I have an amplified Winegard antenna on my RV; can I still use a signal booster to improve Digital TV reception?

by Dave Wolf
(Iowa)

My Winegard antenna already has a amplifier, can I use the Motorola Signal Booster 484095-001-00 Bi-Directional RF Amplifier and the built in Winegard amplifier at the same time. I do not have the required 10" of clearance to install the Winegard Wingman.

ANSWER: Greetings Dave thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

Yes you can use A TV Signal Booster on your RV even if you have a Winegard Amplified Antenna. Important Update: The Motorola Signal Booster mentioned above is currently unavailable, a great alternative TV Signal Booster is the PCT 1-PORT BI-DIRECTIONAL TV SIGNAL BOOSTER. Here is what you need to know about installing it in your RV.

1. Since you have an amplified antenna you cannot install the signal booster directly to the cable coming from the antenna to your Video Distribution Box (aka Video Control Center). The cable going from your Video Distribution Box to the Winegard Amplified Antenna carries a low powered current to power the antenna's amplifier. This low power is still capable of damaging the electronics of the signal booster.

2. You will need 1 signal booster for each TV in your RV. For example I have 3 boosters for the 3 TVs in my motorhome; one for the front TV, one for the bedroom TV and one for the TV in the outside entertainment center.

3. The signal boosters should be installed at the back of the Video Distribution Box to the cables leading to each of your TVs. They should not be installed at the TVs themselves as the closer they are to the actual antenna; the better they work. That is why you install them at the back of the Video Distribution Box.

4. Each signal booster requires a 120 volt electrical plug. So you may also have to purchase a power strip/surge protector; such as the highly rated Ultra 7 Outlet Surge Protector. I like this reasonably priced power strip/surge protector because 6 of the seven outlets have their own individual on/off switches. Besides it is not a bad idea to have surge and spike protection for your Video Control Box and signal boosters.

Hopefully the above information has been helpful to you.

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Happy RVing

RVing Al