Is that thing up top useful? (Satellite ?)

[Lexington 283]

Will that top mounted satellite (?) bring in stations?

We just bought 2005 Lex 283 in March, 2020 and are finally getting out but haven't any any success with getting TV stations with help from that thing up top.

Help please. My inside receiver is "on" and seems to be working OK.

Also, I'd appreciate suggestions re which new roof mounted unit you guys like best to replace old unit. (Trying to keep under $400)

Finally, if I replace old unit with new round unit, I feel I def want roof mounting to avoid possibility of someone walking off with portable unit. Just seems to easy..... I grew up in Cleveland......lol

Thanks for your help and suggestions

[bubbles]

That antenna is an omnidirectional VHF/UHF TV (over the air) antenna, not a satellite antenna.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Don't see a Satellite on your roof, only omnidirectional antenna for OTA Over The Air TV.

[NoviBill]

The rooftop antenna with amplifier (power next to the inside coax connector) is better than rabbit ears, but not 2x better. If you are within 30-50 miles you might get something. Normally you will need to do a "station search" on your TV to find anything.

[Lexington 283]

So, now i know that is not a satellite at all but is simply an antenna

We'll keep searching for stations but are prob too far away

Thanks guys

Which satellite system should I buy to replace that old antenna?

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Lexington 283

So, now i know that is not a satellite at all but is simply an antenna

We'll keep searching for stations but are prob too far away

Thanks guys

Which satellite system should I buy to replace that old antenna?

Just to recap. You do NOT have a satellite antenna in your picture.
OTA (over the air) antennas will only get what is relatively close by in an open environment. Anyone else in your park receiving channels?You normally need to have the associated amplifier with the antenna turned ON. Then you need to do a scan on each TV with it’s setting programmed for antenna vs cable.

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by bubbles

That antenna is an omnidirectional VHF/UHF TV (over the air) antenna, not a satellite antenna.

^^^This.

I don't have one but I've heard from a lot of people that do that they are good at not picking up signals from any direction.

I'll stick with my rotatable, directional antenna.

[NMWildcat]

For satellite, most folks go with Dish and an automatic, portable King Dome, Tailgater, or Pathway. Equipment packages go from $350 up.

[Cover Dog]

When you get your PORTABLE satellite system I would not mount it permanently on the roof. If permanently mounted on the roof and you are in an RV park with trees there’s a very good chance you will not get reception because signal might be blocked by the trees. If you have it on the ground or a stand you can move it where you’ll get a clear shot at the satellites.

We have had a portable satellite since 2014 and have never had it “walk away”.

[ChrisParise]

We went with a permanent roof mounted satellite. Weighed the pros and cons of portable vs roof mount and decided I didnt want to add 1 more outdoors setup or take down task to my list of to-dos. Actually I think there several activities needed to find and setup a portable. I think cabling on the ground is a tripping hazard, especially now that we are seniors. I've seen people set them out pretty far away from their site, doesn't work well for us going for walks especially in the dark with the pup.

But, to each their own.

Chris

[Telstar]

As for roof mounted satellite dome, I have a KingDome for DISH Which is mounted on the roof and also have a tripod to use if signal is blocked by trees. I would say 90% of the time it works fine on the roof. If it’s only for a night or two and the park has cable, I use that.

[Reverse_snowbird]

Parking your rig under trees isn't going to give you good OTA or (when you get it) rooftop satellite reception. ( I was looking at your picture and you seem to be camped in a forested area.)

Someone in this forum recommended this app to help find OTA signals on the road and it works for us.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...tmaier.antenas

People who camp in forested areas tend to buy portable satellites that they can put out near the road where there are less trees.

[frogsandhogs]

We have a 2006 Lexington. The omni directional antenna is useless. We had a King Jack rotational antenna installed which worked really well for 2 years. Then the connections inside the coach seemed to fail, and we took a couple years to get it figured out. In the meantime we used flat, flexible digital antennas, 1 for each of the 2 TVs. They worked pretty well, and could be moved around to seek a better signal. Unless you really want satellite TV, just try the digitals for a lot less money.

[Frierson]

Lexington 283,
One of the posts mentioned turning on the amplifier for the antenna. On our 2015 Cherokee the switch is located on the cable box behind the connections. Push the little button and it should light up, if the amp is not on it is likely you won't find any channels even close by, within 35-40 miles. Be sure to turn the amp off when finished especially if not on connected to power. The amp if left on will be a drain on your battery.

[Comanchecreek]

My response also. Turn on your signal amplifier. Most antennas will not function without it. Be sure to do a channel search after you turn it on. Not sure where it would be in your rig. Look for a coax output with a small LED light, and a small switch in the plate.