The New Winegard "Jack." Any Good?

12-08-2011, 12:37 PM

I know it has been discussed before, but now that Trailmanor is using the newer (as opposed to new) Winegard Jack(?), how well is it performing. After clipping off my batwing, I wonder if I should get this antenna.

**Bill** · 12-08-2011, 05:59 PM

It is probably as good as the Batwing, although I haven't found any real performance specs either. In fact, I think you can buy just the antenna head and mount it on an old Batwing mast. I'm not sure why you would want to do this, but ...

The entire assemblage is rotatable, just like the Batwing. What it won't do is crank down against the roof like the Batwing, so you have to consider the added height if your garage door is an issue.

And of course, any hype about superior performance on Digital or HD signals is just that - HYPE. From an antenna point of view, these signals are all the same.

Bill

Brittany Dogs · 12-09-2011, 07:04 AM

My 2720SD has the new jack antenna and it works as advertised. It works better than my previous Winegard 2000 omnidirectional disk antenna. It is not any higher than the AC unit.

The only downside is that I felt I had to protect this jack antenna when the winter Adco cover is on it and what I did is modified a flip-lid box by removing the lids and metal hinge rod and put it over the antenna. Fits great! Now the cover, along with heavy snow, will not put a strain on the plastic wings.

**Joesjunk** · 12-09-2011, 08:26 AM

I use the RVWING attached to the existing antenna.

http://www.winegard.com/wingman/index.php

Seems to work better. However; It is much more sensitive to direction.

12-09-2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

I use the RVWING attached to the existing antenna...Seems to work better. However; It is much more sensitive to direction.

That's what happens with Yagis, which is what a Wingman is.

I guess since I managed to strip off the old Batwing, I might go with the Jack.

Barb&Tim · 12-09-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ng2951

I guess since I managed to strip off the old Batwing, I might go with the Jack.

If you do, would like to hear your opinion of the performance.

I'm also wondering how easy/difficult a complete Jack system install would be.

I suppose if doing just a head replacement it would be easy.

I wonder if either a full install and/or head replacement could still use the existing coax. I suppose it might be a bear to have to run new wiring.

Tim

**Bill** · 12-09-2011, 12:37 PM

Assuming it is still in good physical condition, there should be no reason to change the coax, since the power levels and signal frequency don't change. However, you would have to know if the Jack antenna head expects to receive 12 VDC power via the coax, just as the batwing antenna head does. If it does (and it probably does), everything is easy. If it does not, you might have to open the Winegard switchplate and disconnect the 12VDC supply - no big deal.

Bill

Barb&Tim · 12-09-2011, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brittany Dogs

My 2720SD has the new jack antenna and it works as advertised. It works better than my previous Winegard 2000 omnidirectional disk antenna. It is not any higher than the AC unit.

The only downside is that I felt I had to protect this jack antenna when the winter Adco cover is on it and what I did is modified a flip-lid box by removing the lids and metal hinge rod and put it over the antenna. Fits great! Now the cover, along with heavy snow, will not put a strain on the plastic wings.

Do you find the;

"Integrated signal meter to pinpoint broadcast towers prior to scanning for channels"

usefull?

Tim

Barb&Tim · 12-09-2011, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill

Assuming it is still in good physical condition, there should be no reason to change the coax, since the power levels and signal frequency don't change. However, you would have to know if the Jack antenna head expects to receive 12 VDC power via the coax, just as the batwing antenna head does. If it does (and it probably does), everything is easy. If it does not, you might have to open the Winegard switchplate and disconnect the 12VDC supply - no big deal.

Bill

Thanks Bill, Yes kinda figured it would.

I just found a installation manual for the full system and it answered most of the things i was wondering about.

If anyone else is interested, found it here:

http://www.kingcontrols.com/userfile...2011-11-10.pdf

Tim

12-09-2011, 03:34 PM

Once we start going away for a length of time like a month or two or even more, we think we are going with this system. http://www.dishformyrv.com/learn-more/ I will get the receiver box and a portable dish to set on the ground they are so small now. If you have this in your home already, just take the receiver with you and get a small dish and point south.

I would like to know how many TM owners do this, that would help on the Pro & Cons on this. I see so many campers have this setup and they get so many stations (150 +) and very happy with it.

Pay-as –you go, pretty neat if you ask me.

Dave