Height Control & TV Antennas

[Page Britt]

Thanks Stephen (& Curt for mentioning Stephen). I may give you a shout if I get the raise / lower actuator issue fixed.

--Page

Page & Lynda

1984 PT-40 "Lady Bird"

Tallahassee, FL

On Oct 5, 2009, at 9:29 AM, cape0001 wrote:

we have antennas
antenna craft looks the same as the old but it has a rf remote control
it bolts in place of the old antenna no hole drilling.
Stephen 77fc35
dupreeproducts.com

--- 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
>

[Ralph Fullenwider]

Hi Page:

Might as well take some 10 or 12 automotive wire, butt splices and
connectors as well as some of the old grey putty tape up with you to check
out the raise mech. If you had not done so, or someone recently, the wiring
has a tendency to crumble because of the constant uv. Check the micro
switch for actuation. We recently had to re wire Ernie's for a two fold
reason, the uv and a squirrel that fell in love with the taste of wiring.
The grey putty tape is to re seal the triangle pass wiring pass
through located center front.

I can vouch for the rot ant that Steven has, as I have installed them in
place of the old unit. Does a great job on HD, gained many a channel as
well as being on the inside of a metal Coach barn.

Safe travels,

Ralph & Charolette Fullenwider
'84 FC 35 "Ruff Diamond"
Duncan, Oklahoma

At 10:21 AM 10/5/2009 -0400, you wrote:


>Thanks Stephen (& Curt for mentioning Stephen). I may give you a shout if
>I get the raise / lower actuator issue fixed.
>
>--Page
>
>
> > 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
>
>

[Page Britt]

Thanks Ralph, sound advice. Still raining here - too wet to go up and tear into it. Will let all know how it turns out.

--Page

Page & Lynda

1984 PT-40 "Lady Bird"

Tallahassee, FL

On Oct 5, 2009, at 10:55 AM, Ralph Fullenwider wrote:

Hi Page:

Might as well take some 10 or 12 automotive wire, butt splices and
connectors as well as some of the old grey putty tape up with you to check
out the raise mech. If you had not done so, or someone recently, the wiring
has a tendency to crumble because of the constant uv. Check the micro
switch for actuation. We recently had to re wire Ernie's for a two fold
reason, the uv and a squirrel that fell in love with the taste of wiring.
The grey putty tape is to re seal the triangle pass wiring pass
through located center front.

I can vouch for the rot ant that Steven has, as I have installed them in
place of the old unit. Does a great job on HD, gained many a channel as
well as being on the inside of a metal Coach barn.

Safe travels,

Ralph & Charolette Fullenwider
'84 FC 35 "Ruff Diamond"
Duncan, Oklahoma

At 10:21 AM 10/5/2009 -0400, you wrote:

>Thanks Stephen (& Curt for mentioning Stephen). I may give you a shout if
>I get the raise / lower actuator issue fixed.
>
>--Page
>
>
> > 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
>
>

[nytexcel]

I'm confused by all the rotating, directional antennas, still on rv's (like mine that is original and still works perfectly), now that we have digital tv. What is the advantage of a directional antenna if you don't know which way to direct it? Since it does not have a signal strength meter (nor have I ever seen such an accessory), I cannot tell when to let go of the rotating button. Digital tv is not like analog, where the picture gets a little better while you rotate the ant. There is a delay in locking in on the station that makes trying to effectively use the rotor useless. My tower works fine, and so does my antenna, however I plan to replace my antenna with an omni-directional one, for fear that I'm missing some stations in certain circumstances due to the directionality of the antenna.


Fred
<!--[if gte mso 9]>

Normal
0




__________________

Fred & Wendy Bellows

Queen Creek, AZ (so.east Phx)

'90 SP36

"Maunder Maximum"

photos of coach
and upgrades

current location

[Ralph Fullenwider]

Hi Fred:


Charolette and I recently replaced our defunct tv with a flat screen of
which I built an over head tv hide cabinet for. The tv has a built in
meter one can bring up and see the strength change to higher or lower as
the ant is rotated. I like being able to change the direction, especially
in an area where I go fly fishing and is in a tv/cell phone challenged
area Also another reason is that Charolette will not let me
have the Satellite box out of the house when I go to the Lady Blue after
trout. LOL


Safe travels,


Ralph & Charolette Fullenwider

'84 FC 35 "Ruff Diamond"

Duncan, Oklahoma


At 04:51 PM 10/5/2009 +0000, you wrote:

I'm confused by all the rotating,
directional antennas, still on rv's (like mine that is original and still
works perfectly), now that we have digital tv. What is the advantage of a
directional antenna if you don't know which way to direct it? Since it
does not have a signal strength meter (nor have I ever seen such an
accessory), I cannot tell when to let go of the rotating button. Digital
tv is not like analog, where the picture gets a little better while you
rotate the ant. There is a delay in locking in on the station that makes
trying to effectively use the rotor useless. My tower works fine, and so
does my antenna, however I plan to replace my antenna with an
omni-directional one, for fear that I'm missing some stations in certain
circumstances due to the directionality of the antenna.




