King Antenna Amplifier Testing

[Sparky1964]

Good day everyone, first time posting a question.
I have a King omni antenna and I am not getting any channels. We have a 2019 Forest River Coachman.
I have determined that the problem must be the amplifier, but I can't seem to find any info on testing it or repairing it. Here's what I've done to determine the problem:
- Tested all coaxial cables for signal conducting and correct wiring
- Tested with two different (newer) TVs
- Checked to see the LED on the antenna illuminates when the power button is pressed, and it does.
So that leaves two possible problems: the power switch inside the trailer, or the antenna amplifier. I am adding pictures for your consideration of this problem. Hopefully the pictures come through.
Thank you for any help.

 

[aceinspp]

Welcome to the forum. I see no coaxial cable attached to the booster in front. Later RJD

 

[Sparky1964]

Thanks for the reply, I disconnected it to remove the switch from the panel. All connections are complete in behind.

 

[bikendan]

Moved thread from the General Tech and Repair section to the Appliances and Electronics sub-forum since the OP's questions are specific to Electronics and not general questions.

 

[Larry-NC]

Umm...Two questions
1) If your antenna is directional, you did rotate it towards the source before testing, right?

2) After connecting each test TV, you did run a channel scan, right?

 

[Bob K4TAX]

As to testing the amplifier, best crawl on top of the trailer, and remove the top part of the antenna, thus separating the "mushroom" from the base. It is NOT necessary to remove the base. There should be one coax cable. Disconnect this cable and with a VOM or DVM measure the voltage between the center conductor and the outer part of the connector. This should be about 12 volts with the inside switch pressed and the LED on. If so, the amp in the "mushroom" section is defective. Time to replace the antenna. If there I NO 12 volts, then measure the coax, center pin to shield connected to the board, on the back side of the wall plate for the coax going to the antenna. If no 12 volts, then check the voltage on the two power leads being the Yellow and white wires. Should be 12 volts. If not, the fuse is likely blown in the converter panel. But, since you say the LED illuminates when you press the button, you do have DC power to the board. My best guess, the antenna is defective. Replacing it is the best option. Since there seem to be 1001 choices, pick one. Everyone swears by one of those while many others swear at those.

The push button, as indicated by the LED, selects either the off-air antenna on top, or the cable connection on the side of the trailer for all TVs. In all cases, you should configure the TVs for off-air signals and do a channel scan. With the button released and LED off, that is the Cable mode for all TVs.

Location, location, location is the key to success in receiving off-air TV signals these days. Thick trees will attenuate or reduce TV signal strength. Shadowed behind a hill between the TV transmitter and your antenna will negate the reception of that station. Regardless of what the books and literature say, about 20 miles as the crow flies, is about the limit of Digital TV signals these days.

Good luck

Bob

 

[Sparky1964]

Hey Layy-NC, no to the directional, its an omni antenna, and yes to auto-tune on each TV, nothing when they scanned through the channels.

 

[Sparky1964]

BOB K4TAX, thanks for the info. Yes, I tested the volts at the antenna and there's about 13.6, and the LED indicator light on the underside of the head does turn on. I sent the info the KING to see if they have any suggestions for fixing or replacing the amp. But I think you're right, new antenna is likely the result. Thanks again for your help.