption. Sorry. Camp on.

My fault, I didn’t realize you were speaking of his install. I just know there are 2 arrows on the crank mount and the one that rotates is for pointing (Which I assumed was the one your we’re speaking of in which you said was not for pointing to transmitters) and the other is a fixed arrow to align with the rotating arrow for correct orientation of the antenna for stowing.

My bad.. I always appreciate your posts...

[lewisra]

For those that can point their antenna, the app NoCable will tell you stations in your area and which way to point the antenna. Also has “TV Guide” to see what’s on.

[Flybob]

Crank-ups are designed focus the signal from the direction it is pointed and reduce signal from other directions. UFO antennas gather signals from all directions with no focus. You should always be better off with a crank up. Also if you cover the unit, crank-up is easier on the cover.

[Larry-NC]

Originally Posted by lewisra

For those that can point their antenna, the app NoCable will tell you stations in your area and which way to point the antenna. Also has “TV Guide” to see what’s on.

I've used this website since the mid-90s.

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by Flybob

Crank-ups are designed focus the signal from the direction it is pointed and reduce signal from other directions. UFO antennas gather signals from all directions with no focus. You should always be better off with a crank up. Also if you cover the unit, crank-up is easier on the cover.

Crank-ups also slip under tree branches easier than the "UFO's" which can grab a branch and "hang on" until the antenna breaks.

[Jay2504]

I have an antenna on our Jayco that looks like a shark fin. I can’t find any information on it anywhere. It does however work surprisingly well. Much better than I thought it would.Anyone else have one or know anything about them ? We used to have a bat wing, it also did well, but when I added the “wingman” It did even better but was a lot more sensitive to being aimed correctly. IMHO one of the things that helps the batwing is the extra height you get over a fixed roof antenna. I know it’s not a whole lot but every little bit helps. Jay

[tboots]

Originally Posted by Jay2504

I have an antenna on our Jayco that looks like a shark fin. I can’t find any information on it anywhere. It does however work surprisingly well. Much better than I thought it would.Anyone else have one or know anything about them ? We used to have a bat wing, it also did well, but when I added the “wingman” It did even better but was a lot more sensitive to being aimed correctly. IMHO one of the things that helps the batwing is the extra height you get over a fixed roof antenna. I know it’s not a whole lot but every little bit helps. Jay

Is the "shark fin" not for Sirius/XM?

[BriaBeck]

Originally Posted by CincyGus

I think I'm the only guy on the planet (or at least these forums) that has had good success with the UFO type. Gets better reception that the wineguard sensarII with batwing that I previously had on my previous camper both here at home and at a couple of the local campgrounds we visit frequently.

That said, pretty much every review from antenna review websites point to one of the wineguards Sensars with batwing as the leader in the clubhouse as the best crank up/down directional RV Antenna.

Winegard Sensar IV w/ Integrated Wingman TV Antenna System (RVW-395)
is what I would get if I was replacing something I wasn't happy with.

You're not the only one!


We've got the Winegard Rayzar Z1 on our camper, and it is great. It actually pulls in more channels than the OTA antenna we have on the house!!




I think one thing that would be good in this thread would be to specify which antenna is actually being discussed... rather than just "UFO type", since there are several out there. Maybe some are better or worse than others. Like I said, we've got the Rayzar Z1, and I'm completely satisfied with it.

[bubbles]

I use satellite 99.9% of the time. My unit came with the batwing. I switched to the Rayzar Z1 but the one that is a retrofit for the batwing (mounted to the batwing crank-up stanchion) that is a direct swap out. I can't say the Rayzar Z1 is better than the batwing but I can say it is no worse. I think because it is elevated on the stanchion that the reception is quite good.