SK-1000 Backlight

[Roy Edwards]

We recently purchased the SK-1000 antenna for our RV from Camping World and had them install it. We are very pleased with the antenna EXCEPT the control box is mounted in our bedroom. That little blue light lights up our whole bedroom. Is there a way to turn it off or shut off the control box but still keep the antenna itself deployed? Also, there is an extra 10 feet or so of control cable coiled up by the control box. Can this cable be shortened? Thanks...

[Winegard Tech Help]

Roy,

You can power down the control box but leave the antenna up by pressing and holding the power and select buttons at the same time. After a few seconds, it will turn the power off and leave the antenna deployed.

In terms of the cable, we do not recommend shortening it in any way as you run the risk of damaging the cable or even worse, possibly damaging either the control box or the control board in the turret.

[Bill Adams]

If you do power the unit off at night, there is no need to turn it on in the morning. The display will go off and stay off. I will offer a warning, however, that with the display off it is easy to mistake this for an indication that the antenna is stowed. Just be sure you do a visual inspection from outside the coach to ensure the antenna is down before you move the coach.
Also, if you do turn the unit off as described above it does not need to be turned back on until you are ready to leave. The antenna will work just fine unless it gets blown off signal (no light, no power to the roof). If you do power the display back on, it will enter a full search routine and have you back watching TV in 5-6 minutes. If you wait until you are ready to leave you can power the unit back on and release the power button. Now, push the power button again and the antenna will enter the stow mode instead of doing a search.

[Winegard Tech Help]

Good information from Bill.

The simplest ways I've heard from customers to ensure the satellite is down is to either put a note on the steering wheel or to put your motorhome keys on top of the IDU.