TV antenna issue

Phil&Chris

Phil&Chris

Member
Feb 27, 2012
33
Chaumont, NY
Boat Info
2023 190SPX Outboard
Engines
Mercury 150hp Outboard
I have the standard "flying saucer" antenna that came with the boat. Until this season, I could pick up 6-8 channels with it--this year zero. The channel scan seems normal and I've checked all connections that I can think of--any ideas?
 
Two things, the OTA tv transmission is all digital at this point so you might need to scan with ATSC selected. Also does your antenna support digital signals? There are a few different type of the "flying saucer" type.
 
Thanks, I'll try the other scan method. It's an '09 Glomax antenna. Since it worked last year, I assumed that it could receive digital. I'll do some more checking--thanks again!
 
The issue is not with the antenna supporting digital signals, it was with the TV doing so. If it worked last year, that doesn't sound like the problem. How about your gain/amp control? The tan colored wall mounted switch with the little red light that glows darker/stronger as you increase the gain? If this is no longer working, it has a lifetime warranty and can be replaced free of charge. Check that out.

Bennett
 
Move to the antenna then. There have been lots of issues with the coax connection to the antenna itself. SR often cut the cable too short and connector would not engage all of the way or pull loose. If I remember correctly, coax runs from the antenna to the amp and from the amp to the TV. Check all connections.

Bennett
 
When you say you "checked all connections", did you just confirm they were tight? Loosen them up a quarter turn and tighten them a few times. That will clean them up a bit. If the connector is very accessible, you might even disconnect it completely and examine the copper core wire for corrosion. Those F connectors are notorious for corroding. I would start at the TV connector and work my way back until get satisfactory reception. The connector at the antenna might be tough to get to though but, hopefully you have fixed it by the time you get there. If you have an extra piece of coax laying around your house, you should be able to easily swap out the amp to TV coax section to see if you get improvement.
Good luck!
 
TimTech said:
When you say you "checked all connections", did you just confirm they were tight? Loosen them up a quarter turn and tighten them a few times. That will clean them up a bit. If the connector is very accessible, you might even disconnect it completely and examine the copper core wire for corrosion. Those F connectors are notorious for corroding. I would start at the TV connector and work my way back until get satisfactory reception. The connector at the antenna might be tough to get to though but, hopefully you have fixed it by the time you get there. If you have an extra piece of coax laying around your house, you should be able to easily swap out the amp to TV coax section to see if you get improvement.
Good luck!
Click to expand...

Thanks--I think that you might be right--although I've loosened and tightened the connections that I could find, I'm probably missing something. I'll explore some more this week end.
 
First, I would like to thank everyone for their comments and ideas. The antenna is finally fixed. The culprit was the one connection that I couldn't get to without a special tool. The cable from the radar arch that connects directly to the antenna was too short when installed, resulting in a constant pressure to pull on the connector. This forced the cable to slowly pull out of it's fully seated position. Finally, the wire was no longer making contact with the antenna even though it still appeared to be fully seated. Replaced and reattached--works! Thanks again, for all the help! Cheers! Phil
 
Good for you. The problem you found has been discussed numerous times on here where SR cut the wire too short putting too much stress and strain on that connection.

Cheap fixes are good!

Bennett
 
Somewhat related, is there a switch somewhere to select from the antenna feed or the cable tv input at the stern? I have a signal for digital tv when I connect to the cable splitter behind the old tv spot on next to the kitchen and also at the outlet mounted on the little cabinet low on the starboard side next to the mid-cabin area. I just don't seem to get a cable TV signal anywhere when I connect cable to the input near the shore power area. I know the cable is active, because I can run the cable thru the cockpit and plug it into the TV and it works.

I keep thinking there's a splitter that I have to reverse or a switch somewhere to feed the TV from the cable input instead of the antenna?
 
Don't hold me to this and someone else will chime in, but I believe there is a bypass switch on the Glomex amplifier that allows the cable signal to bypass the antenna system and go straight to the TV.

Bennett
 
bbwhitejr said:
Don't hold me to this and someone else will chime in, but I believe there is a bypass switch on the Glomex amplifier that allows the cable signal to bypass the antenna system and go straight to the TV.

Bennett
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's a good thought, I will try it this weekend if the cable is available at Oak Bluffs where we are staying. I can't recall if they have it at their stern to slips on the bulkhead or not. I wonder if I turn the gain all the way down until it shuts off the Glomex amp it switches to CATV? I'll poke around that cabinet area.
 
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