Height Control & TV Antennas

[Wayne Kotila]

My original antenna got damaged and I had to replace it,I ordered a new version of the Mini-state that was on my Wanderlodge originally. The new Mini-state is supposed to be a digital antenna and bolts on where the old came off andthey still are rotating antennas. We spend timeat a lake in very rural area of northern Minnesota, in this location the new Mini-state canpick up 8 channels,a freind of mine with his new omnidirectionalantenna parked next to me can only ever pick up 1 channel.

Wayne Kotila

1996 PT42

---

From: Page Britt
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, October 5, 2009 9:19:16 AM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Height Control & TV Antennas

If I find the tower raise / lower mechanism ) actuator) to be repairable or find a replacement actuator at a more reasonable cost and therefore decide to retain the tower I might go this route for a new antenna head. Though I've got to admit that as RF amplifiers have gotten better amplified omnidirectional antennas have gotten pretty good. I have an omnidirectional Antennacraft 5MS921 (also available from Radio Shack) about 20 above ground level at our home with premium RG-6 quad shield coax and one (and only one) high quality splitter that passes DC on one side only (to power the amplifier in the antenna). It works pretty well and there's no rotor involved. We even achieve a solid HD signal from the PBS station in Pelham, GA (about 45-50 miles as the crow flies) more often than not. Thinking about using the one of those or perhaps a Winegard RS-2000 and eliminating the rotor mechanism AND the tower. Would not have
to remember to lower antenna before departure and would have usable off the air TV signal while in motion if anybody aboard was so inclined. No doubt it would not be as efficient as a properly functioning directional unit atop a properly functioning tower but it might be quite acceptable and a lot simpler, not to mention lighter. The choice of mounting location would be the most critical aspect. Anybody else go this route?

--Page

Page & Lynda

1984 PT-40 "Lady Bird"

Tallahassee, FL

On Oct 4, 2009, at 10:57 PM, freewill2008 wrote:

I took the non-functional Mini-Mate saucer antenna down years ago and waited to see what the best option would be for digital TV. Well, DT is here now and my best option was . . . a new Mini-Mate. It is directional and self-contained; the remote is now wireless and I was able to use the existing cables.

http://www.antennac raft.net/ HDView360. html
http://www.solidsig nal.com/prod_ display.asp? prod=HDMS9100
http://www.starkelectronic.com/5ms750.htm

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA

--- In"WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", Page Britt wrote:
>
> Greetings One & All,
>
> Yesterday I installed a new left rear height control valve. Note - as
> I'm sure some of you know, It's lots of getting the nuts started on
> the valve mounting bolts on the rear of a PT! ;-) Adjusted the ride
> height to spec (& my satisfaction) today. Another good job done, on
> to the next... which is the TV antenna. It's decided to remain
> firmly in the down position, when you attempt to raise it the actuator
> makes the proverbial ratatattat noise which is normally made by the
> actuator clutch at the end of travel. A search of the forum archives
> revealed that the actuator is available from Danaher for the princely
> some of $400 or so. Tomorrow weather permitting I plan to take a look
> at it. Has anybody had any luck repairing or freeing up a stuck
> actuator (liner drive) in their OEM TV antenna? I'm not in a great
> hurry to spend $400 or so on an actuator knowing that the rotor
> mechanism inside the "flying saucer" antenna head either
needs to be
> repaired or the entire antenna head replaced also. If the actuator is
> non repairable I'm mentally leaning toward the whole thing going over
> the side and replacing it with something newer. Thoughts?
>
> Pushing to get a short list of DMI's (Deferred Maintenance Items) done
> in time for a Friday departure to spend several days at the
> Thomasville, GA Fly-In. Great little event for any that may be
> interested and in the area.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Page & Lynda
> 1984 PT-40 "Lady Bird"
> Tallahassee, FL
>

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com