We are at a campground where two of the major network TV channels (NBC and CBS) are very weak. CBS won't come in until after sunset, if at all. Due to many good reviews, the other day I purchased a Wineguard SensarPro power supply to replace the original power supply for my batwing antenna (which has the wingman). I was hoping the SensarPro's gain feature would help with receiving the two weak channels (both VHF).However, after installation the SensarPro showed no signal at all for both channels of concern. Moving the gain up incrementally to 20 did not help (possibly because it could see no signal to amplify?). I could still get most of the other channels (the stronger signal channels) that I was receiving before. All the features of the SensarPro such as scan, seek etc seemed to work, but now no signal for the above-noted channels (both VHF).I reinstalled the old power supply and now I could receive NBC clearly and CBS was back pixellating just like it was before I installed the SensarPro. Has anyone else noticed something similar to this with the SensarPro for weak channels. I can see where the SensarPro's features would help with optimally pointing the antenna to get more channels but I'm not happy if it is less effective than my original power supply for pulling in weak channels. I wonder if the SensarPro introduces enough more noise to drown out weaker channels.Or perhaps my new SensarPro is defective?

I would start by checking the connectors.Measure the voltage at the power supply. Then measure the voltage at the antenna.Excessive voltage drop can under power the booster. Low voltage can indicate high resistant connections along the way which can effect the signal strength.

I suspect you may have a defective SensarPro. Ours has worked quite well in bringing in signals in some previously problematic areas. In some locations, I've even had to turn down the gain to keep from over driving the TV.

My experience was opposite of yours. Does the peaking function work? If so, its seeing the signal.You may want to turn the gain down to 1-2 and retry; you might be over driving the tv input.

The peaking function works and it displays the signal level for all the stronger channels. If I use the channel function and select the broadcast RF channels for the two stations of concern, it just displays the two hyphens (no signal) in the signal box and, of course, no picture on the TV. Even with the gain at 20, the strongest channel here will still show picture on the TV so I don't think the two weak channels would over drive the TV, but I will try all suggestions. I'm thinking that the SensarPro just doesn't pass on any signal to be amplified as long as it shows no signal in the signal box ie it just doesn't "see" the weak signals.The fact that the weak signals get to the TV with the old power supply would suggest that connections etc are likely okay but I will check all.

Just to be clear, I am talking the crimp connections to the coaxial cable.

Wineguard SensarPro | Good Sam Community

SCVJeff
Explorer
Feb 08, 2017
If they are sending a replacement and you can get them side by side, it would be interesting to hear what you find
Lorne_Lorraine
Explorer
Feb 07, 2017
Yes, the extra noise issue concerns me. It may be just a co-incidence that the two weakest stations dropped happen to be VHF.

But I have been in touch with Wingard Technical support. Yesterday they said it sounds like a problem with the VHF side of the SensarPro.

They are sending me a replacement.

Unfortunately, I will not be at this location when I get it so will lose my best "control" variables. But I will be watching for any similar issues with the replacement anyway. I will be back at this campground next month (not on the same site though and even a few feet difference can affect this stuff) so that will be another good check.

Thanks again for everyone's input!
SCVJeff
Explorer
Feb 07, 2017
Bypassing the SensarPro or setting it to unity gain are not the same thing. You still have another amplifier in line, and the noise it brings with it. Theres no reason the OP couldn't have a noisy device.. it sure wouldn't be the first time
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Feb 06, 2017
If the Sensar Pro is working properly then you should get the exact same results from the standard wall plate and the Sensar Pro pointed exactly the same when you have the Gain set to 10. 10 does not add or subtract any gain. If you have "some" signal with the standard wall plate but it gets worse when the Sensar Pro is installed you either have it wired wrong (unlikely) or you have a bad Sensar Pro and you should contact Winegard Tech Support for a replacement. I have had bad Sensar Pro's so I know that this is a possibility.
Lynnmor
Explorer
Feb 06, 2017
As you test changes to your installation, be sure that any LED lighting is turned off.
Lorne_Lorraine
Explorer
Feb 06, 2017
Bill.Satellite, I've done what you suggest but the signal level on the SensarPro for the two real RF channels shows as two hyphens (no signal) no matter the gain setting. And, of course, no signal at the TV.

Bottom line is that when I reinstall my original power supply there is signal at the TV for both channels and both give good picture (CBS only in the evening. It breaks up during the day but there is signal though).

I suspect Jeff is right, either the SensarPro adds just enough noise to drown out the two channels or the amp is swamped. I don't know the signs of a swamped amp. I would have thought that would affect the UHF channels too? All the UHF channels come in just fine but they all have stronger signals than the two VHF channels to start with.
Bill_Satellite
Explorer II
Feb 06, 2017
Be sure that you are using the correct settings with your Sensar Pro as well. A gain setting of 10 will give no added gain and is the place to start. Going below 10 will case the signal to be weakened (attenuated) and going above 10 will add additional gain to the antennas signal. Going too high can kill a signal and going down can cause signal that is too strong to come in better. Just start at 10 and then manually select the "real" channel you are trying to lock and and adjust the antenna for the strongest signal. Generally you are going to need a signal in the 60's or above for a solid picture.
SCVJeff
Explorer
Feb 06, 2017
lj2654 wrote:
I recently installed a sensar pro after I was having issues with getting very few channels to come in. I found a bad spot in the coax on the roof coming thru the roof. Once I replaced the whole coax from the antenna to the sensarpro and got everything hooked up I am amazed at the channels I get now!

Hope you can get it figured out.
The OP is talking about specific channels, both on VHF. That effectively eliminates coax and connector issues since everything else is OK. Smells like an avalanche effect that the two channels are barely on the wrong side of and adding another app adds enough noise to kill them.

Although that shouldn't be how it works. Or it's a swamped amp
lj2654
Explorer
Feb 06, 2017
I recently installed a sensar pro after I was having issues with getting very few channels to come in. I found a bad spot in the coax on the roof coming thru the roof. Once I replaced the whole coax from the antenna to the sensarpro and got everything hooked up I am amazed at the channels I get now!

Hope you can get it figured out.
Lorne_Lorraine
Explorer
Feb 06, 2017
Yes, real RF 12 and real RF 13. Virtual 5.1 etc (NBC) and Virtual 12.1 etc (CBS) from the West Palm Beach, FL area.

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