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Disconnecting Crank Up Outside TV Antenna & Wiring

March 05, 2014, 12:26:05 pm

I had  the handyman/electrician at my last RV park remove my outside antenna on my 1992 Silver Anniversary Edition, however, he neglected to remove or disconnect wiring to the dash warning system that the antenna is up and of course I am now getting the red light warning and the accompanying warning noise because the antenna was removed. Can anybody explain exactly what I need to disconnect to alleviate this nuisance.  I now have a Dish tailgater system and love it so far.  In fact, I had the handyman custom build a rack attached to my rear ladder with wing nuts so I can remove the system when traveling.

I bought a nice RCA Indoor Antenna (researched Consumers Reports) for local channels should the satellite dish not get a signal.

I just need to get rid of the red light on the dash and the noise...HELP!

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Re: Disconnecting Crank Up Outside TV Antenna & Wiring

Reply #1 – March 05, 2014, 02:12:37 pm

The antenna has a switch, mercury I believe but don't know for sure on your coach.  As the antenna goes up it will either open the circuit or more likely close it.  All you need to do is fool the circuit that the missing antenna is down by either connecting the wires together or cutting them.  Look at where the antenna was and see if there is a spare regular wire or two there.  If they are disconnected try touching them together and see if the light goes out.

Keith

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Re: Disconnecting Crank Up Outside TV Antenna & Wiring

Reply #2 – March 05, 2014, 02:33:15 pm

Good luck! We've tried all the recommended solutions and none worked.

Let us know if you find the magic incantation.

best, paul

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Re: Disconnecting Crank Up Outside TV Antenna & Wiring

Reply #3 – March 05, 2014, 03:20:59 pm

The one on my '96 U270 was magnetic. I had to tape a Dollar Store magnate to it when I removed the antenna to solve the same problem. 

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Reply #4 – March 05, 2014, 06:24:18 pm

I removed the antenna on the 240 and cut the micro switch off the roof. There is a connection on the circuit board in our rig in front of the passenger and I just looked at the wiring schematic and found it on a circuit brkr and removed wire. No more light or sound. Look at your 12v wiring layout and it will show you which it is.
JohnH

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Re: Disconnecting Crank Up Outside TV Antenna & Wiring

Reply #5 – March 05, 2014, 07:08:56 pm

I have a '91 so your coach might be different.  On mine, inside the interior cabinet closest to the old antenna, there should be a TV coax and two wires that pass up through the roof.  The two wires go a magnetic reed switch (same kind used on windows and doors for home alarms).  A magnet on the antenna closes the switch when in the travel position.  So all you would need to do is cut those two wires an connect them together to satisfy the dash warning light and buzzer.  (I don't have a buzzer on my coach - don't know if it's broken or just something that was added after '91)

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Re: Disconnecting Crank Up Outside TV Antenna & Wiring

Reply #6 – March 06, 2014, 03:28:34 pm

Thanks to all..it appears there is a cable in the cabinet closet to the crank.  I will play with the *GOOD* advice given and relate back once I have fixed this nuisance.  Again, thanks to all.

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Re: Disconnecting Crank Up Outside TV Antenna & Wiring

Reply #7 – March 26, 2014, 11:45:23 am

Update 3/26..

Finally solved my problem by cutting the magnetic sensor wires located approximately 3 inches behind the antenna bracket on the roof.  Hope this helps future readers.  BTW, I prefer my RCA indoor antenna versus the outside crank-up for a myriad of reasons.  Of course, this is only used if my Dish Tailgater is not working/receiving which could happen, but as of yet, has not!

I am rewiring coach with RG6 (not removing RG59), HDMI cables, and a wireless remote extender to get Dish Tailgater to work properly on both TV's.  The RG59 cable was not compatible with the tailgater system.  I will use a Diplexer to switch between modes SAT/CABLE.

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Re: Disconnecting Crank Up Outside TV Antenna & Wiring

Reply #8 – March 26, 2014, 12:06:15 pm

RG59 is not capable to handle satellite signals, although it will work if run only a few feet. There are also cheepo kinds of RG6, so get one with a good shield around centre wire.
JohnH

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