Forum Discussion

dockmasterdave's avatar
dockmasterdave
Explorer
Oct 20, 2019

weak antenna signal

OK, I posted the other day looking for info on an aftermarket antenna booster. My Wineguard from 2009 DOES NOT have the internal boost, at least , there is no switch and no 12v plug and no 12v wiring anywhere near it.
I took apart my connections today, put dielectric grease on them and made sure all were tight.
I discovered that from my antenna to the ceiling plate is RG59.

Would it help to switch it to RG6, and does it really just pull all the way through the ceiling to install the new?
I have visions of it disconnecting somewhere mid ceiling and requiring ripping the ceiling down to re connect.
It is in an Amerilite 21MBLE
Thanks again
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 20, 2019
    For that short of distance, no.
    I have seen the ends put togther totally wrong. They cut all the shielding off and just used the center conductor.
    I would check for continuity from end to end and between coductors.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Oct 20, 2019
    The switch could be anywhere if it exists and they are normally hard wired so no plug. Replace the antenna with one that has a amplifier, add the switch etc. No need to replace RG59 unless it's defective. And no splitters between the wall plate and antenna.

    Unlikely you can pull a new coax with the old. If you need new coax just reroute it like on the roof, closet, walls etc as needed.
  • edbehnke's avatar
    edbehnke
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2019
    I hate it that they still use RG59 cabling. But that isn't the issue.

    You need to call winegard to find out what antenna you have. I suspect you do have an amplified antenna...but? Winegard does have great support.

    https://winegard.com/products/hdtv-digital-antennas/outdoor-antennas
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Oct 21, 2019
    You could step up to the good stuff.
    Sensar IV amplified antenna. About $52.00
    Sensar Pro secondary amp, signal finder. About $60.00.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Oct 21, 2019
    2009 it most likely DOES have an amp.. Where the switch is I do not know.

    There are 3 popular types of switches
    1: the famous wall plate (and the Sensar Pro upgrade.. I'll count them as one)

    2: Box of many buttons (Matrix switch) two switches (Power and ANT) need to be pushed

    3: A plain switch. nothing else, may be on a full size wall plate or a small cube, most anywhere.. This is used with a POWER INSERTER another cube) somewhere on the power line.

    NOTE blown fuses will prevent 12 volt from reaching antenna.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Oct 21, 2019
    Winegard still makes antennas without an amplifier. All an amplifier can do is overcome signal loss downstream from the antenna. For a single TV that is close to the antenna, an amplifier will only help a small amount. For multiple TVs using splitters and long cable runs is where an amplifier will show the most gain.
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    Oct 25, 2019
    wa8yxm wrote:
    2009 it most likely DOES have an amp.. Where the switch is I do not know.

    There are 3 popular types of switches
    1: the famous wall plate (and the Sensar Pro upgrade.. I'll count them as one)

    2: Box of many buttons (Matrix switch) two switches (Power and ANT) need to be pushed

    3: A plain switch. nothing else, may be on a full size wall plate or a small cube, most anywhere.. This is used with a POWER INSERTER another cube) somewhere on the power line.

    NOTE blown fuses will prevent 12 volt from reaching antenna.



    Just so you know, many trailers are built with no amp. in the antenna. I hate to say "low budget" but..........
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Oct 26, 2019
    Digital TV is mostly on UHF frequencies. I use a $35 antenna and an app on my phone for directions to point it and usually get 20 or more channels unless we are really in the sticks. There is an external TV jack on our RV so no need to crack a window.
    I spent an hour taking my roof antenna apart to install the Winegard UHF addition before discovering the coax was broken inside the square tube that raises and lowers. Chose the easy way.

About RV Must Haves

Have a product you cannot live without? Share it with the community!8,793 PostsLatest Activity: Aug 22, 2023