TV Antenna Tips

[sage]

One tip that I picked up many years ago is to attach a clothes pin on the antenna crank. When we're in a campground and raise the antenna, the clothes pin comes off and is clipped on the gear shift. That way when you go to leave, if that clothes pin is still on the gear shift, you know your antenna hasn't been cranked down.

I did this yesterday morning when leaving a campground but 20 miles down the road another RV passed us and signaled that the antenna was still up. I pulled over as soon as could, climbed out for a look and sure enough, the antenna was still elevated, even though I had cranked it down.

I went back to the crank and discovered that the rotator plate wasn't exactly on the orientation mark for lowering the antenna - that little triangular bump. I cranked the antenna back up, moved the rotor the fraction of an inch needed to align it and then cranked back down. This time I could feel the antenna settle on the roof.

Lessons learned: (1) that rotator has to be accurately aligned for the antenna to come down, (2) if it's not you can still turn that crank and it will fool you into thinking the antenna is down when it isn't, (3) visually verify the antenna is down.

[DocP]

Good advice - I wasn't aware that this could happen! Fortunately, my new coach doesn't have the crank-up style antenna - one less thing to worry about.

[ctpres]

Winegard crankup antenna needs 13 full turns of handle for full up or full down. If you put it all the way up and it does not make it to 13 turns coming down - something is wrong.

[Joe-FL]

I have cranked my last batwing. Just had the King installed:

Aerial Mount Black RV Antenna

One less thing to worry about plus it is much faster to find strong signals.

[blw2]

I didn't know this either. thanks

Curious, how did the other driver signal you?

I've see folks coming the other way on the highway several times. Usually with a 120MPH+ closure rate they are past before I realize......but there have been a few times I've tried to signal by pointing up but I don't think anyone has ever seen me or realized what i was trying to tell them....

This is where a universal CB channel that all RV'ers knew to monitor.... (if any of us even had CB's) would be good....
"Class C I just passed going North on US 1, your antenna is up!"

[sage]

I had just passed this fifth wheel, when they speeded up and passed me. As they pulled along side, the passenger opened her window and stuck her hand out, thumb up and made a jerking motion, up and down. It was pretty clear what she was saying. I pulled over as soon as I found a safe place, maybe two or three miles down the road.

[Barrhavencobra]

Before leaving home or a site I do a walk around to make sure I have not forgotten anything, shore power, antennae, etc. I find it a good investment of a few minutes.

Jim

[steveak]

We just hooked up our Direct TV Winegard satellite with a receiver. I made an 8 1/2 X 11 sign "Antenna" in 200 point font, printed it out and took it to Staples and had it laminated. When I turn on the satellite I pull the sign out of the cabinet with the controls and place it in front of the speedometer. Now I cannot see the dashboard without putting away the sign. I won't put away the sign until I have turned off the satellite and visually confirmed that it is stowed.

Steve