Antenna question...
Hey all... Trying to get my antenna to work with a led flat screen... As I understand it, the tv is 'digital' so I don't need a converter box... I have an old (2003) batwing crank-up... I'...
Forum Discussion
nike holly,
SCVJeff is one of the most knowledgeable folks here when it comes to TV stuff. He helped me with issues when I was having them. He's done extensive tests on Batwings, Jacks and converters and more with sophisticated equipment, stuff that's seriously over my head. Now, I've glanced through all the threads, and as of yet, and I'm nor sure why Jeff didn't tell you this part, I've not seen any explanation of how to test whether you've got the 12V to the antenna or not.
You see, those antennas, be it a Batwing or, a Jack, HAVE TO BE AMPLIFIED in order to work properly. Neither one will send signals to your TV without the amplification. On the Jack Antenna, there is an LED light on the bottom side that tells you, from ground level, that you've got 12V present at the antenna.
But, the Bat Wing has no such indicator. So, the very first thing you need to do that others have not told you about is,
1. Make sure that you have an "Antenna Booster" of some sort, and,
2. Maker sure that it's "ON"!
On some coaches, it's a stand alone, switch/button etc. along with and LED or other type indicator light that lights up when you turn the switch on. On some, such as ours and many others, including Jeffs(I think), that antenna booster switch is built into the "multi-switch" box that controls what is being sent to the TV, be it cable, antenna, DVD, satellite and etc.
But, just because you turn that switch on and, the light lights up, there's no guaranty that you're getting the 12V to the antenna. I found that out the hard way. Very long story and I won't go into it now. But, the point is, this is how you test for 12V at that antenna if, you've got the Batwing and not the Jack.
As stated above, turn the antenna booster switch on, and make sure you've got an indicator light telling you so.
Then, climb up on the roof, and bring along your trusty Volt-Ohm meter. Then, disconnect the cable to the Batwing and, very carefully, set your meter to 12VDC and, touch the center conductor with one lead and the cable housing (nut) with the other. Your meter should read 12V. If it doesn't, then you've got your first set of problems to deal with. If it does, then at least your 12V is making it to the antenna. Now, you'll have to figure out what's wrong with the next set of circumstances in getting you pictures.
Scott
SCVJeff is one of the most knowledgeable folks here when it comes to TV stuff. He helped me with issues when I was having them. He's done extensive tests on Batwings, Jacks and converters and more with sophisticated equipment, stuff that's seriously over my head. Now, I've glanced through all the threads, and as of yet, and I'm nor sure why Jeff didn't tell you this part, I've not seen any explanation of how to test whether you've got the 12V to the antenna or not.
You see, those antennas, be it a Batwing or, a Jack, HAVE TO BE AMPLIFIED in order to work properly. Neither one will send signals to your TV without the amplification. On the Jack Antenna, there is an LED light on the bottom side that tells you, from ground level, that you've got 12V present at the antenna.
But, the Bat Wing has no such indicator. So, the very first thing you need to do that others have not told you about is,
1. Make sure that you have an "Antenna Booster" of some sort, and,
2. Maker sure that it's "ON"!
On some coaches, it's a stand alone, switch/button etc. along with and LED or other type indicator light that lights up when you turn the switch on. On some, such as ours and many others, including Jeffs(I think), that antenna booster switch is built into the "multi-switch" box that controls what is being sent to the TV, be it cable, antenna, DVD, satellite and etc.
But, just because you turn that switch on and, the light lights up, there's no guaranty that you're getting the 12V to the antenna. I found that out the hard way. Very long story and I won't go into it now. But, the point is, this is how you test for 12V at that antenna if, you've got the Batwing and not the Jack.
As stated above, turn the antenna booster switch on, and make sure you've got an indicator light telling you so.
Then, climb up on the roof, and bring along your trusty Volt-Ohm meter. Then, disconnect the cable to the Batwing and, very carefully, set your meter to 12VDC and, touch the center conductor with one lead and the cable housing (nut) with the other. Your meter should read 12V. If it doesn't, then you've got your first set of problems to deal with. If it does, then at least your 12V is making it to the antenna. Now, you'll have to figure out what's wrong with the next set of circumstances in getting you pictures.
Scott
