Getting the OTA tv working again

[Blutoyz]

The PO of my 97 adventurer had satellite with "dedicated" coax installed and obviously had hookups all the time so I am attempting to get the original antenna working again.

1. Replaced the Head with a sensar IV
2. Had to replace the coax from the head of course (and of course the original conduit was **** so I had to put a new marine thru hull in the roof)
3. Now it seems the original winegard signal amp/antenna power is not working so since it is 20 years old anyway I will probably just
put a new one in where the antenna feed comes in. There is voltage at the 12V accessory plug on the plate but no led and no change on a multimeter on the antenna coax when I cycle the little switch on the plate

If this keeps busting my chops I may just give up and get a sat receiver, I got the roadtrip antenna with the unit but I don't see a control box anywhere for it.

This is a bit of a vent/rant but any advice, comments, or mockery, are welcome

[Blutoyz]

Quick update...

Installed the sensar pro yesterday and everything fired right up with minimal hassle. I didn't ring out the park cable wire but have no reason to suspect the PO messed with that. I do have to mount the pro in a diferent box than the original wall plate because of it's layout but that is an easy fix.

DVD and xbox will be mounted by the TVs so no real challenge there and no AV box will be needed. I appreciate everyone that chimed in, this is why I like forums.

[D_E_Bishop]

Blutoyz, l'm getting in on this kind of late but maybe I can still give you some help. I have an '02 Adventurer and the original owner and the second owner were hacks where the A/V was concerned. I tried to figure it all out and finally stripped out all the suff that didn't run through the walls or ceiling, identified all the remaining cables and put new f type connectors on all the cables. At this point the A/V cabinet had, the Winegard power plate, the B.O.M.B. and the following cables; a cable from the antenna to the Winegard power plate. One from the power bay to the cabinet with the Winegard power plate. One to the rear and outside TV's from the a/v cabinet.

If you are not familier with the BOMB, it is just a bunch of switches for a/v signals. If you do not have one you run the cables differently but in the end you get the same result.

You didn't mention one so l'll go with that in mind. You certainly seem to be very knowledgable so I'll leave out the finite stuff.

With all the Winegard Sensr Pro equipment in hand, Install it in the new location you chose so you can see the readout. follow the schematic and you should be good to go.

If you want the ability to use the park cable hookup, you will need either an A/B switch or the previously mentioned B.O.M.B.

If you want to use a DVD, or BluRay player, that is where things get fuzzy. In this rig, I have two BluRay players. They connect with HDMI cables directly to the TV and I have to use the INPUT feature of the TV to select either the RG cable input or the HDMI input. I haven't seen any BluRay players with F-type connection as coax cables won't give you a true BluRay HD signal.

In my previous rig I had a HDMI splitter and only one player. You can also get a HDMI to RF converter and then you are really into the need for a B.O.M.B. and you don't get the BluRay HD signal on RF.

Something I found very handy when hookin uo cables is a F type connector that is internally jumpered. You can put it on the end of a cable say on the roof and use your DMM to locate from inside.

As always if you want any further info, PM me and we'll talk.

[bucky]

Keep in mind that digital TV is usually UHF and is very directionally needy. There are many free apps for your phone to locate signals for best strength. As someone else stated, digital is on or off, no in between.
17 channels this week in Myrtle Beach with a $35 antenna mounted on the rear ladder and pointed the right way.

[Blutoyz]

Johno02 wrote:
With my Sensar IV antenna,, and the Sensar pro wallplate, 60+ miles over flat country is no problem.

Thanks

Sensar pro is on the way now, I will replace the old plate this weekend and all should be copacetic

[Johno02]

With my Sensar IV antenna,, and the Sensar pro wallplate, 60+ miles over flat country is no problem.

[theoldwizard1]

Tom_M wrote:
Here's a good article by Chris Bryant on tuning up your antenna:
https://web.archive.org/web/20130814121735/http://blog.rv.net/2008/06/tech-tune-up-your-tv-antenna

I will disagree with him on one thing. Use Snap-N-Seal connectors ! They cost a bit more, but last longer (seems like forever) and are quick and easy to install with the proper tool.

