TV Antenna Switch Box

[agiledog]

My Winegard TV switch box has failed. The booster no longer works and I can't receive any VHF channels. Mine is a Model VS-0503 and they don't make it any more.
Does anyone had this problem and found a replacement for it?

[indiana journey]

Have you checked all of your fuses and breakers? Sometimes they are the problem. Good Luck, Indiana Journey

[dc8cappie]

By any chance did you install a digital tunner between the antenna and the switch box? If you did the power will not pass through the digital tunner and there for not power the amp. They make a power unit to place between the digital tuner and the antenna to power the amp.

[wa8yxm]

You said the switch box has failed, and the booster no longer works.

Though a failed switch box can fail to provide power to the booster, the booster is NOT PART OF THE BOX.

If you go topside and disconnect the cable from the antenna and put a test light on it (12v) or volt meter do you get battery voltage or bright light? If so it is the booster. not the switch, in all likely hood.

THere are basically 2 switch boxes one fits in a wall box (Like an electrical outlet) has one single switch, This is still made, though the current one may be different (IE 4 connectos on the back instead of 3)

The other has many buttons. And is still being made, though the current offerings may have more buttons.

Finally.. IF you do not get good voltage at the cable end.

CHECK the power to the switch, and also the cable itself. That cable is shorter than you think it ends just below the antenna in the roof. (Another cable takes over there, this cable does not ... normally... Go bad)

[agiledog]

Since the only part of the switch box was the booster, I went to Radio Shack and bought an inline RF amplifier (1501170) for $40. Because the RV antenna already has a booster, I didn't need the inline amplifier that came with the RF amplifier. Works good. It uses an AC adaptor instead of 12v but you need 110V for the TV anyway. This was a lot cheaper than a whole new switch box. I disconnected the 12V line going to the switch box and covered up the push-button that no longer works. I cannot find this online except they have a manual here: http://www.radioshack.com/graphics/u...1170_PM_EN.pdf

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by agiledog My Winegard TV switch box has failed. The booster no longer works and I can't receive any VHF channels. Mine is a Model VS-0503 and they don't make it any more. Does anyone had this problem and found a replacement for it?

First question: Are there any VHF stations in your area to receive? NOTE: just because the display says, for example, 4-1 does not mean it's a VHF station (Both in Detroit, and here in Fair Play, SC, channel 4 is a UHF station now days, Channel 2 in Detroit is still VHF, but it's really broadcasting on seven, (VHF-HI) not 2 (VHF-LO).. I know, confusing.. Your TV knows the deal)

Second: The booster is NOT in the box, never has been

Now, time to go hunting.

First: Does the light on the box come on? (If so fuses and wires good to that point)

Then:
Start by grabbing your presonal communications device (Cell phone/2-way radio) and parking your partner with the matching device inside.. Go topside (On the roof) and with the power switch on the antenna switch TURNED OFF disconnect the coax from the antenna.

CAREFULLY hook up ye-old digital volt meter (or an analog one for that matter, Or a test lamp)

Have your parther turn on the box. and if needed select ANT for at least one destination.. Light on/12 volts present.. NOT THE BOX. It is the booster itself that's bad or.. The connection.

The booster is in the antenna "Head" (The plastic housing in the middle of the antenna) and replacement of the antenna is indicated if it is bad.. But first.

Have partner turn off again, (light out, zero volts) and re-connect.. Sometimes that fixes it.

[agiledog]

Everything works fine now. I replaced the antenna when I found out the booster was in the antenna. THEN I checked for 12V at the end of the coax at the antenna, nothing. Checked for 12V coming out of the switch box, nothing. Now with the RF amplifier and new antenna, which I didn't need, it all works.
Anyone need a good antenna with the "wingman" added onto it?

[tomcosa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dc8cappie By any chance did you install a digital tunner between the antenna and the switch box? If you did the power will not pass through the digital tunner and there for not power the amp. They make a power unit to place between the digital tuner and the antenna to power the amp.

Where can i buy that power unit?

[wa8yxm]

If the switch box fails to provide power to the antenna (AND NOTE This addresses another issue with Digital adapters) Winegard (And other companies) make a device, I thik Winegard calls it a power "Inserter" it is a small (Ice cube size or 2-way splitter size) Device that has a 12 volt in an a pair of antenna connections, ONE labeled ANT one labeled either RV our "out" or some such.

Does the job of the switch box as far as tne amplifier is concerned, Way less than a 50 dollar Radio Shack Pre-amp.