TV antenna loses signal

[trainer51]

This is a strange one, when using the stock TV antenna, when the bedroom ceiling light is turned on, the signal to the TV goes out. The bathroom light does the same thing. Turn the lights off and the antenna works. The green led on the power outlet stays on. Ideas anyone? DW suggests gremlins.

[FPM III]

When you say "goes out", do you mean the screen goes completely dark, or are you getting an unwatchable picture due to something like pixelation. We have a number of knowledgeable folks here on the subject of televisions. However, like doctors, the more information you can supply, the better your chances of finding a solution to your problem; especially when it appears to be an unusual one like yours.

[hoppers4]

That problem would suggest that the power draw from the lights is creating enough line loss to reduce the voltage of the antenna power amp to the point where it won't work. This could be caused by a bad connection (converter maybe) or marginal battery voltage. You could start troubleshooting by removing one of the two light bulbs and measuring the voltage at the socket of the other one while switching the other light. Voltage should be over 12VDC at all times.
How old is your house battery? It could be getting tired/marginal.

[TWP723]

Man, we here in Maryland can't even use TV antennas. No free air television here anymore.

[trainer51]

The TV's (2 of them) pixelate, sometimes bad enough to go dark grey. Batteries (440 AH ) are at 13.3 volts. I was thinking of pulling the tv amp out of the box and looking at the power feed when it is happening, but can't do that yet. The ceiling lights are leds.

Thanks,

[RoyBraddy]

I suspect your LED lights in that area are causing your problem. The LED units that have built-in BUCK BOOST REGULATOR for making them work over a large 9V-30VDC range will emit large enough RFI to do this.

There is alot of info on the various forums about this problem. About the only way out is to pick up a couple of LED BOARDS from EBAY/CHINA that do not have the regulator chips installed on them and try them out. They only cost $4.99 each... You can also just remove the LED LAMPS that plug into the 921 or 1141 sockets and replace them with regular incandescent automotive bulbs and see if that doesn't clear up the problem.

We also got the same problem using our OTA BATWING picking up weaker HDTV signals. Turn ON the LED LIGHTS and the digital HDTV view stops and then goes to the NO SIGNAL screen. Turn off the LED CEILING LIGHTs and it clears up. Worked ok with the stronger TV signals coming through the CABLE TV hookup. Ours also affected the WX RADIO frequencies and many of our VHF/UHF Police Scanner frequencies.

Roy Ken

[trainer51]

Thanks Roy Ken, that make sense, the antenna is a batwing and is only 4 feet away from the ceiling light in the bedroom, and 8-10 feet from the bath light. Is the King antenna bothered by the RFI as bad as the batwing?

[troutslayer]

Originally Posted by trainer51

Thanks Roy Ken, that make sense, the antenna is a batwing and is only 4 feet away from the ceiling light in the bedroom, and 8-10 feet from the bath light. Is the King antenna bothered by the RFI as bad as the batwing?

I believe that it could be. I have the King and have similar symptoms.

[namusmc65]

Geez, just another reason for a good satellite dish. lol

[gaserv]

I suspect the LED lights are creating RF that is interfering with the signal to the TV. Better brands of TV's included ferrite beads that are designed to place on the cable lead in and the power cord to eliminate interference. Also you might try a local cable or satellite dealer and get some good quality RG6 Quad Shield and replace the cables. I sell the King Controls antenna and they do well but I personally have never had an interference problem with either antenna in my RV's.