[Blutoyz]

Tom_M wrote:
First, make sure all your cables are connected properly. You will not measure any 12 volt on the coax connector on the front. You should have 12 volt on the connector on the back side of the plate which goes to the antenna.

It's possible that the original antenna was a non-amplified version. If that's the case the amplifier is in the wall plate and does not feed 12 volt up the coax. This means you need a new wall plate. You can buy the basic wall plate for about $30 or go with the SensarPro for about $70. If you anticipate being out in a fringe area, it would be worth buying the SensarPro. It's also a great aid in aiming the antenna.

Here's a good article by Chris Bryant on tuning up your antenna:
https://web.archive.org/web/20130814121735/http://blog.rv.net/2008/06/tech-tune-up-your-tv-antenna

BTW....Great article, thanks for the link

[Blutoyz]

shastagary wrote:
there is not much to the wall plate it is the power supply and splitter for the antenna the amplifier is in the antenna head. instructions winegard wall plate

Thanks for the link, this makes it easier for me to ID the cables even if I am replacing the unit with the Sensar Pro amp

[Blutoyz]

Tom_M wrote:
First, make sure all your cables are connected properly. You will not measure any 12 volt on the coax connector on the front. You should have 12 volt on the connector on the back side of the plate which goes to the antenna.

It's possible that the original antenna was a non-amplified version. If that's the case the amplifier is in the wall plate and does not feed 12 volt up the coax. This means you need a new wall plate. You can buy the basic wall plate for about $30 or go with the SensarPro for about $70. If you anticipate being out in a fringe area, it would be worth buying the SensarPro. It's also a great aid in aiming the antenna.

Here's a good article by Chris Bryant on tuning up your antenna:
https://web.archive.org/web/20130814121735/http://blog.rv.net/2008/06/tech-tune-up-your-tv-antenna

Thanks...this could very well be the case. I will be ordering the sensar pro next. I really would like to have it set up to operate as it did originally

[Blutoyz]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
A Winegard SensarPro wall plate will both power the Sensar IV's built-in amplifier and add a second level of amplification. Highly recommended as a replacement for the standard wall plate/power injector...

This is the plan but I think it will be mounted in a new spot, the original amp is overhead at the windshield, a real tough spot to see for sure

[Blutoyz]

DutchmenSport wrote:
Just get one of these and stick it on your window. Much simpler!

Click here.

Tried one for a quick fix while camping and didn't get any channels.

Thanks for the reply though

[Blutoyz]

Johno02 wrote:
Have you checked your TVs?? I spend an entire day working with an antenna and wiring, trying to get the antenna to work, hen figured out that both of the OLD TVs were ANALOG only. We were getting good signals on the antennna, nd wiring, the TVs said no signal because there was no Analog broadcast any more. Added a converter, and all worked wel. Turns out there was no problem at all with the antenna system. So check that FIRST!

Thanks..I always appreciate the common sense advice, we have all overlooked simple stuff in the past. Both TVs are new wallyworld vizios from the PO (can't remember if the are LCD or LED though)

[Tom_M1]

First, make sure all your cables are connected properly. You will not measure any 12 volt on the coax connector on the front. You should have 12 volt on the connector on the back side of the plate which goes to the antenna.

It's possible that the original antenna was a non-amplified version. If that's the case the amplifier is in the wall plate and does not feed 12 volt up the coax. This means you need a new wall plate. You can buy the basic wall plate for about $30 or go with the SensarPro for about $70. If you anticipate being out in a fringe area, it would be worth buying the SensarPro. It's also a great aid in aiming the antenna.

Here's a good article by Chris Bryant on tuning up your antenna:
https://web.archive.org/web/20130814121735/http://blog.rv.net/2008/06/tech-tune-up-your-tv-antenna

[theoldwizard1]

shastagary wrote:
there is not much to the wall plate it is the power supply and splitter for the antenna the amplifier is in the antenna head. instructions winegard wall plate

Place a switch like this one in front of the amplifier.



Now you can easily flip between Cable and OTA.