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NaturalStateReb's avatar
NaturalStateReb
Explorer
Feb 10, 2015

Antenna Booster Problem

I'm having an antenna booster problem that's got me baffled. The green light on the antenna booster wasn't lit, so ordered a new booster for my 2009 Keystone Summerland. Got the Winegard wall plate booster installed, still no green light, and no antenna signal either.

Checked the fuses, they're ok. Got out the multimeter. Leads are appropriately installed and I get a 12v reading. When I push the booster switch, and put the positive test lead in the center of the antenna coax coupling, and the negative lead on the outside, I get 1.75v. No light.

I guess it's possible I got a bad booster delivered, but seems unlikely. This camper doesn't have additional cable outlets, so I don't think there are any splitters in the unit. I'm at loss. Anyone got any ideas?

4 Replies

  • YC_1's avatar
    YC_1
    Nomad
    Feb 11, 2015
    CA Traveler wrote:
    Are you sure the coax cables are not reversed? Remove the antenna coax and if the voltage is 12V then you might have a short. Next step would be to measure the current which should determine bad booster or short.

    Run a temp coax out the window and up to the antenna to help isolate the problem.


    Ditto: Original problem could be a shorted coax. Disconnect the coax at both ends and use an ohmmeter to check it. If that is ok then reconnect the coax at the power inserter end and measure at the antenna end with the coax disconnected. If you have good 12 volts then reconnect and check. If the voltage drops your antenna has a short inside. The amplifier is in the head of the antenna.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 10, 2015
    Just for giggles, unhook the ant and see if the voltages come back.
    Never seen it happen in a RV but was common on aircraft.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Feb 10, 2015
    Are you sure the coax cables are not reversed? Remove the antenna coax and if the voltage is 12V then you might have a short. Next step would be to measure the current which should determine bad booster or short.

    Run a temp coax out the window and up to the antenna to help isolate the problem.
  • Johno02's avatar
    Johno02
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2015
    Sounds like a lot of work. One bet, though, its is probably something pretty simple, just hard to fine.

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