OTA TV Booster

[AZ Traveler]

My OTA TV booster worked fine this morning but I can't get it to come on at our new site. The blue light does not come on. Have checked fuses and have tried to turn it off and on several times. Where is the booster actually located? Any ideas of what else to try?

[Carl n Susan]

I believe the booster is in the antenna itself and the switch applies 12V to the coax up the booster. I would ensure I have 12V at the switch. Is the lighter plug hot?

[AZ Traveler]

Carl,

Thanks, you are always a wealth of knowledge. The lighter plug is hot. I tried removing the screws for the whole plug but there is not enough loose cable to pull it out. The switch for the booster appears to be mechanical. If I remember right when the switch is pushed in it should be on. I have also moved the antenna around using the knob in the bedroom.

Other things to try?

[BB_TX]

If you can access the back side of the switch, check for voltage as you turn it off/on. Could be a bad switch.

[Carl n Susan]

As BB-TX wrote, try to get to the rear of the switch to check voltage. I think you could check the coax on the roof where it connects to the antenna for 12V. I know the switch is not a replaceable part. You have to swap the whole enchilada (~$15). That makes me think there has to be access somewhere, be it front or rear, else how would the Old World's Craftsmen have installed it.

[AZ Traveler]

I pulled the cable connection next to the plate with the switch hoping for better access but no luck. Looks like the top front of the cabinet will need to come off. Will wait until I get home to turn it in for warranty. Have Dish for living room TV and was just doing OTA for bedroom so we are not hurting.

BB-TX and Carl, I appreciate your help.

[Carl n Susan]

As I wasn't positive about the amplifier location and having time this morning, I decided to try to satisfy my curiosity. Once again Mr (or is it Ms.?) Google to the rescue. Here is a link to the manual associated with your rooftop antenna where I found answers to my questions. I would have attached it but it (3.14MB) exceeds the forums size limit (3.0 MB).
https://manuals.solidsignal.com/2452013.pdf

Where is the amplifier (switch panel or antenna)?
Turning power supply on sends +12 VDC up
cable to antenna. Voltage energizes transistors on
amplifier in antenna head. TV signal comes back
down cable to outlets.
(Page 6)

Note a replacement switch is now ~$25, a lot more than what I paid 10 years ago.

Interesting factoid
3. This unit is equipped with a polyswitch, (current
limiting device), which will shut down +12 VDC if
there is a direct short between antenna and power
supply. Green indicator light will not light. Once short
is eliminated, device will reset itself.
(Page 4)

Diagnostic Procedure
TO TEST SYSTEM, Figure 2
1. Make sure TV set is working properly.
2. Switch power supply ON and OFF watching
for difference in picture quality. If there is NO
difference, use following steps.
CAUTION: The power supply should be turned
OFF when connecting/disconnecting cables to
power supply and antenna, but should be turned
ON when testing for voltage.
3. Disconnect cable from antenna and check for
+12 VDC at Test Point #1. If there is +12 VDC, the
power supply is OK. Replace antenna.
4. If there is NO +12 VDC at Test Point #1,
reconnect cable to antenna. Remove power supply
from wall and visually inspect for burned/broken
parts. If there are ANY broken/burned parts,
replace power supply.
5. Disconnect cable from antenna jack on power
supply. Check for +12 VDC at Test Point 2. If
+12 VDC is present, there is a cable problem
connecting the power supply to the antenna.
Repair/replace cable.
6. If +12 VDC is not present at Test Point # 2, be
sure the green indicator light is ON. If not, check
the polarity of the red/white wires and the +12 VDC
source. If there is still no +12 VDC, replace power
supply.
(Page 6)

[AZ Traveler]

Thanks again Carl. You are the most helpful member on the forum and there are a bunch of helpful folks.

[WeBeFulltime]

Originally Posted by AZ Traveler

Thanks again Carl. You are the most helpful member on the forum and there are a bunch of helpful folks.

That's why Carl is paid the BIG BUCKS!

[AZ Traveler]

Don't know why but the booster has started working again - maybe bouncing down the road corrected something?

[Montana Man]

I have the same trailer. I found that during construction, Keystone attached the booster with screws that are too long. They penetrated the coax and caused all kinds of problems. I had to repair damaged coax and use shorter screws.