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Topic: Problem Winegard Batwing Antenna – Voltage drop (Read 2 times) previous topic - next topic
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Problem Winegard Batwing Antenna – Voltage drop
Yahoo Message Number: 137590
My 2000 MB is equipped with an amplified Winegard Batwing Antenna. The voltage at the Batwing Antenna should be according to the manual +12V DC. I have measured 3.5 to 8.5V. The result is poor TV reception. The power supply provides +12V DC. With a separate coax cable  between the power supply and the antenna the reception of TV channels is very good. My conclusion is that there is a  power voltage  drop somewhere in  the LD installed coax cable between the power supply and the batwing antenna. I replaced the connector at the batwing antenna but the voltage is still low. Corrosion somewhere? My question is: Is there a separate cable connection just underneath the swivel mount (base plate) on the roof? I noticed that the color of the internal coax cable at the power supply is black and the cable at the batwing antenna is almost white.
Any suggestions  how to correct this problem will be very much appreciated.

Frans Liebert Currently in Gulf State Park, AL
Re: Problem Winegard Batwing Antenna – Voltage drop
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 137591
I don't have an MB, I have an RB but the problem is easy to solve.
 Run a fused direct line, 8 or 10 gauge, from the battery to the TV area, splice
Harry 2006RB
Re: Problem Winegard Batwing Antenna – Voltage drop
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 137592
Sorry, I didn't read your note correctly. It isn't that difficult to replace the coax cable, at least on my RB. You can replace the amplifier, too.
Harry 2006RB
Re: Problem Winegard Batwing Antenna – Voltage drop
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 137600
Quote
My 2000 MB is equipped with an amplified Winegard Batwing Antenna. The voltage at the Batwing Antenna should be according to the manual +12V DC. I have measured 3.5 to 8.5V. The result is poor TV reception.
Any suggestions  how to correct this problem will be very much appreciated.
Since the 12V travels up the coax, any voltage problem indicates a coax problem. Even if you separately bias the antenna head, the bad coax will cause poor signal transmission. Problems usually occur on the roof portion of the coax. If yours has a roof connection at the base of the antenna, disconnect the coax there and measure the voltage If it is good at that point, it is easy to replace that short length.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Problem Winegard Batwing Antenna – Voltage drop
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 137607
I have a 2000 MB LD and had the same problem. After I bought a new head for antenna and a new switch, which didnot cure the problem. I then ran a external cable from the antenna to the TV showing that the antenna was working. After talking to the factory, they informed me that there is a antenna wire coupling just inside the roof by the antenna that water gets into and corrodes the connection. Go up on the roof and pull up the little rubber sleeve where the antenna wire go into the roof. Clean out the gunk around the wire and pull the wire up. There is slack
UmpDan
 
RE: [LD] Re: Problem Winegard Batwing Antenna - Voltage drop
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 137609
To prevent this from happening, I use something called Coax-Seal.  There is a companion product called Stuf.  Stuf fills the cavity between connectors so there is no room for moisture to get in, and Coax-Seal wraps over the outside to complete the seal.  I have been using these products for the last 30 years on amateur radio coax fittings, satellite TV coax fittings, and any other coax connector that is exposed to moisture.  They will absolutely keep moisture out of the coax connectors.  There are many sources.  Here is one -
 http://www.radioworks.com/ccoaxseal.html   
Dick