Convert analog to digital Wingard Ant? - Hi-Lo camper travel trailer forum

Kegan36604 · 10-25-2016, 11:02 AM

I have a Winegard RV Antenna installed on my (recently acquired) 2000 Hi-Lo. Given the age, it is certainly a non-digital type antenna.

So, is there a way to upgrade the antenna without having to replace the whole assembly top to bottom? I'm hoping I can just change out the Antenna Head and leave the mast, cabling, gear housing, etc in tact. I believe, but am not certain without double checking, the existing antenna is an amplified style. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

hilltool · 10-25-2016, 11:11 AM

I dont know as you actually need a "digital" antenna to get an over the air digital signal. I have the same older antenna and it seems to pull in digital when it pulls in anything at all. Same for cheap "rabbit ears". Of course, maybe I am missing something by never having tried a "digital"antenna. Dont know.

Rick

hilltool · 10-25-2016, 11:15 AM

I find an article AFTER I write something. Impatient, I guess.

Will I need a new antenna to get digital TV? â€º Ask an Expert (ABC Science)

Rick

Kegan36604 · 10-25-2016, 12:10 PM

Thanks Hilltool for the info. Turns out after consulting with Wingard as well, that there is no difference between analog and digital antenna's. I believe the question I asked may be just one or two steps more intelligent than asking "how to change my blinker fluid".

Oh well, live and learn.

hilltool · 10-25-2016, 02:09 PM

NaH. Not a stupid question. Remember that they spend millions on marketing departments to send out adds touting "New, HD ,digital antennas". So---- some guy somewhere did his job right.

Now-if we start seeing adds for "high quality turn signal fluid", ... well, I'd probably google that myself.

Rick

RichR · 10-26-2016, 03:39 PM

Does anyone know where I can buy some muzzle velocity grease?

When is comes to analog vs. digital antennas there is no difference, as already explained. One difference does come into play and that is the gain of the antenna. When we used to accept a snowy picture on analog when the signal wasn't so strong, now with digital that signal may not produce any picture at all because the TV has to have a complete signal to get all the information to form a complete picture. To overcome that a larger or more sensitive antenna must be used. That is why Wingard now has the Batwing antenna and the Batwing add-on which makes the antenna more directional allowing it pull a stronger signal to the TV.

Treeclimber · 10-27-2016, 07:29 AM

Recently replaced original antenna system with OEM from Winegard. Went from 10 channels to 27, without fine tuning. I DID have a frayed coax cable, so the 12v power running thru it was impeded. Winebago owner (an older tv repair guy), says he seldom even puts his antenna up because a digital antenna will pick up the signals regardless of position. He only puts it up if he wants even more channels.