First Impressions of Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier
The Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier isn’t exactly the kind of gear that elicits gasps of excitement, but in the world of RV living and mobile television, a strong, reliable signal is paramount. Winegard has been a respected name in antennas and signal amplification for years, and this particular wall plate unit is designed as a direct replacement/upgrade for their Sensar antenna systems. It promises to boost weak signals and provide a more stable, enjoyable viewing experience on the road, but does it live up to the hype?
My own interest in the Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier stemmed from a recurring problem I faced during extended camping trips: frustratingly weak and intermittent TV signals. The factory-installed antenna system in my travel trailer was simply inadequate in many locations, leading to pixelated images and dropped signals, particularly in fringe areas or heavily wooded campsites. I needed a solution to reliably enhance the signal strength without requiring a complete overhaul of my existing antenna setup.
Upon unboxing the Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier, my initial impression was one of functional simplicity. It’s a basic, no-frills design – a white plastic wall plate with a few clearly labeled connectors and a +12VDC receptacle. The build quality seems decent enough for its intended purpose, although the plastic feels somewhat lightweight. It certainly doesn’t exude ruggedness, but it’s meant to be mounted indoors, so extreme durability isn’t necessarily a primary concern.
Compared to similar products, like the King Controls OA8500 or the amplified wall plates offered by Furrion, the Winegard option appeared to be a more straightforward, purpose-built solution for existing Winegard Sensar antenna systems. I chose this model specifically for its compatibility with my current RV-5095 antenna. Other options might offer broader compatibility or slightly more advanced features, but I prioritized a seamless integration with my existing setup over universal compatibility.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier seemed like a simple enough solution to my signal woes, but I was eager to see if it could truly deliver a noticeable improvement in real-world conditions. I was hoping for a marked increase in signal strength and a reduction in dropped signals, but a part of me also worried about potential compatibility issues or an underwhelming performance boost.
Real-World Testing: Putting Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier was at a remote campsite nestled deep within the Allegheny National Forest. This location is notorious for weak over-the-air TV signals, and I’d previously struggled to receive even a single channel with my unamplified antenna. The terrain is hilly and heavily forested, creating significant obstacles for signal propagation.
I installed the wall plate in place of the existing non-amplified plate, connecting the antenna cable and plugging it into the RV’s 12VDC system. The initial setup was simple and straightforward. I scanned for channels and, to my surprise, I pulled in five channels – a significant improvement over the zero channels I was getting before.
The picture quality on those channels was noticeably clearer and more stable than I expected. The amplifier did its job. While there was still some occasional pixelation during peak viewing hours (presumably due to increased network load), the overall viewing experience was vastly improved.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier has proven to be a reliable and worthwhile addition to my RV setup. It consistently provides a noticeable boost to weak TV signals, particularly in fringe areas and remote campsites. The unit has held up well to regular use, with no signs of wear or tear.
The plastic construction still feels a bit lightweight, but it hasn’t shown any signs of cracking or discoloration despite temperature fluctuations inside the RV. Maintenance is essentially non-existent. I’ve not had to clean it or maintain it in any way.
Compared to my previous experience with the unamplified antenna, the Winegard amplifier is a night-and-day difference. It has transformed my RV’s entertainment capabilities, allowing me to enjoy local news, weather updates, and occasional TV shows even in the most remote locations. While it doesn’t perform miracles (it can’t create a signal where none exists), it significantly enhances the existing signal strength, making weak signals watchable.
Breaking Down the Features of Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier
Specifications
The Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier is designed specifically for use with Winegard non-amplified Sensar TV antennas, particularly models RV-5095 and RV-5090. It features a +12VDC receptacle for power, a cable input jack for the antenna connection, and a second set jack for connecting to the TV. It is crucial to check part numbers for compatibility before purchasing to ensure proper functionality. The unit’s purpose is to amplify weak over-the-air TV signals, improving picture quality and reducing signal dropouts.
The +12VDC power receptacle is essential for powering the amplifier. The cable input and set jacks are standard coaxial connections, allowing for easy hookup to the antenna and TV. The compatibility requirement is crucial because this amplifier is specifically designed to work with Winegard‘s Sensar antenna system. Using it with other antennas may not yield optimal results or could potentially damage the unit.
Performance & Functionality
The Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier performs its primary function – amplifying weak TV signals – effectively. It significantly improves the signal strength of over-the-air broadcasts, resulting in clearer picture quality and fewer signal dropouts. The amplifier is easy to use; simply plug it in, connect the cables, and scan for channels.
One potential weakness is that it’s not a magic bullet. It can only amplify existing signals. In areas with absolutely no signal coverage, it won’t create a signal where none exists. However, in areas with weak or marginal signal strength, it can make a significant difference. It meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier features a basic, functional design. The white plastic wall plate is unobtrusive and blends in well with most RV interiors. The connections are clearly labeled, making installation straightforward.
The unit is lightweight and compact, adding minimal bulk to the RV’s interior. There is no complex user interface.
Durability & Maintenance
The Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier appears to be reasonably durable for its intended purpose. The plastic construction seems sturdy enough to withstand normal use inside an RV. Long-term reliability remains to be seen, but after several months of use, it hasn’t shown any signs of malfunction or degradation.
Maintenance is minimal. There are no user-serviceable parts. In general, it will last a long time.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the wall plate itself. It’s a standalone unit designed to integrate directly with the existing Winegard Sensar antenna system. There are no user-configurable settings or customization options.
There are no options for connecting external devices or fine-tuning the amplification levels. The unit is designed to provide a fixed level of amplification. Compatibility is limited to Winegard Sensar antennas.
Pros and Cons of Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier
Pros
- Noticeably boosts weak TV signals, improving picture quality and reducing dropouts. This is its core function, and it performs it well.
- Easy to install and use, requiring minimal technical expertise. It is a simple plug-and-play installation.
- Specifically designed for seamless integration with existing Winegard Sensar antenna systems (RV-5095 and RV-5090). No compatibility headaches.
- Cost-effective solution compared to replacing the entire antenna system.
- Compact and unobtrusive design blends in well with RV interiors.
Cons
- It only works with specific Winegard antenna models (RV-5095 and RV-5090).
- It cannot create a signal where none exists. It is important to remember it amplifies only.
Who Should Buy Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier?
Perfect for: RV owners with Winegard Sensar antennas (RV-5095 and RV-5090) who frequently camp in areas with weak over-the-air TV signals. It provides a cost-effective way to improve their viewing experience.
Who should skip this product? Anyone with a different brand of antenna, or someone who camps exclusively in areas with strong signal coverage. It is not universal.
Must-have accessories or modifications? None. It is a standalone unit that doesn’t require any additional accessories for basic functionality.
Conclusion on Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier
The Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier is a simple but effective solution for improving over-the-air TV reception in RVs equipped with compatible Winegard Sensar antennas. It delivers on its promise of boosting weak signals, resulting in clearer picture quality and fewer dropouts. Installation is straightforward, and the unit is reliable and easy to use.
At $59.99, the price is justified for RV owners who struggle with poor TV reception and want a cost-effective way to enhance their viewing experience.
I would personally recommend the Winegard Wall Plate Signal Amplifier to anyone with a compatible Winegard Sensar antenna system who frequently camps in areas with weak TV signals. If you’re tired of pixelated images and dropped signals, this amplifier is a worthwhile investment that can significantly improve your RV’s entertainment capabilities. Get yours today and say goodbye to frustrating TV reception on the road!