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Topic: Faulty TV Antenna (Read 27 times) previous topic - next topic
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Faulty TV Antenna
Yahoo Message Number: 160024
Steve and Dick,

Thanks very much for your suggestions. I didn't know that the amplifier is in the antenna head. I'll check for the 12 volts next time I have the rig at the house. And also do the continuity test.

I appreciate your help.

WxToad (Ted) http://www.wxtoad.com http://www.ultimatecampgrounds.com

Dick said: The most likely failure is a broken center conductor in the area where the coax bends as you raise and lower the antenna. You would have to disconnect both ends and use an ohmmeter to check for continuity. unfortunately, in moving the coax to perform this test, you could temporarily re-connect it and it would test good.

Steve said: the amplifier is in the antenna - without a 12V supply from the cable, it will work poorly - or not at all. Check the antenna end of the cable for 12V between the shield and center contact. If there, then it is a pretty good indicator that everything is good to that point, and your antenna is likely bad. If the 12V is NOT present, then either the cable is bad (usually a broken shield where the cable flexes) or a blown fuse.
Re: Faulty TV Antenna
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160025
Steve's suggestion is better than mine. By checking for 12-volts at the antenna you are also checking for continuity at the same time. If it's the amplifier, Winegard sells replacement heads.

Dick

From: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com [mailto:lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com] Sent: Saturday, April 23, 2016 6:20 AM To: Life with Yahoo Group Lazy Daze Subject: [LD] Re: Faulty TV Antenna

Steve and Dick, Thanks very much for your suggestions. I didn't know that the amplifier is in the antenna head. I'll check for the 12 volts next time I have the rig at the house. And also do the continuity test.
I appreciate your help.
WxToad (Ted)
Re: Faulty TV Antenna
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160075
Update on the TV antenna. Today I ran a temporary cable up through the escape hatch and the TV got a great signal. So obviously I need to run a new cable in. The question is how? Don't bother suggesting the LD roof top cable entry point. That has been re-sealed to the point that there is no opening it up again. I'm all ears! J

Thanks, WxToad (Ted) http://www.wxtoad.com http://www.utimatecampgrounds.com
Re: Faulty TV Antenna
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160077
I spent $30.00 for an HDTV digital antenna and hooked it to terminals inside my coach. Works great and I never raise or lower the rooftop antenna. Altho, I also have a satellite antenna, I never use it.

Fred K.
2003 RB
Re: Faulty TV Antenna
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160078
If the break is above the roof (very likely) you might be able to use a cable splice. Something like this would work.
http://tinyurl.com/hjbtt8c Have someone watch the TV while you carefully flex the cable with your fingers until you find the break.

If you aren't able to find it, I would cut the cable a few inches above where it comes out of the roof. Then install a new connector on that end. Then make up a new cable with connectors at both ends of the proper length. Use a coupler like this to connect the two cables together. http://tinyurl.com/jotaotm You should be able to find everything you need at Home Depot or Lowes. You will need to buy some coax tools along with the fittings.

If the problem was somewhere else in the coach, then you really will have to find a way to run a new cable all the way. You can always drill another hole in the roof. That's how I installed my CB and ham radio antennas. Another way to get up there is through the refrigerator vent, but that presents its own set of problems. May be the best solution if your TV is not too far from the reefer.

Dick

From: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com [mailto:lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com] Sent: Monday, April 25, 2016 4:35 PM To: Life with Yahoo Group Lazy Daze Subject: [LD] Re: Faulty TV Antenna

Update on the TV antenna. Today I ran a temporary cable up through the escape hatch and the TV got a great signal. So obviously I need to run a new cable in. The question is how? Don't bother suggesting the LD roof top cable entry point. That has been re-sealed to the point that there is no opening it up again. I'm all ears! J

Thanks, WxToad (Ted)
Re: Faulty TV Antenna
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160086
Thanks, Dick. I was thinking along those same lines. I have all the need pieces and equipment except for that plastic cover, which I can easily order. Thanks for the link.

Ted

Posted by: "Richard Hughes"  deweygroups Date: Mon Apr 25, 2016 5:28 pm ((PDT))

If the break is above the roof (very likely) you might be able to use a cable splice. Something like this would work.

http://tinyurl.com/hjbtt8c Have someone watch the TV while you carefully flex the cable with your fingers until you find the break.

If you aren't able to find it, I would cut the cable a few inches above where it comes out of the roof. Then install a new connector on that end.
Then make up a new cable with connectors at both ends of the proper length.
Re: Faulty TV Antenna
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160096
I concur with Dick, and have done this with our previous '83 FL. The problem will only likely occur where there is flexing and exposed connectors, which is all on the roof. Don't cut the cable end too short before re-terminating it, and once you are satisfied all the new connections are tight and secure, coat the barrel and connectors with electrical tape and then silicone caulk to protect.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Faulty TV Antenna
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160100
This is the antenna I bought: Works great. When I do watch TV while travelling, I let my TV scan for channels and then watch what I want from what is available. 

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mohu-MH-110583-Leaf-30-HDTV-Antenna/36126033

There are various antennas out there that are similar and those that don't have amplifiers will not require a power source. On a rainy miserable day my 12V Jensen TV keeps me happy for many hours without worrying about depleting batteries.

Fred

2003 RB
Re: Faulty TV Antenna
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 160103
"I need to run a new cable in. The question is how?"

One word: CableClam. :-)

Andy Baird
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"