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Medico · 07-04-2014, 11:18 AM

I recently read of a motor problem with an OTA Batwing antenna. I did not wish to hijack that thread so I started another.

My problem is that although the antenna seems to raise and rotate properly, there is no signal at all when I try to look at it on the TV digital setup. It was working fine and suddenly just stopped receiving anything. I did not find any broken cables topside. There were no changes I am aware of inside, just no signal.

Anyone have any ideas on this one. The OTA is a backup to our dish, but we will be heading to a campground with LOTS of trees and little satellite reception for a couple of weeks in a couple of weeks.

JacknKay · 07-04-2014, 01:41 PM

The batwing antenna works fine, depending on age. If you have a digital TV, (LCD or LED flatscreen) you need to go into the menu and have it scan for channels after pointing the batwing in the general direction. If you have an older TV, (tube) you will not get any stations without a digital converter box. So the first question is, what kind of TV do you have?

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demoon · 07-04-2014, 01:56 PM

If it was working fine and then quit, I am assuming you have the correct tv/equipment. As you probably know, the antenna has a power source for the booster. It sounds like either it got turned off, or there is something disconnected. The antenna will give you no signal without the power boost. Now, where are the electronics for the antenna - I have no clue beyond the on/off switch, but I suspect there others who can help.

Medico · 07-06-2014, 05:51 AM

The TVs are correct and were working just fine. I will have to do some digging for the power source for the booster. I believe those electronics are in the cabinet over the door. Will have to pull it apart a little.

wa8yxm · 07-06-2014, 01:47 PM

Well if you moved you may need to rescan.. Here is the suspect and test list.

First: I have seen many cable failures, Had a few myself, ends pull right off the cable so it looks good but the center wire is NOT making contact.. Some of 'em you can just shove it back in but when it gets annoying enough.... I grab my new end installer tool and put on a compression end.. they do not pull off so easy.

Now, TURN OFF the switch inside that sends 12vdc to the roof and disconnect from the batwing.. CAREFULLY hook a volt meter to the cable, Use jumper leads with clips.

POSITIVE to the center, NEGATIVE to the nut/shield/shell.

Turn switch on and verify power to roof.. Have seen that vanish on one trailer that ask for my help.. We traced the problem to somewhere between teh wall switch and the top of the roof.. I was not willing to tear his rig apart to narrow it down farther so we ran a cable from the batwing to the box via a window till he moved.. Dealer found it was the bulkhead connector (Through wall) IN THE ROOF, the cables were good but the double female barrel connector was bad.

IF you have good 12 volt to roof. YES, antennas do sometimes go bad, epically if they have active electronics in them as the batwing does, Consider a Sensar IV replacement.