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Old 02-10-2008, 09:06 AM   #1
Motor31
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Winegard batwing antenna

I noticed a while ago that the antenna was getting to be very hard to crank up or down. As time went on it got progressively harder and lubing it didn't help. Last week it failed to elevate more than a couple inches.

After looking at the installation and parts diagram I figured I needed a new crank mechanism on the roof and went to a well stocked RV dealer outside of Lafayette LA. to get it. While there, the parts clerk mentioned that the elevation module as shown on the diagram was really just the housing and the gear was available separately. I knew the gear was bad as I could see it was broken when I looked at it. I got the gear and went back to the trailer.

To repair it was very simple. You pull the pins holding the arms to the elevation mechanism and to the actual batwing at the other end. They are simple pins held by a spring horseshoe clip. Pull the arms from the housing. The bottom arm has the elevating gear inserted in it. The gear is held by the same pin that holds the arm to the housing. Pull the gear out of the arm and replace it. Then use a candle to lube the mechanism. The driving part of the assembly is a worm gear turned by the interior crank. Rub the candle over the teeth of the driven gear and worm gear. The wax will lube the gears and not attract dirt like liquid lubes or grease. Put the arms back in place and re pin them. As long as the worm gear is in good shape no other parts are needed.

That's all there was to it and you do not need to remove any wires or disturb any roof seals. The antenna now cranks up easier than ever and the repair cost me less than $10.00 and 10 minutes time. The only tools needed were a pair of needle nose pliers to pull the horse shoe clips.
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Old 02-10-2008, 09:14 AM   #2
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Good Post Mike Thanks
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Old 02-10-2008, 03:39 PM   #3
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Great info! Thanks Mike.

Bill
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Old 02-11-2008, 09:49 PM   #4
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But what about digital broadcasting next year

I too appreciate your informative post, thanks.
Now, does anybody know anything about how the new regulation will effect those of us who use these batwing antennas as of next February 2009?

All digital broadcasting means what to us common folk who are not using anything but these basic TV set-ups...will they work?

Thanks,
Rick
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Old 02-12-2008, 07:12 AM   #5
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If you are on Satellite your OK.
As far as the sets in our rigs you are still OK.
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Old 02-12-2008, 10:38 AM   #6
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Your bat Wing antenna will receive the digital signal just fine but if your TV is not digital ready you will need a converter box to change the signal back to analog.
I see you have a 2004 MS like mine so most likely you will need the new box to get local signals.

The Gov will be giving out $40 coupons to cover the cost of the new box up to 2 per household.

If you only watch Satellite TV from the likes of DirectV then you don't have to worry as all there signals are digital and their box takes care of the conversion.
================================================== ==============
Digital is not the same as HDTV so do not get the two mixed up. For HD you would have to have a HD TV and what ever else the cable or satellite supplier deem necessary
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Old 02-12-2008, 05:19 PM   #7
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[quote="Hobo"]Your bat Wing antenna will receive the digital signal just fine but if your TV is not digital ready you will need a converter box to change the signal back to analog.
I see you have a 2004 MS like mine so most likely you will need the new box to get local signals.

OK..but how does a fella actually find out about compatability?
You say "most likely" I will need a converter box, I appreciate that but is it possible to find out?

I never use a sattelite for TV, but if I have too...well I might.

Rick
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Old 02-12-2008, 05:44 PM   #8
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This is supposed to be the Know-all site!
https://www.dtv2009.gov/

I read a good article in Sunday's paper. Either check your manual or on the back of your Television for a series of letters. These will tell you if you have a Digital or Analog.

ATSC Tuner is Digital
NTSC Tuner is Analog
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Old 02-12-2008, 07:54 PM   #9
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..thats what I needed to know.
Thanks a bunch!

Rick
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Old 02-12-2008, 08:06 PM   #10
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The magic letters are: "NTSC". This means National Television System Committee or otherwise known as Analog, as opposed to Digital. My 2004 TK3 has a Sony Wega which is NTSC. You can discover this by the user manual, or the back of the TV. This means I'll need a converter box to use the batwing antenna for local over-the-air (network) broadcasts in digital. Some are already being broadcast in digital right now. Satellite (Dish or DirectTV) receiver reception will be in digital without any other hardware on my part. Find the info in the manual under "Specifications". "Television System".
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Old 02-12-2008, 08:56 PM   #11
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Ponch
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Old 02-12-2008, 08:57 PM   #12
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I''m sorry I didn't post that very well.

Oh darn "I know it must have been my stupid twin "PANCHO"

If you are receiving your signals from satellite then you are OK. It just happens that I receive my locals over satelite also.

Sorry about that.

Ponch
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Old 02-13-2008, 08:40 AM   #13
Motor31
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Our 05 also has the Sony WEGA Trinitron set so we'll need the converter box too. I really had thought that the manufacturers were already producing primarily digital sets for the last few years given the industry plans to change. Just something more to plug into the "system" for the entertainment area. We do use the batwing so we can pick up local channels for news and weather.
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Old 02-13-2008, 10:51 AM   #14
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Just to confuse us even more, I was reading MH mag & they have an article for "HD on the Cheap". An extra antenna to purchase for the RV Batwing.

http://www.hdrvantennas.com/

Their website says:

NTSC: National Television Standards Committee
ATSC: Advanced Television Systems Committee

Our Sony Plasma manual: American TV Standard
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