winegard cable

[vklimovich]

Has anyone ever replaced the cable from the base of the antenna to the amplifier in the bedroom? Where in the world is the existing cable above the cellar in the bedroom. Any feedback would be appreciated. 2007 montana

[bw2]

In my 3400RL, the amplifier is in the closet of the bedroom with the back of the amplifier panel behind the TV. As a guess, I would expect the cable to run thru the roof into the attic space between the rafters, across the ceiling and then down behind the TV. I would have no good idea on how to fish another cable across the ceiling to the area behind the TV. One option is to attach a string to the existing cable and attempt (and again I say attempt) to pull the old cable out with the string attached, I should say cord/waxed twine. Then attach a new cable to the twine/cord and pull the new cable into the location it once was pulled. If that does not work, of course then you have nothing between the antenna and the amplifier. Before all of that, replace the connectors on each end as that may be the problem. Check the amplifier and ensure it is working, if not sure replace it. That is easier than the cable.

Good luck and let us know what your problem is and any work you do that fixes the problem

[jimcol]

bw2 gives you some good advice. I'd try the things he suggest before replacing the cable. If the cable does need replaced cut the end off and attach your string to just the cable. The center conductor can be stripped and bent into a small loop to receive the string. Raw cable will have a better chance of pulling out then one with the end. Also have someone help you so you can pull the cable back and forth as it hits snags. Good luck, we look forward to your progress/solution. Jim

[H. John Kohl]

Because your are pulling between rafters I would not try to pull through a string.
Reason - the String will be pulled along just fine. But when the string is tied to the new cable the cable can and will be off center and MURPHY - (the optimist) says it will hang up on the edge of one of the rafters.

I recommend attaching the two cables together with a "barrel splice" and try pulling it through. It does me the cable a little stiff but with some good tape wrapped around the splice I would hope it would have less chances of hanging up.

My opinion. Good luck and let us know what you find and do.

MOST IMPORTANT - First replace the cheap coax connectors with good ones and try the signal strength.

[vklimovich]

thanks for the replies so far......i know the antenna is defective because....there are 2 different size cables involved in this mess. a smaller cable is on the roof antenna and the cable on the amplifier is much thicker....there must be a connection under the ceiling. the reason i know that this cable is bad. with this cable attached the green light on the amplifier does not come on. i ran a new cable from the anteena base on the roof, under the rv, thru the front door and attached it to the amplifier anteena post on the amplifier, the grreen light comes on, everything works. pulling the older cables thru. .. the cable on the roof releases about 4 inches....the cable near the amplifier releases nothing.....as if it is stapled further in. i called montana customer service and advised they have no wiring diagrams because each montana is built different. what a stupid answer. will probably bring the montana to my local dealer....thanks all victor

[mhs4771]

Just for general info: The amplifier is in the Antenna Head (BatWing up on the Roof) What is behind the TV or in the closet (depends on rig config) is the power for the amplifier and a signal splitter. It has two inputs: Cable and Antenna, and two outputs: Living room and bedroom. With power on signal comes from the amplifier in the antenna to the two outputs, with the power off signal comes from the cable input to the two outputs.

[bw2]

As another thought, you could try and send a fish down thru the opening, if it is big enough, and have someone listen for the fish along the ceiling. You could be lucky enough that the cable does not cross a rafter. I am not placing any bets on that, just a thought.