signal booster problem


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signal booster problem

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shahady
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Jun 23, 2011, 12:25 PM

Post #1 of 18 (1837 views)
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signal booster problem	Can't Post

Hi,
I have a Channel Master "deep fringe" roof mounted antenna to which I added a Radio Shack
signal booster or amplifier. One part mounts on the antenna the other inside. A few weeks
ago, after at least 1 year of fine reception, I suddenly lost all VHF channels, all other channels
came in as before. I tried re-scanning for channels and moving the antenna, to no avail so I bought
a new Radio Shack Signal Amp and it worked great for 2 weeks and now the same problem no VHF
channels all the other channels are still coming in fine. All my cabels are co-ax, all outside ends have
weather boots. Anyone have any idea what would cause this? Thanks.

techchris
Veteran

Jun 23, 2011, 12:31 PM

Post #2 of 18 (1834 views)
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Re: [shahady] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

the coax from the top to the masthead amp should have a drip loop so rain does not pour straight down into the amp. also its worth sealing the ends with silicone.

shahady
New User

Jun 23, 2011, 12:48 PM

Post #3 of 18 (1829 views)
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Re: [techchris] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi techchris,
I do have a drip loop in the cable, what else could disrupt the VHF in the outdoor amp?
The indoor box is on a surge protector but we havn't had any lightening or power problems.
thanks

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2011, 5:57 PM

Post #4 of 18 (1823 views)
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Re: [shahady] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

shahady;....

I used to install Winegard Antennas along with some Channel Master antennas years & years ago....
Back then the VHF & UHF elements were separated & had individual connections to their respective amps....
Look on your antenna where the larger rods (Elements for VHF) are connected to your amp & see if the connections are corroded or dislodged possibly by a heavy wind....
Radio Shack does NOT equate with quality..
You could possibly have gotten another bad amp....

Hope this helps.... Smile

.....

GOOD LUCK.... Sly

....

Later...Ron.M.... Cool

...
Veteran & Retired TV technician

shahady
New User

Jun 23, 2011, 6:11 PM

Post #5 of 18 (1820 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Ron,
I checked connections yesterday and all looked tight and clean. I called Radio Shack
and they agreed to replace the unit. What brand should I be looking at? The one I have
now has connections for two tv's on the indoor box, which is what I need. Any suggestions?

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2011, 6:35 PM

Post #6 of 18 (1817 views)
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Re: [shahady] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

shahady;....

I've been outta the antenna installation etc business for quite awhile now....
So I lost touch with all the new amps etc....
Channel Master used to have decent amps....
You might want to take up Radio Shack's aggreement & try another of their amps...
IF that one doesn't work , then see if Radio Shack is willing to give you your money back & try to find a healthy strong amp by Channel Master....
IF you find a good strong amp with only one output connector , no worry , just get a 2 way splitter...
Sorry I can't be of much more help here.... Unsure

....

GOOD LUCK.... Sly

.....

Later...Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

(This post was edited by Ron.M on Jun 23, 2011, 11:11 PM)

shahady
New User

Jun 23, 2011, 7:27 PM

Post #7 of 18 (1811 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Ron,
I appreciate your help.
Thanks.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 23, 2011, 11:10 PM

Post #8 of 18 (1805 views)
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Re: [shahady] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

shahady;....

You are MOST Welcome.....

PLEASE keep us posted on your progress.....

THANKS.... Sly

...

Have a GREAT day & weekend..... Sly

....

Later...Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

shahady
New User

Jun 24, 2011, 1:10 PM

Post #9 of 18 (1795 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hello Ron,
Is there a way to protect my pre amp from lightining?
Thanks.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 24, 2011, 4:40 PM

Post #10 of 18 (1789 views)
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Re: [shahady] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

shahady;....

Most pre-amps that I worked with had built-in lightning protection...
Not familiar with the newer ones...
However you can get a coaxial lightning arrestor that connects to the coax coming from the antenna to your TV booster power supply & has a connection that hooks up to "earth" ground....
You can also hook one up on the cable that comes from the amp to your TV...
ALL cable & satellite companies use them in their new installations...
Try them for a freebie .....
Some 2 way splitters also may have a "earth" ground connection but that is not neccessarily a "lightning arrestor"....

Your antenna should also be "earth" grounded..
Usually a wire is run from the pole directly to "earth" ground...

FYI:....
Lightning as you know is a VERY POWERFUL force & NO lightning arrestor can give 100% protection.... Unsure

....

You hope for the best..... Smile

....

GOOD LUCK.... Sly

.....

Later...Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

ivtec
User

Jun 26, 2011, 8:53 PM

Post #11 of 18 (1777 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

I would replace the Maching transformer that connects the 300 ohms to 75 ohms, that might be your problem!

