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3 DIY Antenna Repair Tips

11 December 2020

Byron Holmes

There is nothing more annoying than losing television signal while watching the weekend's biggest game or the season finale of your favourite show with friends and family. Notably, television has become a staple in modern society, and the importance of a good and strong TV signal cannot be overstated. However, an antenna that keeps acting up deprives you of a smooth and entertaining experience. It is even more frustrating if you do not know how to troubleshoot a troublesome or damaged antenna. Here are practical tips for getting your antenna working again.

Inspect Antenna Cable Connections 

You would agree that the first thing that comes to mind when your television loses signal is repositioning the antenna. It is a common reaction, and while it might help in certain circumstances, it is not always the case. Bad cable connection is one of the most common causes of poor television signal reception. Therefore, before you climb to your roof to check the antenna, inspect the antenna-converter link first. You might find that the connections are loose, and tightening them should improve reception. Also, examine the radio frequency (RF) connectors on the converter and the antenna itself for rust and replace them if you find any issues. Otherwise, if you find no problems with the connections, you can move to the main antenna.

Inspect the RF Cable 

The primary purpose of a radio frequency cable is to handle signals from the receiver to the converter. Since it is always exposed, an RF cable is designed to withstand the elements and ensure no signal interference. However, the sheathing protecting RF cables wears out over time and exposes them to moisture, preventing quality signals from reaching the converter. It is usually the case with rolled RF cables or wires resting against sharp or rough edges. Therefore, ensure that you inspect the entire length of the RF cable once you are sure the connections are in good condition. If you notice any tears on the sheath that expose the cable inside, then no amount of covering will correct signal quality. The best cause of action is to replace the entire cable if you want quality imaging.

Inspect Antenna Cable Splitters 

If you have more than one television, the chances are high that you have cable splitters to distribute the signals to every TV or tuner. However, splitters can cause poor reception, especially when the connections are weak or the splitters are not working correctly. If only one TV is suffering from poor reception, then inspect its corresponding splitter. It is because every time you introduce a new splitter to an antenna, you risk introducing electrical noise, interfering with television signals. If this is the case, adding a filter will help eliminate electrical noise and improve signal quality.

Contact an antenna repair technician to learn more.

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