Tired of antenna handle breaking

[c-webster]

My wife and I use our motorhome to travel (no permanent location) and sometimes we like to watch a TV program in the evening. If we can't get anything, that's not really a problem for us--we're definitely not TV dependent. However, when we want to watch it's frustrating to have the crank handle break when there's no convenient place to get a new one. We'd like to replace the TV antenna with either a unit that cranks up but doesn't have a sure-to-break plastic handle or an omni-directional unit.

Is there an antenna that cranks up with a handle that's less likely to break--maybe a metal handle?

If we go with the omni-directional unit on our Damon Astoria, is there a risk that wind will rip the antenna off? (Sometimes traveling in the west, we're going 65 mph while the wind is blowing against us at 40 mph making the effective wind 100 mph.)

We're not channel mongers. If we can't find anything we'd enjoy watching, we have other entertainment options, so while we'd like to maximize our reception, that's not the most important issue. We want a reliable antenna that won't break the roof and won't fall apart with use.

Any advice?

[Bill_Satellite]

BIG THUMBS UP!

[c-webster]

This is very late, but thanks to those who replied, especially those who suggested lubrication. I had ignored all the obvious clues. Everything works better even than when I bought the unit new. THANK YOU!

[04fxsts]

Sorry but I don't have any pictures but I made a new handle assembly out of wood. Glued a hex nut inside so the set screw pushes against the nut which is captured inside the wooden hub. Did that last fall and it has not come loose again. Jim.

[LScamper]

Had the handle come off. Got tiered of that happening. Drilled and tapped another set screw hole so the two set screws tighten against themselves. No problems now.

[SoundGuy]

SoundGuy wrote:
The Sensar antenna handle shouldn't break if the elevating mechanism is properly lubricated - a maintenance procedure that is clearly described in the Winegard Sensar Owner's Manual. Since the OP apparently lives in this rig convenience of use should be sufficient reason to replace his Sensar antenna with a Winegard Rayzar Automatic antenna, eliminating any breaking handle issue because of lack of maintenance.

drsteve wrote:
For me, the $399 price tag is sufficient reason to pass on this thing.

More like $600 Cdn here in Canada. :E

Any problem I've had with the antenna handle coming off was because the shaft it was attached to had been crudely chopped off to length, the result being the screw that secures the handle to the shaft not being able to get a proper grip on the shaft. I solved that by replacing the shaft with a new, longer version (sold by Winegard) and properly cutting it to a bit longer length, ensuring that the cut was a proper 90 degrees. This done, the set screw will easily grip the shaft and not allow the handle to pull free.

[drsteve]

SoundGuy wrote:
The Sensar antenna handle shouldn't break if the elevating mechanism is properly lubricated - a maintenance procedure that is clearly described in the Winegard Sensar Owner's Manual. Since the OP apparently lives in this rig convenience of use should be sufficient reason to replace his Sensar antenna with a Winegard Rayzar Automatic antenna, eliminating any breaking handle issue because of lack of maintenance.

For me, the $399 price tag is sufficient reason to pass on this thing.

[EasyXjer]

jerseyjim wrote:
Presumably you have a "Bat-Wing" ? What on earth are you doing...as far as tightening the thing? If it is hard to open (extend) go up on the roof and spray the mechanism with silicone.

It should open and close without any problems... in closing, (lowering) once you you hear the antenna (hit) the roof...just give it a VERY gentle tweak...and you're done!

Hope this helps.............

NOTHING I too have this problem. The plastic one is so soft you cannot tighten the set screw enough to stop the handle from popping off when you pull down the direction ring or try to lift the antenna, and mine was replaced last year, the WHOLE mechanism I lowered it and it stayed there. Raised it today the handle slid right off and the spring took a hike.

[jkwilson]

c-webster wrote:
Well, there were a lot of correct posts here. It was a lubrication problem. Even though the plate behind the handle clearly says to lube every 6 months, I never bothered to read it. So I used the You-Tube video explanation to do a thorough lubrication, and now the antenna goes up and down very easily. I feel like an idiot, but at least I've learned my lesson.

Feeling like an idiot is just a symptom of learning.

[Chuck_thehammer]

good job.

read and follow the directions...

fyi. there is a little seal on the main shaft.. if water starts to drip off the handle.. that little seal is bad...

mine lasted 13 years.

if something moves. it needs lubrication every so often 🙂

[John_Joey]

c-webster wrote:
Well, there were a lot of correct posts here. It was a lubrication problem. Even though the plate behind the handle clearly says to lube every 6 months, I never bothered to read it. So I used the You-Tube video explanation to do a thorough lubrication, and now the antenna goes up and down very easily. I feel like an idiot, but at least I've learned my lesson.

Good job!!! That's the power of the internet at work right there.

[Bill_Satellite]

Just DO NOT use the lithium grease on your Winegard antenna. Dry silicone spray is all that is recommended.

[D_E_Bishop]

There you go, learned two lessons at one time. I use Kwikee lube but the other day I saw White Lithium Grease in a pressurized can. I'm going to get one of those too.

[c-webster]

Well, there were a lot of correct posts here. It was a lubrication problem. Even though the plate behind the handle clearly says to lube every 6 months, I never bothered to read it. So I used the You-Tube video explanation to do a thorough lubrication, and now the antenna goes up and down very easily. I feel like an idiot, but at least I've learned my lesson.

[mikestock]

My worm gear is completely exposed and the worm is only partially exposed. It is easy to reach all the necessary points with silicone spray. As long as I lube it once a year, as recommended, there is never a problem.