Batwing antenna bent upward by wind

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Batwing antenna bent upward by wind

October 21, 2021, 11:59:59 am

First time I noticed it, thought I must have snagged a branch— just bent it back down into place.   There is a crease where it bent.
Second & third time was after a very windy drive and I knew I hadn’t been under any trees that could have snagged it.
So obviously the wind had sufficient force to bend the antenna arm.. who knew!?
   So I’m curious if this has happened to anyone else. If so, what, if anything, did you do?
After bending it back 3 times now, it obviously won’t stay put for long and afraid metal will snap off if bent back & forth too many times. Thinking just leave it in the bent backward position— doesn’t affect TV reception that I can tell. Or replace the head/wing part only? Or reinforce it at the bend with maybe some duct tape or a piece of Eternabond?   Other thoughts?
Thanks!
Daryl

Re: Batwing antenna bent upward by wind

Reply #1 – October 21, 2021, 01:55:07 pm

Hi Darryl; Aluminum is pretty brittle, so after the first time it is bent, it will bend there again. I'm surprised it hasn't broken off by now. Rather than risk it flying off and hitting a following vehicle, I would replace it now.
I upgraded my antenna head unit to a King jack. I think I get better reception, at least not worse anyway. It takes up less room on the roof, (more a concern on a TK) what with more solar panels. Amazon.com: KING OA8300 Jack Replacement Head HDTV Directional Over-the-Air...
This mounts on the present, two square aluminum tube mechanism, pretty easily. This is a newer version than I have. I had an issue that the down lead actually came out of the bottom, and would squish the wire against the roof when stowed. A right angle fitting fixed that problem for me. This newer version may have fixed that. RonB
Looking at the picture provided by King, you might still need this additional part: Amazon.com: Monoprice 106775 F Type Right Angle Female to Male Adapter, Gold... to have the down lead wire fold up well. The wire goes through the square aluminum tube.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Batwing antenna bent upward by wind

Reply #2 – October 22, 2021, 08:13:40 am

If you must watch TV, get a piece of AL stock (Home Depot) Cut a narrow strip from it just long enough to extend over the bend. Drill two holes and install bolts and nuts. Done and done.

Re: Batwing antenna bent upward by wind

Reply #3 – October 22, 2021, 09:42:02 am

I would guess a branch or such IS the original source of the damage, perhaps while the antenna was raised, and prior to your acquisition! The PO bent it back, but the damage was done. Outside of reinforcing the bend with brackets, the best solution would be replacing the head - for about $70 - but check for other damage to the antenna first. You may not initially notice poorer reception as it is, but in fringe areas it might be more noticeable.

Steve

Sensar III Replacement Antenna Head | Winegard Company

Re: Batwing antenna bent upward by wind

Reply #4 – October 22, 2021, 09:35:09 pm

thanks guys!
Yeah, I'm pretty sure the PO had snagged something and is the original cause of the bending.
I hardly ever watch any OTA TV and am more concerned with the aesthetics of having a "beat-up" looking antenna and the chance it may go flying off and hit someone on the road!
Keeping it simple, so I just ordered the replacement head from Amazon, $65.
Daryl

Re: Batwing antenna bent upward by wind

Reply #5 – October 23, 2021, 05:11:01 pm

Same thing hapened to me and I didn't have any trees around. Repalced it with a Jack antenna.
Dave 04 PleasureWay.

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