HDTV Antenna Problem

GorillaToast

GorillaToast

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Sep 2, 2011
1,041
Hunter 27 Cherubini Alum Creek State Park
I just installed a new Shakespeare 15" tv antenna, the kind with a power supply. When I plug the coax cable into the power supply's input, it turns off. If I connect another cable into it, one that isn't connected to the antenna, it stays on.
The cable coming from the antenna, when plugged directly to the tv, works as I get several channels.

Any ideas on what could be causing the power supply to short out?
 
Brian D

Brian D

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Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
I looked for the instruction manual and found one for the 3015 antenna. I believe that is the one you are talking about. There isn't much information regarding the power supply other than a line drawing on how to connect it to the antenna and TVs. What I see (very limited) the PS has two input for power - one wallwart type and direct connect to battery. It also has two connections for TVs on the opposite end. In the middle there appears to be a connection for the antenna.

From your description, if you are getting signal then possibly your television (or any box attached to the TV that is used for cable distribution) is providing power for an external antenna. Check your settings on your TV and see if that is possible. The PS for the antenna is not expecting to see DC on the TV side. I doubt there is a DC Block installed to prevent DC from getting in. If your TV (or any box attached to the TV that is used for cable distribution) is providing power for the antenna then I would say you do not need the provided power supply.

Since we do not have any more information than what you have provided, it makes it difficult to trouble shoot your issue. If you provide make and model of everything you have connected from the TV to the antenna it could help us help you.
 
Ken Cross

Ken Cross

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Oct 24, 2010
2,405
Hunter 30 Everett, WA
Put a meter across the antenna coax fitting on the TV. If you don't have a digital meter, you should have one because you will use it for many things. Check for both AC and DC voltage. There should be none. Then do the same on the coax. There should be no DC and less than about 0.1 volts AC.

Now you should know which side the problem comes from.

Ken
 
GorillaToast

GorillaToast

.
Sep 2, 2011
1,041
Hunter 27 Cherubini Alum Creek State Park
Brian D said:
I looked for the instruction manual and found one for the 3015 antenna. I believe that is the one you are talking about.

Since we do not have any more information than what you have provided, it makes it difficult to trouble shoot your issue. If you provide make and model of everything you have connected from the TV to the antenna it could help us help you.
Click to expand
Yes Brian, you are right. It is the 3015. No other boxes between the PS and the tv. TV is powered by AC. I have a quality DMM. I'll give Ken's suggestion a try next time I get to the boat.
Thanks guys
 
B

Benny17441

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May 24, 2004
7,213
CC 30 South Florida
Contact the manufacturer as it seems there is the possibility that the amplifier is faulty.
 
C

Chief RA

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Nov 26, 2012
2,315
Catalina 250 Bodega Bay CA
The DC amplifiers are usually in the antenna and needs a 12v source up to it to amplify the signal. Be sure the +DC side is on the center conductor. Many antenna can still draw in nearby signals without the DC hooked up but is not efficient. Benny could also be right and you have a bad amp/ant.. I still say; reverse polarity! Chief
 
Brian D

Brian D

.
Feb 17, 2006
5,274
Lancer 27PS MCB Camp Pendleton KF6BL
Occam's Razor says the logical solution be the simplest solution. :)
 
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