chasdvorak
Well-known member
I thought I read up on the posts and was confident that I had properly installed the Jack Antenna - complete mast type, but I must have a problem since my reception is way off. I may have a problem with the coax, but unfortunately I screwed and caulked it all down to the roof.
Here is what happened.....I removed all the old sealant/caulk and the old antenna. I thought I had a good connection to the Jack antenna base, but the coax was a bit tight. I am getting 3 lights on the inside signal panel of the Jack antenna, but I am getting instant and complete drop outs while watching normally stron channel. In the past, I would see some interference, pixallation and then the drop out. Now it just goes blank and I get the weak signal message. I tried swapping out the booster and there was some improvement with the Jack booster, but not much. The antenna crimp at the booster was not good, so I did the best I could with some pliers. I will get my crimp tool and some new connectors, but I don't know if there is a way to check the coax at the base without removing all the caulk and screws.
So I guess my plan is to replace the connector at the booster before considering removal of the mast. I'm not sure what to expect with the Jack signal meter since it stays on 3 lights most of the time. I followed the instructions regarding the attenuator setup but the lights don't change much as I rotate the antenna. The picture is effected by rotating the antenna. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. In hindsight, I should have purchased the mast head replacement version since the wiring was much tighter on my camper than I anticipated. I could have added the signal meter to the existing booster by using the battery operated add on. Does the signal strength meter really work as you spin the antenna? Thanks in advance.
Chuck Dvorak
Here is what happened.....I removed all the old sealant/caulk and the old antenna. I thought I had a good connection to the Jack antenna base, but the coax was a bit tight. I am getting 3 lights on the inside signal panel of the Jack antenna, but I am getting instant and complete drop outs while watching normally stron channel. In the past, I would see some interference, pixallation and then the drop out. Now it just goes blank and I get the weak signal message. I tried swapping out the booster and there was some improvement with the Jack booster, but not much. The antenna crimp at the booster was not good, so I did the best I could with some pliers. I will get my crimp tool and some new connectors, but I don't know if there is a way to check the coax at the base without removing all the caulk and screws.
So I guess my plan is to replace the connector at the booster before considering removal of the mast. I'm not sure what to expect with the Jack signal meter since it stays on 3 lights most of the time. I followed the instructions regarding the attenuator setup but the lights don't change much as I rotate the antenna. The picture is effected by rotating the antenna. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. In hindsight, I should have purchased the mast head replacement version since the wiring was much tighter on my camper than I anticipated. I could have added the signal meter to the existing booster by using the battery operated add on. Does the signal strength meter really work as you spin the antenna? Thanks in advance.
Chuck Dvorak