There’s nothing more frustrating than watching the games with weak signal strength.
Who would want to miss that decisive shot right before the final whistle just because of poor signal reception?
Luckily, you can get a better signal reception with a small device called an antenna rotator. You just have to make sure that it’s a high-quality one if you want it to last.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the best antenna rotators you can find on the market, as well as their benefits and how you can operate one, so stick around.
Contents
Top 3 Antenna Rotator Reviews
1. RCA VH226E Outdoor Antenna Rotator – Best Overall
The RCA VH226 Outdoor Antenna Rotator offers the best tradeoff between functionality and price, which is why it’s our favorite pick.
For starters, it features a sturdy metal build that can withstand all weather types, be it sunny or windy.
It also offers 360-degree rotation with a high precision gear mechanism, and you don’t really have to ground the antenna, which we really appreciate.
Moreover, the RCA VH226 comes with an infrared remote control that lets you control your antenna’s positioning right from your living room.
The remote has a range of 30 feet, which is pretty long. It also comes with a mounting clamp and U-bolts for easy installation.
| Overview of the RCA VH226E | |
| Motor | Light duty |
| Dimensions | 4.13 x 4.13 x 10.63 inches |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Rotation | 360 degrees |
| Number of Preset Channels | 12 |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries |
| Motor Lock-in | Yes |
| Included in the Box | Mounting Clamp |
| Not Included in the Box | Wire and Rotator Mast |
This rotator also has a programmable memory that allows you to set up to 12 channels for automatic antenna positioning. You no longer have to manually adjust the antenna’s direction to get your favorite channels with the RCA VH226E.
Moreover, the Wind Stability Antenna with high gear reduction keeps the motor locked in to prevent the antenna from rotating and weakening signal reception.
Did we mention the display? The control unit has a digital display that tells you which preset or position is currently set, making it easier for you to flip through the channels.
However, there’s a catch. The RCA VH226E doesn’t come with a 3-wire cable, so you’ll have to purchase it separately if you want to set it up properly. The good news is that you can now pick the one with the perfect length for your home.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comes with an infrared remote control with 30ft range
- Programmable memory with automatic antenna positioning
- Digital display for positioning information
- Motor lock-in function
Cons
- The motor isn’t the strongest one you can get
Bottom Line
The RCA VH226 is probably one of the best antenna rotators you can get with its digital display, preset channels, and infrared remote control. Not to mention, it comes at a very affordable price point.
2. Channel Master Antenna Rotator – Best Premium
The Channel Master CM-9521HD offers several improvements over its predecessor, including a high-quality brake system and refined mechanical stability that holds the motor in place, so you don’t miss out on any of the action.
And it isn’t just useful for watching TV; radio operators and other hobbyists also use it for various other purposes.
The Channel Master CM-9521HD boasts a heavy-duty rotator motor, which, coupled with the Precision Cut Gear System, ensures that your rotator stays intact for years to come.
That’s in addition to the built-in steel thrust bearings, which support the motor without hindering its performance.
Moreover, the Easy Push Tab wire connections make the whole process of setting up the rotator a much more pleasant experience.
| Overview of the Channel Master CM-9521HD | |
| Motor | Heavy-duty |
| Dimensions | 8.5 x 3.75 x 10.25 inches |
| Weight | 5 lbs |
| Rotation | 360 degrees |
| Number of Preset Channels | 69 |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries |
| Motor Lock-in | Yes |
| Included in the Box | Mounting Clamp |
| Not Included in the Box | Wire and Rotator Mast |
Just like the RCA VH226F, the Channel Master CM-9521HD has a programmable memory for automatic antenna positioning for up to 69 channels. That’s a lot higher than the RCA’s 12-channel memory.
Not to mention, the CM-9521HD flaunts Pinpoint Position Accuracy thanks to the Automatic Synchronization System. Additionally, you can view the rotator’s current positioning using the built-in blue LED display.
The CM-9521HD’s memory is non-volatile, which means that it holds positioning information in case of power outages and accidental disconnections.
It also has a built-in power supply so that you don’t have to purchase one separately.
Last but not least, you get an infrared remote control with a minimalistic layout that lets you control your rotator conveniently.
Pros
- Durable internal mechanism
- Preset positioning for up to 69 channels
- Non-volatile memory
- Blue LED display
- Automatic Synchronization
- Infrared remote control
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a cable
Bottom Line
We’re quite satisfied with what Channel Master CM-9521HD has to offer. From the 69 channel presets to the built-in power supply and Automatic Synchronization, you just can’t go wrong with it.
3. Yaesu Antenna Rotator
Great for VHF, UHF, and tri-banders, the Yaesu G-450A is a classic antenna rotator that looks and feels old but has been proven to provide reliable performance, nonetheless.
For one, it flaunts a clamshell exterior that allows it to maintain its performance no matter how severe the weather conditions are.