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 26, 2011, 10:15 PM

Post #12 of 18 (1771 views)
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Re: [ivtec] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

ivtec;....

While I for one appreciate your input , here's the thing;=>...

Quote

no VHF channels all the other channels are still coming in fine. All my cabels are co-ax, all outside ends have weather boots.

He has NO VHF & apparently only his UHF is OK .....

Quote

I would replace the Maching transformer that connects the 300 ohms to 75 ohms, that might be your problem!

Normally I'd agree with this EXCEPT that his UHF apparently IS OK....
In my experience when the Matching Transformer (or balum) goes bad , when you lose total reception on VHF then you will have noticeable deterioration on your UHF...

Also this raises concerns that the Matching Transformer IS GOOD:=>....

Quote

all outside ends have weather boots.

Thanks anyways.... Wink

...

Later...Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

(This post was edited by Ron.M on Jun 26, 2011, 10:16 PM)

shahady
New User

Jun 27, 2011, 1:54 PM

Post #13 of 18 (1763 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Guys,
Over the weekend I replaced the antenna mounted pre-amp and
the indoor distribution amp. I took the old one back to Radio Shack
and since it was less than 90 days old they simply gave me a new one.
Everything works fine but I still have the question why do I lose VHF
only. I know its the pre-amp failing because when I bought the most recent
Radio Shack unit I replaced the pe-amp first and tested and everything was
fine. I then replaced all the other components that came with the unit.
The guy at Radio Shack thinks lightining caused the failure (again why only VHF)
even though we were not hit by lightining he feels even a strike close by would do it.
He also said there is no real way to protect the pre-amp from lightining so I bought
an extended warrenty for 9 dollars. Any more thoughts?

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 27, 2011, 4:21 PM

Post #14 of 18 (1759 views)
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Re: [shahady] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

shahady;....

A few questions before I comment any further.....

Did the replacement amp etc , fix ALL of the problems ????

ALL the channels are working ????

How much did the original amp etc cost ????

THANKS.... Sly

....

Later....Ron.M.... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

shahady
New User

Jun 27, 2011, 4:41 PM

Post #15 of 18 (1756 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

....

Later....Ron.M.... Cool

.... Hi Ron, Yes all problems are resolved and all VHF channels are working. The Radio Shack unit cost $60.00, not that expensive unless I have to buy one every year. (still cheaper than cable) Wink

Thanks.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 27, 2011, 5:26 PM

Post #16 of 18 (1752 views)
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Re: [shahady] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

shahady;....

Well , that's good news...
The Radio Shack amp replacement was bad after all....
Hope this one holds up longer than two weeks or a year or so....

Quote

The guy at Radio Shack thinks lightining caused the failure (again why only VHF) even though we were not hit by lightining he feels even a strike close by would do it.

You said you did not have "any lightening or power problems."
So I have NO idea why the amp went out...
But he is right when he said "even though we (meaning you) were not hit by lightining he feels even a strike close by would do it."....
You do NOT have to have a direct hit to get lightning damage...
A storm can be miles away & you can still feel the effects of a lightning strike...

Quote

He also said there is no real way to protect the pre-amp from lightining

100% Correct !!!!

I think the reason that the VHF gets knocked out has to do with the fact that Lightning is
VERRRRY LOW frequency (Like 1 cps) & it affects VHF because it too is LOW frequency...
It's been a long time for me on that one....
So it's NOT a Gospel explanation....

Anyways , Glad everything is back working for you...
IF the Radio Shack amp fails in a short time . I would give some serious thought to getting a different brand amp even tho you have an extended warranty....
Especially if it fails with NO known storms in the vicinity or any power outages...

EDIT:....
Check & make SURE your antenna pole is grounded to "earth" ground (Water pipe , ground stake , etc)...
Better to be safe than sorry...& it's cheap & easy to do...(Usually)..

GOOD LUCK.... Sly

.....

Later...Ron.M.... Cool

...
Veteran & Retired TV technician

(This post was edited by Ron.M on Jun 27, 2011, 5:31 PM)

shahady
New User

Jun 27, 2011, 5:38 PM

Post #17 of 18 (1748 views)
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Re: [Ron.M] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks again for all your help Ron and everyone who commented.

Ron.M
Veteran

Jun 27, 2011, 5:42 PM

Post #18 of 18 (1745 views)
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Re: [shahady] signal booster problem [In reply to]	Can't Post

shahady;....

You are MOST Welcome..... Smile

.....

Glad I was able to be of some help..... Wink

.....

Enjoy the TV .....

Have a GREAT day & week.... Sly

....

Later....Ron.M..... Cool

....
Veteran & Retired TV technician

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