[VAC] Re: Update on TV antennae gear replacement

[Charlie/Betty Burke <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Joy,
Here are a couple things to throw into the thought process. With careful
shopping virtually all the plastic parts are still available for the Skyliner.
The basic design of the antenna while extended is the most efficient design
possible (just like a house antenna) and is directionally more sensitive that
any other option. The Skyliner uses an "inline" signal amplifier that can be
turned on/off as it is needed.
The most common replacement Winegard "batwing" antenna uses an amplifier in the
antenna head to make up for the less effective antenna design. In most cases it
is necessary to turn on the power supply to get a signal. The module in the wall
is actually a power supply which puts 12V on the coax line to the antenna. This
12V powers the amplifier in the head. The TV signal travels back down the coax
and is "picked" off the line and distributed to the TV. Ain't science wonderful?

The main concern on older coach antenna's is common to both antennae, whether
you keep one or replace it with the other. That is the original signal wire,
which is 300 ohm flat lead. While Airstream used the really good stuff, even it
won't last for ever. Virtually any coach that still has the old style wiring is
losing signal. It is possible to replace the deteriorated wire without pulling
all of it out of the wall. This is done by opening up the entry plate on the
roof, pulling some of the slack up, converting it to 75 Ohm coax with a balun
transformer and tucking it back into the roof and resealing it with LOTS of
Vulkem. A new antenna will have coax on it and the old antenna can be converted.

Charlie