What’s even more interesting is that it can handle a vertical weight of 200 lbs, allowing you to use it with many types of antennas.
| Overview of the Yaesu G-450A | |
| Motor | Medium duty |
| Dimensions | 7 x 10 inches |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs |
| Rotation | 450 degrees |
| Number of Preset Channels | No |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries |
| Motor Lock-in | Yes |
| Included in the Box | Mounting Camp + Rotator Plugs |
| Not Included in the Box | Wire and Rotator Mast |
The braking system does an excellent job of maintaining the antenna’s position. However, it may move in extreme winds.
We also like that this rotator can rotate to up to 450 degrees in just 65 seconds, which is quite impressive.
Additionally, it comes with a cool remote control with a built-in compass, which gives it a vintage touch.
Unfortunately, the Yaesu G-450A doesn’t have a programmable memory, which means that you won’t be able to save the positioning of the channels you watch the most.
That’s sort of a letdown, but you can write down each TV station’s positioning on a piece of paper for easier access.
Pros
- Good braking system
- 450-degree rotation
- The control unit has a display
- Analog display
- 200 lbs vertical load-bearing
Cons
- May let the antenna move in strong winds
- No programmable memory
Bottom Line
The Yaesu G-450A may not be the most advanced antenna rotator out there, but it’s definitely a decent budget option that gets the job done.
Benefits of Using an Antenna Rotator
There are numerous advantages that an antenna rotator can give you. Here’s a quick overview of how an antenna rotator can make your TV watching experience a whole lot better:
More TV Channels
By having the option to rotate your antenna, you’ll be able to get more channels on your TV. The reason is that there are dozens of TV stations all over the country, and it’s just impossible to get a clear signal from all of them by keeping your antenna fixed in one direction only.
By using an antenna rotator, you can view your favorite channels whenever you want from any location throughout the country with a few clicks on the remote control.
Improved Signal Reception
Is your favorite channel’s signal weak? An antenna rotator can help you improve the signal reception of your existing channels by letting you change your TV antenna’s orientation.
You can research where your channel’s station is located and direct the antenna in that specific direction.
It’s also worth noting that mounting your antenna to a rotator improves its stability and resistance to strong winds, further improving signal reception.
Doing It All Remotely
Conventionally, having poor tv signal reception required you to climb up where your antenna is located and adjust it yourself, which can be both ineffective and unsafe.
With the help of an antenna rotator, you can do all of that right from the comfort of your couch with a remote control.
Eliminating the Need to Stack Antennas
With an antenna rotator, you no longer have to stack antennas to view all of your favorite channels.
Not only will that save you a lot of money, but also the hassle of having to maintain several antennas.
It’s just much more convenient to have a single rotatable antenna than several fixed ones. Did we also mention that it looks way better?
How Does an Antenna Rotator Work?
An antenna rotator is simply a device that gets attached to your TV antenna, allowing you to rotate it remotely. This allows the antenna to receive a strong signal from the stations it’s directed to.
Antenna rotators are equipped with motors that receive control signals from a control unit using a wire that runs from your roof all the way to the control unit. Once you click a button on your infrared remote control, the control unit receives your command and transmits it to the rotator.
How to Operate a Rotator?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, operating an antenna rotator is as easy as it gets. Once you set it up, you’ll be able to rotate your antenna with a few clicks on the remote control.
The tricky part is that you must know where the station that broadcasts the channel you want is located so you can direct the antenna to it. You can search the web or use Google Maps for that.
You can also keep experimenting with different orientations until you get the channels you desire and save them to the rotator’s programmable memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Install an Antenna Rotator?
Setting up your new antenna rotator can be done in a few easy steps:
- Test the antenna rotator. Once you take the rotator out of the box, test it out first before going through the next steps to ensure that it’s working correctly.
- Connect the cable to the drive unit. Make sure that you get a cable with a suitable length.
- Mount the unit in a suitable location. If you’re not going to mount it inside a tower, you’ll need a separate mast.
- Install the antenna to the drive unit. Make sure that the U-bolts are tightly secured and that there’s enough room for the antenna mast to fit.
- Weatherproof the rotator. If you live in an area with an unstable climate, make sure that your rotator is well protected against rain and strong winds to extend its life span. You can use a clear polyethylene cover.
When to Use an Antenna Rotator?
An antenna rotator is perfect for anyone who lives between several TV markets. For example, if you live in North Carolina, getting good signal reception from New York TV stations and Texas TV stations at the same time is virtually impossible.
That’s where an antenna rotator comes into play. You simply set the coordinates for each TV station and receive signals from each of them on demand.
Final Words
Now that you know what an antenna rotator is, how it works, and how to operate one, as well as the best antenna rotators on the market, you can go ahead and get the one that suits your needs.
If you’re still unsure, we can give you a few hints. The RCA VH226 is probably your best bet if you want a reliable antenna rotator without breaking the bank. It gives you just enough to get you going.
Alternatively, you can opt for the Channel Master CM-9521HD if you want more preset channels, but it comes at a higher cost. Finally, if you’re on a tight budget, consider getting the Yaesu G-450A.