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PierreBois's avatar
PierreBois
Explorer
Apr 19, 2014

Sirius-XM satellite antenna repair

While shoveling snow off the roof of my TT, I sheared off my small sat. antenna.
I have several inches of the wire still there and wondered if there is a recommended way of splicing. With the several layers inside the tiny wire, is it even possible. It seems the only alternative is to buy a new one and re-lay it through the roof and into the entertainment center.
Any one have any ideas on this type of repair.

Thanks
  • PierreBois wrote:
    ...thanks for the encouragement . I think I will give it a try, its the part about lying on the roof and soldering that may be a challenge. Its worth a try anyway
    Just understand its coax and the inner and outer can never touch. This is all finesse soldering with a small iron, not brute force.
    Push the shield back far enough to slide enough shrink tubing over the center conductor. All you need is close to a tack solder.. 1/64" is plenty. Slide the shrink over, heat with a lighter from the side.
    Pull the shield back over, and you may need to bridge with other wire. Don't worry about full shield coverage in this service, just keep the wound short, then cover with more shrink and enjoy
  • ...thanks for the encouragement . I think I will give it a try, its the part about lying on the roof and soldering that may be a challenge. Its worth a try anyway
  • Push Brooming hard packed snow is impossible. Shoveling is the best as long as you know where all your roof hardware is located.
  • The cable can be easily fixed IF you are adept at soldering small electronics. If not find someone who is and likes high places.
  • Unless there is a better way of removing snow, I still have 5 feet on my front lawn. What would you suggest for cleaning the roof?
  • PierreBois wrote:
    While shoveling snow off the roof of my TT, I sheared off my small sat. antenna.
    I have several inches of the wire still there and wondered if there is a recommended way of splicing. With the several layers inside the tiny wire, is it even possible. It seems the only alternative is to buy a new one and re-lay it through the roof and into the entertainment center.
    Any one have any ideas on this type of repair.

    Thanks


    The cable is just too small to get a good fix...on another note, were you actually using a shovel on your TT roof?
  • I took a damaged XM/Sirius antenna lead to Radio Shack, and he said that he has tried to splice and repair them without success. It is really small and looks like a fiber optic cable with a foil shield? It was beyond my capabilities. I bought a new one for $16 on line.
  • I have spliced the cable on an XM antenna. It is not easy. And on the roof of your RV, it would have to be waterproof as well. I think the best thing would be to install a new antenna; they can be bought on the internet for about $20.

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