Winegard TV Antenna Troubleshooting

[Montana_2233]

Troubleshooting The RV Antenna System

Step 1. Turn the wallplate switch (booster) on and verify the light is on. (It could be red or green depending on the model).

Step 2. Go on the roof of the RV and disconnect the coax cable from the antenna head. Inspect for corrosion.

Step 3. With a DC voltmeter or 12 volt dc test light measure the voltage on the coax cable. Put the ground lead (black) on the outside of the connector and the positive lead (red) on the center conductor of the coax. It should measure approximately 12 volts DC.

Step 4. If you have the voltage there then this indicates the wallplate switch is working properly and the coax cables are ok. The problem is most likely that the amplifier inside the antenna head is defective. The antenna head should be replaced. We do not recommend that you attempt to replace or repair the amplifier circuit board. The antenna head has been ultrasonically welded to keep it from coming apart while driving. If you break this weld we cannot be liable for any damage that could result.

Step 5. If you don’t have the 12 volts at the antenna head then you need to measure it on the back of the wallplate switch.

Step 6. Remove the wallplate switch from the wall and disconnect the coax cable that goes to the antenna head from the board mounted coax connector on the wallplate switch. This is the connector that is on the right hand side as you are looking from the back with the coax jacks pointing up.

Step 7. With the switch still on, measure the voltage on this jack. It should be approximately 12 volts dc. NOTE: Do not insert the probe of your meter or test lamp into the coax jack, instead put a small diameter wire or unfold a paper clip and insert into the jack. The large diameter of the probe will permanently damage the connector. Put the ground (black) lead on the outside of the jack and the positive (red) one on the wire or paper clip that you inserted previously.

Step 8. If you have the voltage at this point then the problem is in the coax cable between this point and the antenna head. The most likely place will be at the coax connection under the baseplate on the roof. To access this connection, pull the boot back from the boot collar on the baseplate and pull on the coax cable until the connectors are accessible. Inspect these connectors for corrosion and replace if needed.

Step 9. If you don’t have the voltage on the coax jack on the back of the wallplate switch and the light is on then the wallplate switch is defective and needs to be replaced.

Step 10. Other hints and tips.
A. Before breaking the seal on the baseplate boot substitute a known good piece of coax cable between the head and the wallplate switch by running it through a door or window to verify where the problem is occurring.
B. If the wallplate has a red light on it check the back of the front coax connection to see if the pin is bent over and shorting out to the connector. It should extend straight back. This is the one with the small black wire soldered to it.
C. If you have the voltages where they are supposed to be and the light doesn’t light then the light could be burnt out.
D. If the light comes on and then goes out after a few seconds then there may be a short in the coax or the antenna head. To determine which, first disconnect the coax from the head and check the light. If it now stays on the head is shorted. If it stills goes out, leave the head disconnected, then disconnect the coax cable from the back of the wallplate switch and recheck the light. If it now stays on there is a short in the coax cable.
E. If the light comes on but you have no power to the cigar plug receptacle then inspect the connection on the back of the cigar plug receptacle for signs of the plastic melting. This is caused by using the plug for appliances, other than a TV set or the connector that was plugged into it was loose while being used.
F. If you are receiving the VHF channels (2-13) and not the UHF channels(14-82) then make sure the TV set has been set to “ANTENNA” and not for “CABLE” in the set up menu for the TV set. The terminology varies from set to set.
G. To determine if there is a problem with the coax cables from the wallplate switch to the tv set then substitute a known good piece of coax cable from the front jack of the wallplate switch directly to the input jack on the tv set.
H. To test the cable input jack on the outside of the RV use the output signal from a VCR using a tape that you know what is on it.
I. The worm gear and elevating gear needs to be lubricated every 3 to 6 months depending on climatic and driving conditions. Failure to do so will result in cranking difficulties and possibly broken or stripped gears. A good quality of spray silicon lube will work fine. DO NOT use a spray solvent such as WD-40.


If you determine that the antenna head or the wallplate switch is defective you can send them to Winegard Tech Services for repair. If they are less than two years old then they will be covered under warranty. If they are more than two years old then include a check or credit card number with expiration date with the return. The charge for an antenna head is thirty five dollars and the wall plate switch is fourteen dollars and twenty five cents. Make the check payable to Winegard Company. Please include a note indicating the problem and your phone number. Ship to: Winegard Company
Tech Services
3000 Kirkwood Street
Burlington, Ia. 52601