TV Reception

[gksmith]

We have had a Sandpiper 401FLX for about a year now and have issues getting local TV stations. Our unit has the new multi-directional antenna so we are not able to adjust it. We have asked numerous other permanent campers in the park and they no issues receiving local channels. There are certain times when we can get the channels, so I know the TV is capable. We have had the dealer out here once with no results and now I have been trying for two months for them to come out and resolve the issue along with about 5 other issues we are having, but no luck yet. Very frustrated and unhappy with quality of this destination model!

[kenandterry]

In my opinion, this was, and still is, the best there was and is.
Almost without fail, the person in the park with one of these will have the best over the air (OTA) reception. Why the manufacturers tried to re-invent the wheel, I don’t know.
This.....and the booster button “ON”

[rbq]

I don't know about how your model is, but mine has the outlet in the wall to connect the coax to the TV. On the side of that outlet is a small button. That button has to be turned on in order to amplify the signal from the antennae. A small green light goes on when it is in operation. The antennae doesn't work if that is not on.

[rbq]

Another thought is that when I go somewhere new I have to go to the TV menu and do a channel search so that the TV will search for the local signal where I am at. It is different at every location. Still get the same channels, but have to isolate that local signal.

[DougW]

Check all of the coax connections you can find, make sure they are tight. many times there are loose ones and they will cause weak signals. Those omnidirectional pancake style antennas are pretty lousy to start with, kenandterry has the right idea.

[Scrapper]

Multi- or originally known a omnidirectional antennas work well when they are surrounded by television transmitter towers or within 30 to 40 miles. The farther an antenna is from the transmitter, the signal strength diminishes to the point that it vanishes. Directional antennas such as the Winegard Sensor IV are designed to capture the signal from one direction thereby focusing the ability to receive more of the transmitted signal.


You can compare a multi-directional antenna to that of the whip antenna for a car radio, it receives all the signals from surrounding transmitters at the same time. Compare a directional antenna to a parabolic microphone which gathers sound (signals) from one direction.

[cboss]

Originally Posted by DougW

Check all of the coax connections you can find, make sure they are tight.

I actually scrape the coax connections with my pocket knife to make it "shine" as they tend to corrode a bit. It's the same for the SAT and OTA connections.

[gksmith]

Thank you for the input, my booster is on. Can I hook up this antenna through the external port?

[kenandterry]

The Wingard is to replace the junk you have today up on the roof.