Winegard Free Vision Sensor HV TV VHF UHF Antenna Aerial

Dick0 · Guru

TV Antennas - again

herks · Veteran Member

Hi Dicko
Had a similar issue recently. I use the same Wineguard antenna but have also installed a Hills mast head booster as well. Massive difference. Very happy.

Joda · Senior Member

Ditto to the booster.

PeterInSa · Guru

Hi herks/Joda:

My understanding is that the amp in the Sensar Pro is behind the aerial above the roof.

From Ai:
A Winegard aerial amplifier boosts TV signals for caravan and home antennas. Popular models include the Sensar Pro (adjustable RV signal finder and booster adding up to 10 dB), standard 12V wall-plate power supplies,

The Hill Masthead amp is a mast head amp as well, how have you connected it with the above?.

From A1:

A Hills masthead booster (amplifier) is an electronic device mounted near your TV antenna on the roof mast to boost weak digital television signals before they travel down the cable.

The Hills Antenna FC658261C Q-Amp 4G Masthead Amplifier is a popular digital TV signal booster in Australia. It typically costs between $55 AUD and $75 AUD, often bundling with a power supply unit (PSU6F). It is designed to improve weak VHF and UHF television reception while filtering out unwanted mobile network interference.

Thanks

herks · Veteran Member

I have fitted mine at the back of the TV. Lead from the wall plate (Green led Dutton needs to be on) this feeds the 12v to the wineguard antenna) to the input of the mast head amp and then from the output to the TV. However the trick is to ensure that the 2 way splitter on the mast head is a Power Pass type (both channels and that this is two way) I had a lot of trouble and got a TV antenna guy in for some advise.
The Hills mast amp is actually 12v but comes with a 240v adaptor. I just cut off the lead and plugged it into my Vans 12v circuit. So all works when Im off grid as well.
Said that he is constantly servicing caravans and RVs with the same problem.
I am away at the moment and am very happy with my current setup. Best it has ever been.

-- Edited by herks on Friday 7th of August 2026 07:33:30 PM

PeterInSa · Guru

Thanks

AI Overview

A two-way power pass splitter is a 75-ohm coaxial device (often using F-type connectors) that splits one input signal into two outputs while allowing bidirectional AC/DC voltage or low-frequency signals to travel between the common input port and the connected output channels. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Core Characteristics

Two-Way Configuration: Splits a single line into two distinct output paths (or combines paths in reverse)

-- Edited by PeterInSa on Friday 7th of August 2026 09:40:33 PM

Dick0 · Guru

Very positive comments, thank you. Just what I wanted to know.

I will get the Hills Amplifier mentioned and attempt to connect it as described.

I'll be back here if I have any problems connecting things up.

If and when successful I will report my results.

Any wiring/connection assistance would be helpful before I tackle the project.

Thank you for your comments.

herks · Veteran Member

No worries, you can get any of the F connectors etc. required from places like JAYCAR. As well as the Coax cable available by the meter. Just a word of warning, there are 4 versions of the Hills Mast Amps. As well as the splitters. Make sure you get the correct ones.

Dick0 · Guru

herks wrote:
I have fitted mine at the back of the TV. Lead from the wall plate (Green led Dutton needs to be on) this feeds the 12v to the wineguard antenna) to the input of the mast head amp and then from the output to the TV. However the trick is to ensure that the 2 way splitter on the mast head is a Power Pass type (both channels and that this is two way) I had a lot of trouble and got a TV antenna guy in for some advise.
The Hills mast amp is actually 12v but comes with a 240v adaptor. I just cut off the lead and plugged it into my Vans 12v circuit. So all works when Im off grid as well.
Said that he is constantly servicing caravans and RVs with the same problem.
I am away at the moment and am very happy with my current setup. Best it has ever been.

-- Edited by herks on Friday 7th of August 2026 07:33:30 PM

I received my Hills Amp today. To ensure I connect correctly, do I ...

Connect the current TV input from Sensar Pro to UHF/Comb of Hills Amp.

Connect Hills Amp OUTPUT to Power Injector.

Connect Power Injector to TV.

Connect 12V to Power Injector.

Switch Input Selector to COMB.

Thank you.

herks · Veteran Member

As per the previous photo. Centre connector to areal and output from injector to tv. Switch settings as shown

-- Edited by herks on Tuesday 25th of August 2026 09:19:15 PM

Dick0 · Guru

herks wrote:
As per the previous photo. Centre connector to areal and output from injector to tv. Switch settings as shown

-- Edited by herks on Tuesday 25th of August 2026 09:19:15 PM

Thank you herks, I follow this part now.

However, not sure about the two way splitter that you refer to on the "mast head". Is this the current splitter on the antenna where the two antenna cables connect to (vertical & horizontal) on the actual antenna and the cable then goes through the roof?

Sorry, just a bit bamboozled about this.

herks · Veteran Member

Yes that is the bit that I am referring to (Splitter) has to be a 2 way Power Pass 2 way splitter This means that both outputs (too the antenna elements) both receive the 12v power source. Most of the standard ones only allow power pass on only 1 output. Any reputable outlet will know which one is required.

