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Batwing tester

bukhrn
Explorer III
Explorer III
First, I have the original TV that came in my '07 Forester,(non digital, non HD) like many folks, I ran out and grabbed a digital converter box (RCA) have never had a problem, (other than having to Re-Scan every once in a while), now suddenly, I am getting "no signal" from the antenna, my question is, is there a tester of some sort to hook to the connection from the antenna to see if you are actually getting a signal, or has the converter box suddenly & mysteriously crapped out?
Yes, The amplifier button is pushed & the cute little green light is on.
2007 Forester 2941DS
2014 Ford Focus
Zamboni, Long Haired Mini Dachshund
11 REPLIES 11

Ozlander
Explorer
Explorer
We had to buy a new TV a couple of months ago for the TT.
The new TV picks up a lot more stations than the old converter box did.
Ozlander

06 Yukon XL
2001 Trail-Lite 7253

Chuck_thehammer
Explorer
Explorer
First is connections... next is cracking in the covering of the coax cable.. One small crack will Kill the cable... and the SUN is bad for the cable covering.

Take a TV from your house to try RV system. I use the one from the wife's kitchen. a 19 inch. except when she is making Supper.;)

westend
Explorer
Explorer
beemerphile1 wrote:
prichardson wrote:
Before condemning anything check all connections. Especially the ones on the antenna and roof penetration.


Yes, first step is clean and tighten the connectors.

For those wishing to service the cable connections, I'd suggest to buy Caig Deoxit D5, available in small spray cans at Guitar Center or Radio Shack. I have found few other products that remove oxidation as well as Deoxit.
A drop or two on the connector is all that's needed.
'03 F-250 4x4 CC
'71 Starcraft Wanderstar -- The Cowboy/Hilton

beemerphile1
Explorer
Explorer
prichardson wrote:
Before condemning anything check all connections. Especially the ones on the antenna and roof penetration.


Yes, first step is clean and tighten the connectors.
Build a life you don't need a vacation from.

2016 Silverado 3500HD DRW D/A 4x4
2018 Keystone Cougar 26RBS
2006 Weekend Warrior FK1900

prichardson
Explorer
Explorer
Before condemning anything check all connections. Especially the ones on the antenna and roof penetration.

Cool_Canuck
Explorer
Explorer
I had to replace the antenna head on my '04 Everest and just recently on my 05 Cedar Creek. I've had these apart and there isn't much to them but they seem to go bad in 10 years. $54.00 on Amazon.
'05 Day Dreamer by Cedar Creek
2011 F250 PSD CC

You can lead a horse to water.
You cannot make it drink.

imgoin4it
Explorer
Explorer
Just had to replace the amplifier on my 2007 motor home. It would receive a limited number of stations with out the amplifier turned on, but when turned on it would get nothing. Also the exposed wiring on the roof was weathered beyond brlief.
Howard,Connie,& Bella,
One spoiled schnauzer
2007 Newmar KSDP
4dr Jeep Wrangler

RoyB
Explorer II
Explorer II
You just may be in a area where there is NO OTA signals to pick up... Rare but not impossible... You BATWING antenna may not be pointing in the right direction.. Your older 07 model also may not be using the higher gain BATWING antenna. If your does not have the small dipoles on the antenna and looks similar to this photo you can get better perforame by buying a UHF UPGRADE inexpensive add-on kit...



Roy Ken
My Posts are IMHO based on my experiences - Words in CAPS does not mean I am shouting
Roy - Carolyn
RETIRED DOAF/DON/DOD/CONTR RADIO TECH (42yrs)
K9PHT (Since 1957) 146.52M
2010 F150, 5.4,3:73 Gears,SCab
2008 Starcraft 14RT EU2000i GEN
2005 Flagstaff 8528RESS

Mandalay_Parr
Explorer
Explorer
Like said above use another tv for testing.
Jerry Parr
Full-time
2005 Mandalay 40B
Cat C7 350, 4 Slides
Blue Ox, Brake Buddy
2004 CR-V Toad
jrparr@att.net
602-321-8141
K7OU - Amateur Radio
Kenwood Radios
ARRL, W5YI, & LARC VE
SKYWARN Weather Spotter

Lynnmor
Explorer
Explorer
Remove the cable at the antenna and check if you have voltage in the cable. Check from the center wire and the outside.

Make sure that the TV is tuned to the proper channel, usually 3 or 4.

tpi
Explorer
Explorer
I'd just grab a newer portable TV which can receive current over the air broadcasts for a test. Could someone loan one to you for a few minutes? Have one at home?