Fred


__________________

Fred & Wendy Bellows

Queen Creek, AZ (so.east Phx)

'90 SP36

"Maunder Maximum"

photos
of coach and upgrades

current
location

[freewill2008]

When I tested our new Mini-Mate some digital stations came in great regardless
of rotor position. On weak stations there was no doubt where to set the rotor -
in the wrong position there was no picture!

Directional rotating antennas are more sensitive than omnidirectional models.
When parked near strong TV signals there may be no need to bother with the
rotor, but when signal strength is marginal the rotor is your friend.

Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "nytexcel" wrote:
>
> I'm confused by all the rotating, directional antennas, still on rv's
> (like mine that is original and still works perfectly), now that we have
> digital tv. What is the advantage of a directional antenna if you don't
> know which way to direct it? Since it does not have a signal strength
> meter (nor have I ever seen such an accessory), I cannot tell when to
> let go of the rotating button. Digital tv is not like analog, where the
> picture gets a little better while you rotate the ant. There is a delay
> in locking in on the station that makes trying to effectively use the
> rotor useless. My tower works fine, and so does my antenna, however I
> plan to replace my antenna with an omni-directional one, for fear that
> I'm missing some stations in certain circumstances due to the
> directionality of the antenna.
>
>
> Fred
>
> __________________
> Fred & Wendy Bellows
> Queen Creek, AZ (so.east Phx)
> '90 SP36
> "Maunder Maximum"
> photos of coach and upgrades
> <http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/MaunderMaximum>
> current location <http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user1.cfm?user=125%20>
>

[nytexcel]

Ralph, what brand and model of tv is that, with the signal strength meter
feature?


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Ralph Fullenwider wrote:
>
> Hi Fred:
>
> Charolette and I recently replaced our defunct tv with a flat screen of
> which I built an over head tv hide cabinet for. The tv has a built in meter
> one can bring up and see the strength change to higher or lower as the ant
> is rotated. I like being able to change the direction, especially in an
> area where I go fly fishing and is in a tv/cell phone challenged area
> Also another reason is that Charolette will not let me have the
> Satellite box out of the house when I go to the Lady Blue after trout.
> LOL
>
> Safe travels,
>
> Ralph & Charolette Fullenwider
> '84 FC 35 "Ruff Diamond"
> Duncan, Oklahoma
>
> At 04:51 PM 10/5/2009 +0000, you wrote:
>
>
> >I'm confused by all the rotating, directional antennas, still on rv's
> >(like mine that is original and still works perfectly), now that we have
> >digital tv. What is the advantage of a directional antenna if you don't
> >know which way to direct it? Since it does not have a signal strength
> >meter (nor have I ever seen such an accessory), I cannot tell when to let
> >go of the rotating button. Digital tv is not like analog, where the
> >picture gets a little better while you rotate the ant. There is a delay in
> >locking in on the station that makes trying to effectively use the rotor
> >useless. My tower works fine, and so does my antenna, however I plan to
> >replace my antenna with an omni-directional one, for fear that I'm missing
> >some stations in certain circumstances due to the directionality of the
> >antenna.
> >
> >
> >Fred
> >
> >__________________
> >Fred & Wendy Bellows
> >Queen Creek, AZ (so.east Phx)
> >'90 SP36
> >"Maunder Maximum"
> ><http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/MaunderMaximum>photos of coach
> >and upgrades
> ><http://www.bbirdmaps.com/user1.cfm?user=125%20>current location
> >
> >
> >
> >
>

[Chopper Bob]

Thanks, Bob.
Was looking to get something like this went we get to Georgia.
Bob Lawrence
84 PT36
Outside of Key West

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "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.antennacraft.net/HDView360.html
> http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display....d=HDMS9100
> http://www.starkelectronic.com/5ms750.htm
>
> Bob Griesel '84 FC31 WLII WA
>
> --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.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
> >
>

[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
>

__________________________________________________
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Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
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[cape0001]

WE have the mini state for sale
Stephen 77fc35
dupreeproducts.com
888-668-4288

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Wayne Kotila wrote:
>
> 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 and they still are rotating antennas. We spend time at a lake in very rural
area of northern Minnesota, in this location the new Mini-state can pick up 8
channels, a freind of mine with his new omnidirectional antenna 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@ yahoogroups. 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
> >>
> >
> >
>
>
>
> __________________________________________________
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> Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
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>