Dick0 · Guru

herks wrote:
Yes that is the bit that I am referring to (Splitter) has to be a 2 way Power Pass 2 way splitter This means that both outputs (too the antenna elements) both receive the 12v power source. Most of the standard ones only allow power pass on only 1 output. Any reputable outlet will know which one is required.

Thank you herks, for your kind response.

It took me a while to understand how the system works and the fact that the splitter must be 2 way power pass.

After some side research, I understand that numerous Winegard splitters were actually faulty at time of installation.

I will run voltage checks at the 3 points of the splitter and will, in any case, replace the Winegard splitter with a Hills splitter.

Thanks again.

herks · Veteran Member

Yep my splitter was faulty from factory. Was stupid enough to initially assume (yes I know) that as new it had to be OK. Wrong!!

Dick0 · Guru

My TV reception hardware consists of a Winegard Free Vision Sensar HV Antenna and Winegard Sensar Pro strength meter wall plate.

As an interim update to my original post, which eventuated as a result of receiving poor TV reception, I have conducted some tests with positive results.

The location where I am camping is 30-20km from ABC/SBS & commercial channel transmitters, which transmit in Horizontal (0.18kw) & Vertical polarity (1.8kw) respectively.

I bypassed the splitter and connected the signal cable directly to the Vertical element with a positive & strong reception result.

Then connected directly to the Horizontal element, also, with a positive & strong reception result.

Therefore, confirming that the Winegard supplied splitter was faulty.

I have ordered a Winegard splitter and when I receive it will connect it to the antenna mast and shall report the results. I know I could have purchased a power pass splitter locally but I want to try the Winegard splitter, which is not available locally.

Once all of the above is operating satisfactorily I will then connect the Hills Amp and report of any further reception improvements.

Joda · Senior Member

Now that you mentioned it I replaced a faulty splitter on my antenna a few years ago, was a winegard, Joda.

ianlaw · Member

I have been following this thread with interest as I want to make the same improvements to my antenna(I have the Winegard Batwing antenna) but i am confused about the splitter. Is the splitter in the head unit of the antenna or is it the splitter in the wall plate inside the van? Thankyou in advance for any comments.

Dick0 · Guru

ianlaw wrote:
I have been following this thread with interest as I want to make the same improvements to my antenna(I have the Winegard Batwing antenna) but i am confused about the splitter. Is the splitter in the head unit of the antenna or is it the splitter in the wall plate inside the van? Thankyou in advance for any comments.

The Batwing is a Horizontal signal only receiver with one amplified element. The Sensar HV is both Horizontal & Vertical receiver and has a Splitter/Combiner, on the masthead, to join the two amplified elements.

I used to have the Batwing and improved reception by adding the Wingman. You will still only receive Horizontal transmissions.

ianlaw · Member

Dick0 wrote:
ianlaw wrote:
I have been following this thread with interest as I want to make the same improvements to my antenna(I have the Winegard Batwing antenna) but i am confused about the splitter. Is the splitter in the head unit of the antenna or is it the splitter in the wall plate inside the van? Thankyou in advance for any comments.
The Batwing is a Horizontal signal only receiver with one amplified element. The Sensar HV is both Horizontal & Vertical receiver and has a Splitter/Combiner, on the masthead, to join the two amplified elements.
I used to have the Batwing and improved reception by adding the Wingman. You will still only receive Horizontal transmissions.

Thanks Dicko,

Do you think my reception will improve if I add the Hills amp.

Dick0 · Guru

ianlaw wrote:
Dick0 wrote:
ianlaw wrote:
I have been following this thread with interest as I want to make the same improvements to my antenna(I have the Winegard Batwing antenna) but i am confused about the splitter. Is the splitter in the head unit of the antenna or is it the splitter in the wall plate inside the van? Thankyou in advance for any comments.
The Batwing is a Horizontal signal only receiver with one amplified element. The Sensar HV is both Horizontal & Vertical receiver and has a Splitter/Combiner, on the masthead, to join the two amplified elements.
I used to have the Batwing and improved reception by adding the Wingman. You will still only receive Horizontal transmissions.
Thanks Dicko,
Do you think my reception will improve if I add the Hills amp.

According to herks it will.

I have ordered the Winegard splitter to replace my current faulty one. When it arrives (any day now) I will make the necessary connections to the Hills amp and report the results here.

Linwood · Member

It may not be so simple. There are certain locations where the vertical "flake" of a Winegard HV antenna will pick up a signal that is out of phase with the signal picked up by the lower flake. When they are combined through the dumb diplexer (combiner), the signals are subtractive and you are worse off. That can explain in some cases why the television works fine with the signal from either flake but not when they are combined in the diplexer. Therefore it does not prove that the diplexer is faulty.

-- Edited by Linwood on Friday 4th of September 2026 07:22:50 AM

herks · Veteran Member

Possibly Linwood, however I am of the belief that the settings on the amp are adjustable (although I have not had the need to do so as yet, Input selector will allow you to select either Combo or seperate. You can also adjust the gain.

