Weak Signal

[coopers210]

I have a MV3500t In Motion. On a recent trip it stopped working. the reciever is Directv, and it shows the signal is weak and in and out even though the antenna is osilating like it's locked on. The antenna is just over 2 years old and hasn't been used much. the reciever works fine in the house and I've checked the wiring. There is a constant 13.8v going to the antenna. ????

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

If you are able, remove the dome from the unit and start a search. See how much better the signal is without the dome. It should improve about 5-7 points. If the dome is robbing much more than this it could be the issue.

If not it could be LNB alignment or a warped reflector.

[coopers210]

Thanks, did that and the signal increased slightly but this time I noticed the the signal is going from weak to 0 about every two seconds like something is turning off and on. Electronic box??

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

Can you check to see if you have voltage on the coax connected to the unit?

You should have fluctuating voltage from 13-18VDC on the end of this cable.

[coopers210]

went out to check that and the thing started working when I turned evrything on. I measured anyway and have a steady 18.3v at the electronics box and 18.1 at the lnb. The only difference, it is 20 degress cooler today.

[Winegard-Mobiletech]

The LNB and the receiver can both be heat sensitive.

Make sure the cabinet that holds the receiver is open and that this is space around the receiver so it can vent. It can't hurt to point a fan into that cabinet.

If you still have the issue with a cool receiver, let me know. Every once in a while, we get an LNB that is sensitive to a lower temp. than the rest of the batch it might be possible to just replace the LNBF.

[coopers210]

Thanks for your help!!