Really basic digital tv question

[banjerbob]

Just installed a new 19" tv in my 95 Pleasureway. Pretty basic. Connected to a Wineguard antenna. Ran the signal scan when setting up the tv and it detected 24 channels. I can only watch 3; even the local ones come on as "no signalI live just outside Philly, with plenty of options)" I am assuming I don't need the old digital tuner that came with the 9" CRT tv. Am I doing something wrong, or is this as good as it gets without a dish? Would a signal booster help?

In advance, thanks so much for the help. If we perchance meet at a campground, I'll make dinner!

Bob W

[booster]

Have you tried moving the antennae while trying to watch the stations? We have found out Winegaurd to work pretty well (if we remember to turn it on) but the TV will set channels that don't lock in well all the time. Many times, optimizing the antennae direction helps.

[markopolo]

Like booster mentioned, the Winegard is a directional antenna so it need to be "aimed" at the signal source. Yes, a signal amp should help. Most newer Winegard installations have an amp that you turn on when needed and you turn it off to save your battery when not watching TV. Do you see a switch inside your van near or on the plate that you attach the cable to? Sometimes the signal amp has quit working and needs to be replaced.

[wabbit]

I use the "TV Antenna Helper" app (android) to show a map of my current position with respect to the tv broadcast towers within range of me. It is handy to knowing the direction.

[cruisefx]

We purchased the Winegard FL-5500A FlatWave Indoor TV Antenna for our Roadtrek. In addition, we got a Samsung HDTV/Monitor. This model of the Antenna has the amplified option whereby you can plug it into a USB connection for power. Since the HDTV/Monitor has a USB port, we did not need an external source. We used it in southern Ontario and got several New York state TV stations. In fact, the scan retrieved 24 channels but we could realistically watch about 15-17 of them without the signal fading. You do have to scan (and aim) for channels to get the maximum results before securing it to one of the windows but it took less than 2 minutes.

We were boondocking so the power source for the TV was our solar panel and AGM batteries.

Cruisefx