Local TV channels

RooMan183 · 10-15-2019, 04:19 PM

I was camping this weekend. Trying to get local channels and only received NBC. Had some other channels Mystery, some oldie station, etc... 10 total. I'm running a standard system the came with my Rockwood Roo. Doesn't anyone have input on how to get other local channels CBS,FOX,etc..

Thanks

Boomerweps · 10-15-2019, 04:28 PM

All new televisions require an OTA or antenna scan for local channels every time you go to a new location. Then you get what you get. There are a few apps that will locate television transmitters by direction and distance.

DavidBo · 10-15-2019, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boomerweps

There are a few apps that will locate television transmitters by direction and distance.

This. There are quite a few free (ad supported) apps that are great for finding the direction and signal strength of local broadcast towers. If your Roo came with an omni-directional antenna, then you definitely want to upgrade to an amplified directional unit. Speaking of amplifiers, make sure your's is on.
Also, like Boomer stated, rescanning the channels is always required at a new location.

jcr59 · 10-15-2019, 04:54 PM

It's a crap shoot. As stated you have to scan at each new location. We've had 39 channels and we've had 3.

tomkatb · 10-15-2019, 05:16 PM

Gees, got 50 channels this weekend.

15 miles from a Detroit, Toledo and Windsor Ontario.

On Lake Erie. Lovely spot.

NJKris · 10-15-2019, 06:21 PM

Also, you can go online and can see where the transmitter towers are in relation to you, and rotate/aim your antenna towards them to get a better signal.

**edit, DavidBo already said this.

**Mr. Dan** · 10-15-2019, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkatb

Gees, got 50 channels this weekend.

15 miles from a Detroit, Toledo and Windsor Ontario.

On Lake Erie. Lovely spot.

Thanks. This helps.

**Bama Rambler** · 10-16-2019, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkatb

Gees, got 50 channels this weekend.

15 miles from a Detroit, Toledo and Windsor Ontario.

On Lake Erie. Lovely spot.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Dan

Thanks. This helps.

Really need that sarcasm font installed!

@Rooman183 -- I replaced the "Omni-Directional" antenna in our RV with a directional unit, and it picks up a lot more channels, but as said above, we have to rescan channels any time we move out of the area we were last in by several miles.

We also use a couple of 'antenna finder' apps and that helps get an idea of which way to aim the antenna.

rracer5 · 10-16-2019, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boomerweps

All new televisions require an OTA or antenna scan for local channels every time you go to a new location. Then you get what you get. There are a few apps that will locate television transmitters by direction and distance.

www.antennaweb.org

That will tell you which way to aim your antenna by compass degrees (if you have one that can be turned). Then I use my phones compass to see which direction to "aim" the antenna.
Also, if you have the older style "batwing" antenna, an add-on "wingman" attachment will help bring in fringe stations. As an added measure, I swapped out the basic Winegard amplifier with their digital one. The db gain is adjustable on that one for even better reception.
https://www.campingworld.com/winegar...man-44021.html

https://www.campingworld.com/winegar...er-accessories

**Iwritecode** · 10-16-2019, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

I replaced the "Omni-Directional" antenna in our RV with a directional unit, and it picks up a lot more channels, but as said above, we have to rescan channels any time we move out of the area we were last in by several miles.

I've heard more than once that those omni-directional antennas are really good at NOT picking up channels in all directions at once.

Many have reported switching them out with better results. I wonder if that's what the OP has.

TitanMike · 10-16-2019, 01:21 PM

One common problem is that when people do a channel scan, their antenna may not be pointed at any tower location and the scan will come up "No Channels Found".

Get an app like the The smart Winegard TV Signal Finder.

Super easy to use if you have a cell connection. First figure out which direction your RV is pointing. Run Tower Finder and orient your phone so it's top is pointing North. The screen will show you which way to point the antenna BEFORE you scan and your chances of getting more channels from a scan is increased.