Dick0 · Guru

Linwood wrote:
It may not be so simple. There are certain locations where the vertical "flake" of a Winegard HV antenna will pick up a signal that is out of phase with the signal picked up by the lower flake. When they are combined through the dumb diplexer (combiner), the signals are subtractive and you are worse off. That can explain in some cases why the television works fine with the signal from either flake but not when they are combined in the diplexer. Therefore it does not prove that the diplexer is faulty.

-- Edited by Linwood on Friday 4th of September 2026 07:22:50 AM

That being the case, what is the solution?

Dick0 · Guru

I'm no expert regarding transmission & reception of tv signals and am learning my way across this minefield.

If I were a caravan park camper, I don't think that I would be having these problems, however, I am a free camper usually 10 to 30 km from a town and/or tv transmitters.

I have tried three 2way all power pass splitters with a result of no signal reception whatsoever.

I finally replaced the Winegard antenna mast splitter and receive both horizontal & vertical polarity reception.

Vertical reception of commercial channels 7/9/10 are received in strong Quality from the transmitter located 20km away (line of sight) transmitting at 1.8kw power.

Horizontal reception of channels ABC/SBS are received in very poor Quality (pixelation) from the transmitter located 30km away (line of sight flat terrain) transmitting at 0.18kw power.

I blame the poor horizontal reception due to distance (about 30km) and low power transmission of 0.18kw. I am of course assuming this.

The Hills Amp, so far, has made no difference to signal quality. I will look at that at another time.

So, until I move camp to my next location, I will leave things be.

My next camp will be about 15km from horizontal polarity only tv transmitters at 0.5kw power.

Will let you know the outcome.

Linwood · Member

Dick0 wrote:

I have tried three 2way all power pass splitters with a result of no signal reception whatsoever.
I finally replaced the Winegard antenna mast splitter and receive both horizontal & vertical polarity reception.
Vertical reception of commercial channels 7/9/10 are received in strong Quality from the transmitter located 20km away (line of sight) transmitting at 1.8kw power.
Horizontal reception of channels ABC/SBS are received in very poor Quality (pixelation) from the transmitter located 30km away (line of sight flat terrain) transmitting at 0.18kw power.
I blame the poor horizontal reception due to distance (about 30km) and low power transmission of 0.18kw. I am of course assuming this.
The Hills Amp, so far, has made no difference to signal quality. I will look at that at another time.
So, until I move camp to my next location, I will leave things be.
My next camp will be about 15km from horizontal polarity only tv transmitters at 0.5kw power.
Will let you know the outcome.

If you use a RF splitter such as the ANTSIG unit sold by Bunnings, it will not work as a diplexer (the opposite direction to what it was designed for) as it has diodes in each path. This results in the power feeding to the Winegard amplifier in each flake being blocked.
It is unlikely that any RV antenna could pick up an adequate signal from a 180W transmitter 30km away.
Adding a Hills masthead amplifier could degrade the signal by overloading it. Unfortunately the Winegard amplifiers, in the middle of each flake, are not waterproofed. So with time the ampfliers get wet from rainwater and salt-laden air and corrode badly. Then the amplifiers need to be repaired if corrosion is not too severe.

-- Edited by Linwood on Saturday 5th of September 2026 04:24:35 PM

Dick0 · Guru

Linwood wrote:
If you use a RF splitter such as the ANTSIG unit sold by Bunnings, it will not work as a diplexer (the opposite direction to what it was designed for) as it has diodes in each path. This results in the power feeding to the Winegard amplifier in each flake being blocked.
It is unlikely that any RV antenna could pick up an adequate signal from a 180W transmitter 30km away.
Adding a Hills masthead amplifier could degrade the signal by overloading it. Unfortunately the Winegard amplifiers, in the middle of each flake, are not waterproofed. So with time the ampfliers get wet from rainwater and salt-laden air and corrode badly. Then the amplifiers need to be repaired if corrosion is not too severe.

I like your posts.

Antsig was one of the splitters I used, that did not work.

I like your comment "It is unlikely that any RV antenna could pick up an adequate signal from a 180W transmitter 30km away".

My next camp site will test the Winegard Antenna HV reception capabilities.

I'll let you know.

ianlaw · Member

On the subject of T.V. antennas, has anyone had any experience with the Cowfish Omni directional Vantenna?

Dick0 · Guru

I'm hoping also someone may know the answer or could shed some light, whether it matters which way the Winegard HV elements face towards the transmission towers. Can the mast be reversed?

BarneyBDB · Senior Member

Yes.

Linwood · Member

Dick0 wrote:
I'm hoping also someone may know the answer or could shed some light, whether it matters which way the Winegard HV elements face towards the transmission towers. Can the mast be reversed?

The face of the flakes should be perpendicular to the rayline from the transmitting tower.

The lower flake for vertically-polarised signals could be transposed with the top flake but additional holes would need to be drilled into the aluminium strut. By the way the two flakes are identical in every way but one is installed with a 90 degree offset relative to the other.