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Topic: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what? (Read 459 times) previous topic - next topic
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Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Greetings all...

I'm in a spot with lousy TV reception. I was wondering if an amplifier would help. Questions 1) Is the antenna I have amplified - how can I tell if it is? 2) If it's already amplified, would adding another help? 3) Would a newer antenna help?

Many thanks in advance

Pat
The Pearl - 2000 31'
"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #1 –
Hello Pat.  I've fussed with this same issue several times in the last few years.  The OTA antenna from the Factory is an amplified device.  Our antenna is a Winegard and according to my review of various other brands, it has as good a range as any other brands.  In fact, it has a better range than many that I reviewed.  Of course, the distance to an OTA signal depends on line of sight obstructions and as importantly the height of the Rig and the antenna.  Homeowners will place their OTA antenna as high as possible just for that reason.

You may not know that there is a signal strength meter located in the Jensen TV (if you still have the original TV).  These are the steps to find this meter ... TV menu, channel, DTV Signal.  I'll rotated the antenna while watching the meter until I get the best reception.  In addition, there are several cell phone apps that help to locate OTA towers/signals which I'll use to orientate the antenna.

Finally, I don't know if you can change or update the amplifier for the TV antenna.   That would be nice to know for sure.  Hope some of this is helpful.
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Pat & The Pearl  - 
Greetings all...

I'm in a spot with lousy TV reception. I was wondering if an amplifier would help. Questions 1) Is the antenna I have amplified - how can I tell if it is? 2) If it's already amplified, would adding another help? 3) Would a newer antenna help?

Many thanks in advance

Pat
Pat, do you still have the original TV in your LD? Is it the 20" Sony? There is an amplifier button right near the inverter switch. It probably turns green when it's on. I'm assuming your set up is the same as in my '02 30' LD. Make sure that amplifier button is on. It makes a big difference. Check your manual, also. 

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #3 –
I have an amplifier in my house and it works fantastic. Only get two channels without it and nearly a dozen with it.
Discuss anything with anyone and disagree agreeably. Always be polite and respectful.
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
Pat, do you still have the original TV in your LD? Is it the 20" Sony? There is an amplifier button right near the inverter switch. It probably turns green when it's on. I'm assuming your set up is the same as in my '02 30' LD. Make sure that amplifier button is on. It makes a big difference. Check your manual, also.

Chris
Pat, I have the Wingman on my TV antenna. Can't say how much it improves reception, but you might read the Amazon reviews to see what other folks say. Amazon.com: Winegard RV-WING Wingman UHF RV TV Antenna Booster for the...

Chris
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Sawyer  - 
I have an amplifier in my house and it works fantastic. Only get two channels without it and nearly a dozen with it.

The stock Winegard TV antenna has a built-in RF amplifier, powered by 12-VDC, sent to the antenna via the antenna wire.
Locating the amplifier in the antenna is the best spot to increase the signal strength, before it has a chance to degrade.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Pat & The Pearl  - 
I'm in a spot with lousy TV reception. I was wondering if an amplifier would help. Questions 1) Is the antenna I have amplified - how can I tell if it is?

Are you pressing the button next to the antenna jack? This sends power to the antenna amp, and without it, reception is poor. If you get a station, and turning the amplifier on or off makes no difference, you likely have a break in the antenna cable. The stresses it is under as the antenna raises, lowers, and rotates will eventually cause an internal failure.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #7 –
Pat, where are you? Have any of our suggestions worked?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #8 –
An amplifier undoubtedly helps but you need data to set your own expectations. There are web sites that will tell you based on where you are, how far away the transmitters are and what direction.

Those little $15-$30 HDTV antennas that are flat work very well if the LD unit doesn't. And yes, get one that's amplified.

Gone are the days when you can hold the antenna and get better reception  :D
1996 Twin King
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #9 –
First, there is nothing on TV worth watching.

Second, if you must watch, this link will tell you which way to point your antenna. Oh, yeah, you will need your zipcode.

If you lack an internal compass, you will need one. Hold it away from the sides of the RV and it will indicate North.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #10 –
Thank you for all you replies! The TV is not the original - a JVC - but I'm not sure how old it is. I've checked the switch by the antenna jack (I didn't realize what the little green light was...) and it's been on all along. I'm parked in a low spot and there are some pretty big trees above the level of the antenna. And the station I'm trying to get (I'm ashamed to say to binge-watch CSI   :-[ ) is a ways away and for my location is, according to TV Fool, is a very marginal signal at best.

Soooo.... I guess I get a different antenna and climb a tree, or move into a better signal area - preferably one with warmer weather and sunnier skies!

Thanks again for all your advice and guidance! And Happy Holidays!

Pat
The Pearl - 2000 31'
"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."
 
Re: Amplified antenna... or not? And then what?
Reply #11 –
Pat, replacing the bat wing with something else is not going to improve reception. I posted an article about such on The Companion earlier this year that was authored by someone who has more than an opinion on the subject. Search for Antenna or TV. The deal with digital is that you get it or not. There is a distance where it will pixelate and then a little further you get nothing.
2007 MB