Don't forget though. Most RV antennas have a hard time receiving channels over 30 miles away unless the terrain is flat.

NJKris · 10-16-2019, 02:11 PM

And when it's all said and done, you can sit in your trailer and stare at crappy network tv riddled with constant commercials that exceed actual content by a long shot. Our last campground had over 70 channels available on cable. I sat there clicking through channels, half of which were commercials, and other half crap until wife said, "turn it off already". I got rid of cable TV at home 3 years ago and have never been happier or had more coin in my pocket. Nice feeling knowing you made the right choice.

I know this post is not helpful, but man, the lengths people go to to watch tv while camping is puzzling and amusing to me.

firemedicmark · 10-16-2019, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJKris

Also, you can go online and can see where the transmitter towers are in relation to you, and rotate/aim your antenna towards them to get a better signal.

**edit, DavidBo already said this.

I just look at the antennas of other units and point mine the same way of the majority.

rracer5 · 10-16-2019, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firemedicmark

I just look at the antennas of other units and point mine the same way of the majority.

Yeah.....I thought I'd try that too. Just that I don't know if some just put it up & hoped for the best or those that didn't even put it up because they just want to disconnect for the weekend OR......are they a younger generation with all you can get unlimited data plans on their multiple devices and are able to stream every show they want at will?

Daycruiser · 10-16-2019, 04:54 PM

Those Omni directional antennas are just a piece of wire wrapped around a plastic housing. Even a rep from a well known RV antenna manufacturer admitted they were junk. They had to make something that the RV manufacturers wanted and that were cheap and easily installed on the line. The Batwing (Sensar III) took too long to install and were expensive. My Omni was in the trash can on the second trip and a new Sensar IV has taken it's place.

RooMan183 · 10-16-2019, 06:13 PM

Not sure what’s what but have the one u crank up and has a geared wheel to move the direction. I thought maybe there was an add on booster or amplifier that would bring in more channels. I didn’t use any particular readings but spun servers times in different directions did the rescan every time and came up with the same channels.

TitanMike · 10-16-2019, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firemedicmark

I just look at the antennas of other units and point mine the same way of the majority.

That works OK if you camp among a bunch of other campers.

Boondocking is a whole different situation. Nobody to give you a clue as to direction and often, no nearby stations to receive anyway.

For my evening TV "fix" I shuffle through the $3.98 bin of DVD's, sometimes the $5 bin at Walmart. Pick up two or three new DVD's every once in a while and fill a box for my next trip.

I also swap DVD's with my Son and Daughter. For news I just have to make do with radio, either the TT's radio or Sirrius XM. Strange thing about "News". I listen while driving and a week later when I start driving again, the "News" all seems to be the same.

rracer5 · 10-17-2019, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RooMan183

Not sure what’s what but have the one u crank up and has a geared wheel to move the direction. I thought maybe there was an add on booster or amplifier that would bring in more channels. I didn’t use any particular readings but spun servers times in different directions did the rescan every time and came up with the same channels.

See my previous post, #9.

RooMan183 · 10-17-2019, 05:49 PM

Maybe I’ll try the wingard sensor pro

Flat_twin · 10-23-2019, 02:39 PM

Also keep in mind that UHF is easily blocked by thick foliage. TV reception while camping is certainly an ever changing situation. I recently swapped our Winegard Sensar III for a Clearstream C2V made to mount on the Winegard antenna boom and use the existing pre amp power inserter. The kit included the Clearstream 2 antenna, reflector screen, cabling and a PA-18 pre amp. From my driveway I can now get all the major networks from 43 miles away. Our small town is in a valley and I have large trees 150' away in the direction of the broadcast towers. The batwing antenna received only the strongest station. I am anxious to try this antenna out in familiar campgrounds and see what difference it makes there.

Stowed position. Doesn't lay as flat as the Winegard batwing. We'll see how it does on the road.

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