CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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In our 2003 Damon we have a Winegard power antenna that uses a Winegard VS0503/5312 model "Entertainment Select" switch, which is now obsolete. Here is a similar unit, for a visual:
Winegard VS-5312
Our TV(s) have stopped working using this set up. The ON light on the Winegard switch only lights up for a second and then goes out. We think this indicates a faulty unit. Of course we haven't ruled out that the antenna may be the problem but my husband "jumpered" the coax cable on the antenna with similar results= red light goes out after just a second.
Our TV(s) worked some of the time last year but it wasn't a big deal since, for the most part, we stayed in RV Parks with cable on our longer trips. This year we are planning to spend weekends at the lake (COE park=no cable) whenever possible and would like to watch a few programs, like the local news.
What is a good replacement for this unit? We assume the newer versions will also have the digital converter built in (?)... this one uses an external one.
Please share your knowledge & experience with us.
Thanks!
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Our toys:
2003 Damon Ultrasport 3873
(picture on profile)
Boat = ProCraft Fish & Ski
Working our way toward retirement...wishing it was soon.
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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Joined: 01/05/2005
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I would start by checking for corrosion and poorly made coaxial cable connectors.
The light (led) only comes on when power goes through the booster style head. It could be a bad antenna head. The unit that has the light is the power supply to the antenna head booster. What model of antenna?
Bud
USAF Retired
Suzuki XL7 pushing Pace Arrow
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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Thanks for your ideas Bud, sorry I wasn't specific about which antenna we have, it is a "Sensar" power antenna made by Winegard. The blue light on the power switch for the antenna is on and stays on, it's the red "power" light on the above mentioned "Entertainment Select" switch (located in the entertainment cabinet with the VCR and digital converter) that only comes on for a second or two and then goes out.
We appreciate any advice &/or replacement recommendations y'all can give us.
Cat & Jim
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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Joined: 01/05/2005
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The entertainment selector takes the place of the wall mounted unit. It supplies power to the antenna booster. Make sure that the wall mounted unit is completed removed from the system.
VS-5312
Thie Quest unit should replace the one you have. Several are available by searching internet.
Quest QS53D
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Thanks "enblethen", we have the Winegard literature in our bag of owner's manuals. My husband has carefully reviewed it several times today to make sure everything was wired correctly.
We looked at the Quest unit in your link earlier and it might be suitable as a replacement. I have some concerns after reading the buyer's review on the Camping World site. Do you have one in your RV?
Cat & Jim
* This post was
edited 04/22/12 07:22pm by CatandJim *
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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No, I got a Magnadyne VCS-7 which does not require power. I use the standard Winegard wall mount power supply.
VCS-7
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wa8yxm
Wherever I happen to park
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Joined: 07/04/2006
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Sounds like a bad selector switch.
Suggestion, Find the fuse that feeds it and pull the fuse (or disconnect the wire) cycle the switch like 50 times, re-apply power and see if it works.
This is a money back guaranteed repair, since it costs nothing your FREE is cheerfully refunded, even if it works.
The odds of it working.. Well.. I have had that kind of repair work a couple of times.. It always surprises me when it does.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Thanks John, we'll try flipping the switch.
enblethen wrote:No, I got a Magnadyne VCS-7 which does not require power. I use the standard Winegard wall mount power supply.
VCS-7
I don't think that one work for us with our current set up....too bad, the price is great!
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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Joined: 01/05/2005
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You said the TV works part of the time. Have you tried different inputs to see if it is isolated to the antenna?
If it is isolated to the antenna it sounds like a bad coaxial connection.
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Lobstah
Northeast
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Joined: 06/28/2005
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I replaced my Winegaurd with a Jack antenna, uses the same mast. It also comes with it's own power supply for the amplifier, so it takes all of the Winegaurd stuff out of the equation.
$50 at your local RV store, and takes longer to climb the ladder than it does to install it 
Jim
2005 Pace Arrow 36D
Very Understanding Wife
2 Boxers
4 Cats
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