Winegard GS-2000

[paras53]

I have a question regarding the best method for extracting the strongest signal from my amplified GS-2000. I have this antenna located in the rafters of my garage and I am getting a medium strength signal to my Samsung SIR-T150 digital tuner for all my DTV channels. The transmitters are located at distances varying from 33 to 52 miles. I do not want to mount this antenna outside and at a higher elevation. Given that, I have been told the best way to increase the signal (within the limitations of the antenna itself), is to increase the amplification. Would replacing the original amplifier provided with the antenna with a stronger Winegard version be advisable. Any direction or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

The amplifier for the GS-2000 is actually built into the antenna and adding another amplifier wont help you. Your antenna is as ampilified as it can be.

You can try to move the antenna around a bit in the rafters to try and get more signal but you are losing 1/2 of your signal to your roof so outside is your best bet.

[paras53]

Thank you for the reply. I was unsure if the amplifier itself was contained in the plastic housing or not. The black box looked like an amplifier, but I assume that it is merely for powering the internal amp. I would certainly be willing to move the antenna within the confines of the garage to see if I can gain a small improvement in reception. I was also wondering if the GS-2200 III would provide an upgrade in reception. It looks like it has the same specs, but Winegard states it is an improved version. If so, I might try both routes. Thanks.

[paras53]

Thanks again for the response. I attempted to look at the antenna, but I will have to take it off its mount to get a better look at it. I did see a partially covered W on the bottom. The sticker says "amplified". If it helps, I purchased this antenna in October of 2002. I thought that maybe this might narrow the possibilities, in which case, it may save me the trouble of taking the antenna down. Does this information help in determining which version of amplifier I have?

[Winegard-gwhip]

Winegard has a new accessory for your GS-2000 called the "Wingman" (model# GS-WING). Simply adding the Wingman to your Sensar should give you enhanced reception on your DTV channels.

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

The sticker tells me that you have the best of the Sensar style antennas. The Sensar has changed cosmetically over the years but they are all basically same three antenna's.

The GS-WING is the gray version of this accessory but if you have your antenna indoors, it doesn't matter quite as much.

The Wingman is designed to improve the GS-2000's ability to pull in a UHF signal (many of the channels in the digital age are UHF). However, as much as the Wingman can help, you are still better off getting the antenna outside. You lose about 1/2 of your signal to the roof.

[paras53]

Thanks very much for the information and advice. I appreciate it. I saw the Wingman and I am strongly considering adding this to my existing antenna.