When you go camping in your RV, you don’t need to waste data streaming your favorite shows. Instead, you can get the Winegard antenna, which can pick up free HDTV channels, like PBS, ABC, NBC, and more. Yet, knowing how (and where) to point your Winegard Antenna isn’t exactly intuitive.
Thankfully, there’s the Winegard TV Signal Finder App. Using this software, you can locate TV satellites and other HDTV towers in your area. You want to point your Winegard Antenna toward your desired satellite or tower. Continue reading to learn more about this program and how it can point you in the right direction.
Install the Winegard TV Signal Finder App
First things first, you should download the Winegard TV Signal Finder App. It’s available for free on the Google Play and App Store. However, your device must be able to support the download, so:
- If you have an iPhone or iPad, it’ll need to be iOS 9.1 or later.
- If you have an Android phone, you’ll need to have purchased it after 2015 to work.
While the app itself doesn’t take up a lot of storage, you might need to delete an app or two to make space.
Get Set Up in the App
Once you’ve downloaded the app, you’ll need to:
- Open the app.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Enter your email address if you want the Winegard newsletter (or tap “Skip” to move on).
The hardest step here is probably reading the terms and conditions, which you can access here. Basically, the document says that you promise to keep your login information confidential, you won’t use your Winegard antenna to steal people’s information, and you allow the app to access your location.
Point Your Antenna Toward Your Desired Station
Finally, we’ve arrived at the most important step. At this point, you’ll have two options: Antenna Pointer and Satellite Pointer. You’ll want to select Antenna Pointer. After selecting this, allow the app to access your location.
See What Stations Are in Your Area
Once the app locates HDTV towers near you, it’ll show you a map of your location and available channels. You can experiment by clicking on each tower to see what channels they offer and how far away it is.
To see all the channels in your area:
- Locate the arrow on the bottom of your screen and click on it (if you have an Android).
- Locate the line on the bottom of your screen and select it (if you have an Apple device).
After doing this, you’ll have reached the “Channel List” screen, which shows this information:
- The channel’s name
- The channel’s frequency type
- The frequency numbers
- The tower’s distance and direction
Determine Where to Point Your Antenna
You want your antenna to point toward the signal you’re trying to pick up.However, obstructions like trees, buildings, and other vehicles could prevent you from getting a clear reading.
So, you’ll need to use the app’s augmented reality (AR) feature, which will identify these obstructions and help you avoid them. You can access the AR feature by tapping the grey circle on the top right-hand corner of your screen.
Point Your Antenna Toward the Tower You Want
You’ve finally reached the last step. Now, you’ll have to do a bit of trial and error to get your connection up and running. Using the information displayed on the app, you can learn about where you should point your antenna and how you can avoid certain obstructions.
Depending on where you’re located, you might have to move your vehicle a couple of yards to get the best possible picture.
Setting Up the Winegard Antenna via Satellite
Remember how earlier, I said that you had the option between choosing Antenna Pointer and Satellite Pointer?
If there are no towers in your area, or you’re just not getting the reading you want, you can rely on the satellites in space. This will only work if you have DirectTV, Bell Satellite TV, or DISH Satellite TV. You may be asked to enter your user information before accessing the channels offered.
If you have these services, however, here’s how you can access them using your Winegard antenna:
- Start from the beginning. Open the application and navigate to the part where you can choose between Antenna Pointer and Satellite Pointer. Choose the latter and allow the app to access your location.
- Allow the app to access your camera. The app relies on AR to determine your location. Allow it to use your camera, then hold your phone parallel to the horizon (so sideways). For the best possible reading, you should be at the same level as your antenna.
- Choose the satellite you want. The app should show you the available satellites in your area. You want your antenna to point in the satellite’s general location. If there’s a tree or building in front of the satellite, you should reposition your camper or antenna to avoid this obstruction.
Conclusion
You don’t have to spend hours blindly pointing your Winegard antenna. Using the Winegard TV Signal Finder App, you can learn more about what towers and satellites offer TV in your area. Based on your location, the app will give you information about where to point your antenna.
For more information on how and where to point your Winegard antenna, watch this video.