Winegard Initial Connection - do not see SSID

[mone1414]

Hi, just got our new Jayco Swift 2025, it came with Winegard model WF2-95B pre install on roof. We used to have Winegard on our previous RV and did not have any issues setting it up. But, with this new one, I turn the Wifi button ON, wait a few minutes and search for Wifi with my tablet (iPad) or iPhone but nothing comes up…. I also tried adding it manually using OTHER and typing the SSID and password, but nothing. Is there something I do wrong since it was never setup before?? And would there be a way to know if the Winegard antenna was properly installed??

Thanks for your suggestions.
Monique

 

[Mr_Mango]

Are you sure you’re turning on the wifi? My wall plate has buttons for both wifi and tv antenna. Also, there are green LED indicators that will light when powered-on.

 

[mone1414]

Yes, I even have both ON.

 

[Mr_Mango]

i think there are two possible SSIDs, one beginning with Winegard, the other ConnecT.

 

[mone1414]

I see nothing like that would look like that, the only thing I see are my wifi and the neighbours wifi.

 

[Mr_Mango]

I just connected to my wifi. It took 2-3 minutes before the network appeared on the Networks list…..(iPhone was scanning for networks. And, I was inside van underneath where the antenna is mounted).

 

[Grumpy]

Is the Sim installed? Was it activated? Just a couple guesses.

 

[mone1414]

I’ve tried everywhere, inside, outside, in front in the back…. Left it On for more than 30 minutes…. I’m kind of wondering if there is power to the antenna…. I checked the fuses box to be sure nothing was blown…. I also tried a Factory Reset with ON 90 seconds/OFF 90 seconds (3 times)…. Still nothing..

 

[mone1414]

There is a SIM there, but I just want to use the Wifi extender(booster). Don’t need to activate the SIM for that.

 

[Mr_Mango]

There is a SIM there, but I just want to use the Wifi extender(booster). Don’t need to activate the SIM for that.

i don’t have a SIM. Used the Winegard to boost/extend wifi in the campgrounds before switching to a smart TV. But, given the fact that most campgrounds’ wifi is spotty, at best, we really only use the TV antenna for whatever channels we can get.

 

[mone1414]

After various trial & errors, we found that there is no power on the antenna (on the roof), the status light is not ON. Noticed this when trying to do a factory reset on the unit, no STATUS light. Like this photo I took on WINEGARD troubleshooting site.

 

[mone1414]

Wonder how to get a sketch of how/where the cable go inside the van. Don’t really feel to drive 4 hours to the dealerships to get this fix…

 

[craigav]

Yes, I even have both ON.

I would remove the wall plate where the switches are and inspect the connections. ~CA

 

[OnTheGo]

Winegard CS has been excellent for us.

 

[mone1414]

I would remove the wall plate where the switches are and inspect the connections. ~CA

Already done that. Did a voltage test on the red & black cables, and nothing (no power coming)…. But on the board, I do have power.

 

[craigav]

Already done that. Did a voltage test on the red & black cables, and nothing (no power coming)…. But on the board, I do have power.

Based on your information, the wifi on the roof is not getting power (based on the power light on it off and no wifi ssid seen) and you have power coming into the wall plate switch but none leaving over the two wires (red and black) that powers the rooftop winegard wifi, is that correct? If so then the issue would be at the wall plate and its components. Feel free to take some pictures of the wall plate switch wiring as perhaps something will stand out in the image(s). There should be ~4 power wires behind the wall plate, two for the incoming power to the switch and 2 more going out to the rooftop wifi. ~CA

 

[mone1414]

Tested the black & red and nothing. Also, tested the board where red & black cables hooked and there is power.

 

[craigav]

Tested the black & red and nothing. Also, tested the board where red & black cables hooked and there is power.

I see, so there is no power on the red and black when they are disconnected from the board but where they plug in does have power implying that the two wires would have power after being reconnected.

With that in mind, then you need to check on the roof at the wifi where these two wires power the wifi router. Leaving the power on for wifi at the switch, check and see if you have voltage at the wifi at the power in connection (I am not sure of the specifics of how to do so, but I suspect you will have to remove the cover). It could be as simple as the connection came loose. ~CA

 

[craigav]

BTW, if you do get on the roof and remove the cover checking the power connections, bring your phone (or camera) and take some pictures as doing so could reduce the need to go back up there. My thought here is that if there is power coming in, and you re-secure the connector, and if it still doesn't light up the power on light, then the wifi is likely defective. Being new though, I think the chances are high that it is simply not connected or maybe just not making a good connection. ~CA

 

[mone1414]

Tested the two wires (red&black), and nothing.