R-Pod TV Antenna
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=891
Printed Date: 02 May 2024 at 10:19pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: R-Pod TV Antenna
Posted By: TerryM
Subject: R-Pod TV Antenna
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2009 at 11:26am
|
The antenna that comes with our R Pod is the Winegard Model RS-1500. It is about the cheapest antenna for RV digital TV that can be purchased. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It helps keep the cost of the camper down when added to other parts of the camper. The antenna cost around $65.00 depending on where it is purchased. There is a much better antenna. Take a look here: http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=HDMS9100RV - http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?p=HDMS9100RV The HDMS9100RV antenna at $129.89 in my opinion would be a better choice. What comes with the antenna makes the difference. Towards the bottom of the page there is a comparison chart with 8 different antennas. On a personal note I am very unhappy with my antenna. I just haven't had very good luck with it. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Replies:
Posted By: yizit
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2009 at 6:57pm
|
Thanks for the info. We've only tried our antenna a couple of times with little reception. A lot of that had to do with the location we were at. It isn't important to us because we don't watch much TV when we camp anyway. We do like to watch movies, read books or just watch the fire and look up at the sky at night. We only have a TV for "just in case".
------------- 
Former owner of 2009 172 Darlene & Jim, Ewok our Lhasa Roada our 2004 Roadtrek C190Popular |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 22 Nov 2009 at 9:41pm
Same here - we don't watch TV out there and the kids usually watch DVDs before bed. I've tried every gadget on the 'pod, but haven't tried the digital tuner. Guess I might have to give it a try this winter. Good excuse to step inside the 'pod for a little while this winter. 
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 23 Nov 2009 at 12:10am
|
I like to set and watch the news in the morning with a cup of coffee. I use the radio more than the TV but like I said, I like to watch the news. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: VenturaTom
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2009 at 1:13am
|
Information on something like the antenna type and such is always good to share. For myself, and Di, I don't think the antenna is anything we'll ever want to use, at least not an over-the-air antenna. We more likely to want to use a broadband wireless connection for stuff anyway. What would be interesting, if anyone has done this, would be how to REMOVE the antenna and just "plug up" the hole (and deal with leftover wiring). One less bit of wind resistance can't hurt I figure. ------------- Tom R-Pod 177 with Chevy S-10ext Cab V6 puller |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2009 at 9:31am
|
Welcome, VenturaTom!
Forest River puts a lot of caulk around the things on the roof (in some cases too much). You could peel off the caulk around the antenna, unmount it, and then apply new caulk to seal it all up again. However, you might want to wait until after your warranty has expired. If you develop a leak in the ceiling they might blame it on the missing antenna and deny warranty coverage. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 24 Nov 2009 at 6:22pm
|
We too watch TV when the stations are available. A different antenna sounds good if it would make a big improvement with the reception. Thanks Terry for the imformation I will check it out.
David and Danette ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2010 at 7:44am
|
We were camping last week at Oscar Scherer State Park and we were not able to pick up any stations with the factory antenna. I connected a nonamplified rabbit ear antenna and placed it on the roof of the RPod and picked up 9 stations. When we got home in Fort Myers I checked out the reception with the factory antenna an was able to pick up all the stations here locally. My thoughts are when you are sourounded by trees you need more verticale heighth than the factory antenna. At the camp ground there was a small Airstream maybe the Bambi it had a large antenna that lifted up high above the traier about 3 feet ( guessing ). We are getting closer to making a decission on replacing the antenna that came with the RPod. There is a lot of garbage that is on TV, but we are selective in what we watch. We like the news and PBS and my wife likes to watch Wheel Of Fortune and Jeopardy. Does anyone have suggestions on a better antenna. Thankyou Happy New Year and many safe and joyful camping days. David and Danette ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: GrandPod
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2010 at 1:51pm
|
David
Did you check to make sure your 12vdc on the booster was on? I had this problem with the poor reception and discovered that the green led on the booster was not on. Pushed the power on button and had great reception.
Tom ------------- Tom and Linda R-Pod 177 Southwest Florida |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2010 at 3:42pm
|
The button was pressed and light was on. At Koreshan State Park we also had better reception with the rabbit ears. Were ready for something better. It it is helpful at home if you turn the the switch off we lose the picture so it does work just not that well if your a distance from the television broadcast signal. The rabbit ears are good but not conveinient. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 01 Jan 2010 at 5:02pm
As you know it is pretty flat here in Florida. So signals should be able to get from Jacksonville to Saint Augustine with no trouble at all. After all it's only about 30 miles from my house. I can't get anything at all. One place I was camped I got 3 channels so I know it is working. Eventually I'll get the antenna I mentioned in the first post. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: David and Danette
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2010 at 9:46am
|
I contacted solidsignal and was told that the Winegard antenna the RPod has now would be about as good as I could get for reception. I asked about the Sensar III and was told it would be a down grade and the Antennacraft ministate would not give any better reception. So I will see If I can change the connections. I have added two splitters I will try to elimanate them. David ------------- 2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018- 2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019) 2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014) Middle Tn 2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab |
Posted By: pjanits
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2015 at 8:28pm
|
We carry old movie DVD's for those emergency times. Also as a retired Motorola Radio Engineer, I can say Digital TV sucks. Analog worked fine for distance and storms because you would just see some interference and static on the audio. Digital loses ALL the signal under these circumstances. Also due to the frequencies used (line of sight only) you will loose signal from trees. Yes Trees. They can eat the signals and diminish them before your camper sees them. Trust me pine needles are the exact length of the antenna of some digital frequencies. We ran into those problems with Police Radio in the Northern parts of the US. We have pretty much given up on digital TV unless near a urban area. And then it's religion or cartoons or Spanish TV. Rarely ever see the news or weather when we want to. Pete N9SWH |
Posted By: jstrenn
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2015 at 9:25pm
| pjanits, you do realize this thread is 5 or 6 years old right? |
Posted By: pjanits
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2015 at 8:30am
| No I didn't, but the information is still up to date. |
Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2015 at 10:21am
|
Not only do we not watch TV while camping, we specifically ordered our Pod without one. If there is a cable connection, we hookup and have an adapter that plugs into a USB port on the laptop to watch the news. Other than that, we camp outside in the wonderful wilderness that we have dragged our Pod to see. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2015 at 7:48pm
|
No worries on reviving old threads, we like to recycle electrons around here. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
|
Posted By: jarpod
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2015 at 8:54pm
| i had the same problem with our antenna on our 2010 175. i went to Walmart and bought a leaf ultimate antenna and have great reception now before the channels faded or could not pick up any at all. and i can move the antenna around if need to |
Posted By: dropkick
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2015 at 9:48pm
|
So has anyone actually REMOVED this aerodynamic dragging 70's eyesore? How big are the holes? Easy to seal? Did you have to put a plate or something over it? That is prime solar panel real estate up there.... I don't even know if the audiovox "TV" (I use that term loosely) the pod came with will even tune a digital signal. Nothing on network TV anyhow. Just plug into cable or dvd, or suprise---open the windows and look out and then take a walk :) |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2015 at 10:11pm
|
We used the antenna on our 179 down at the KOA in Enfield,NC and got 32 channels. all the channels came in really nice. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: tuRtle-Pod
Date Posted: 19 Sep 2015 at 8:58pm
| Thank you for this information. I had my maiden voyage this week and that is the only thing I could not get working....and I was surrounded by trees. |