I wondered if replacing the Bat Wing with one of the newer designs would improve performance and also open up some space on the roof. I asked and got a lot of answers. My take on the responses is that yes you will gain some roof space but reception will be the same.
I could spend an hour or so editing the many responses in a concise article, but fun calls. So here are the LDO responses.
"How do you remove the 'batwing' TV antenna and maybe the inside crank without removing the whole unit and leaving a large hole in the roof?" On the roof there's a pivot pin holding each of the two antenna support struts to the base. The pin is held at one end by a c-clip. Remove the c-clip with a needlenose pliers and then knock out the pin. Repeat with the other strut's pin, then cut the coax cables, and you're done! The whole antenna assembly can be lifted off the base and discarded. The inside crank is secured to its shaft by an Allen (hex) head set screw. Loosen the screw, and the crank, spring and washers can be removed. A white crutch tip (available in any hardware store) is a quick way to cover up the remaining shaft, or you can hacksaw it off flush with the ceiling. If you choose to cut off the shaft flush and remove the entire pointing knob assembly as well, check your local hardware store for a 4" round dent protector/cover (usually found in the locks-and-doorknobs aisle). These thin, textured plastic disks, available in white and ivory, do a great job of inconspicuously covering up a large hole. Andy Baird
If you discover that there is no continuity between the antenna connection at the amplifier/switch and the cable connector on the antenna itself, you probably have a problem in the antenna wire coupling on the roof, probably caused by water getting into and corroding the connection. On the roof, pull up the little rubber sleeve where the antenna wire goes into the roof. Clean out the gunk around the wire and pull the wire up. There should be slack in the wire and there is a coupling that may be corroded. You may need a new coupling and you may need to install a new plug on one or both coax wires. Stuff the fixed connection and wire back into the hole and seal with a good sealant.Dan Zoll
