Winegard Batwing TV - Wingman Aerial Booster

[Jack Nichols]

The director, as the add on is called, would have to be in correct position to interface with the existing antenna.  That said, if I was in a tight situation where I felt I had to have some improvement, I might try the add on to your existing antenna.  Attach it in the same plane as the antenna elements, on the side of the antenna that faces the source.  That could be done temporarily to see if it worked, and it might, then you could devise a mounting arrangement for more permanent use.  You might move the "add on" closer or further from the existing antenna until you got it tuned in.

If it does not work, then upgrade to the Winegard Batwing, and install the booster on that.  I think we have established that will work.

Might be a fun project.  Report back if you try it.

If I am all wet on this, I hope someone more savvy will step up and keep you out of trouble. 

I am not familiar with your antenna, so have no clue if mounts are compatible.

[Jim Godward]

You can try it but at the frequencies of the UHF band where most of the new TV is located a fraction of an inch can be critical when dealing with antennas.  Since the Wingman is about $25 or so that is the risk you are taking.  If it doesn't work, sell it to someone who has the batwing antenna.

[dfdcaptain]

The clip on adapter is a reflector that enhances the signal to the antenna, and as such it does not need a direct metal to metal contact to work.  However, that increase in signal has to come from somewhere, and it comes from a narrower angle that the antenna will accept.  Instead of a nice wide cone of acceptance, it amplifies (focuses) a narrow portion of it.  Aiming is more critical.

I had a unique situation that pointed out the strength of the design.  I was parked in a small town without a TV station, and the closest ones were 70 miles to the north and 45 miles to the south.  I could not see any signal from either before putting on the add on director gadget, and was able to pull in digital signals after installing it.  The direction you point the antenna is very critical, because of the narrower acceptance angle.

Radio engineers have been using this technique for years, and I picked it up working with HAM radio.

As mentioned it is very easy to install (you would have to modify it and really work at it to get it on wrong), works well using established antenna physics (not a "magic" black box no one can explain), is inexpensive and works.  The main thing you give up with it is the antenna has to be more carefully aligned in the direction of the signal, and that is a one time deal until you move again.