HD7696P balun cartridge

[re_nelson]

See my previous posting from early January concerning the HD7696P. Unfortunately, I never heard back from hrabo@winegard.com (Hans) whom I was told to contact.

Subsequently, as I investigated the matter further of gain figures being less than expected with the HD7696P, I am now certain that the balun cartridge may have been defective. Here's why I've come to that conclusion:

1). When I "borrow" a balun cartridge from my YA-1713 and install it into the HD7696P, the VHF performance on the HD7696P goes up to meet my expectations on RF-8, 9, 11 and 12.

2). And with the "as shipped" balun cartridge on the HD7696P, I note that the gain peaks on RF channels 19-30 but then has a severe drop on channels BELOW (V and U) and ABOVE that range as well. Notably, I've measured as much of a 10 dB drop between RF-30 and RF-40, with both facilities in the D/FW market using 1,000 kW at around 1700' HAAT at the same azimuth.

3). And using a known good 300-75 ohm balun on the phasing lines (per the video hosted by Hans), I get expected gains all the way from RF channels 8 to 51 in the market. Notably, there's no steep dropoff above RF channel 30.

I''m using a calibrated Sencore SLM-1456 to derive these gain values.

So, given that the problem has been identified, what steps must I take to get a replacement U/V balun cartridge for my HD7696P?

[winegard]

Good morning re_nelson,

Please contact our technical services department at 800-788-4417 and they will step you through the warranty process and get you up and running.

[re_nelson]

Please contact our technical services department at 800-788-4417 and they will step you through the warranty process and get you up and running.

Thanks.

I just had the pleasure of speaking with Hans at that number. After describing my analysis procedure where I discerned that the balun cartridge was defective, I have now made arrangements with the warranty department to obtain a replacement.