Troubleshooting Winegard Playmaker Antenna: Noise Issues
The Winegard Playmaker antenna is designed for quiet and efficient operation. However, if you experience unusual or persistent noise from the antenna, follow these troubleshooting steps:
1. Normal Operation Sounds:
- The Playmaker antenna may produce a brief ratcheting noise during startup as it determines its elevation and rotational limits. This is normal and should not be a cause for concern.
2. Cable Length and Routing:
- Excessive noise can sometimes be caused by using a coax cable longer than 50 feet or routing the cable through RV wiring.
- Ensure you're using a coax cable of 50 feet or less and avoid running it through any RV wiring. If necessary, correct the wiring before proceeding.
3. Check Antenna Light:
Remove the dome cover using a T15 Torx driver.
Locate the indicator light inside the antenna.
Observe the light's behavior:
- Steady Light: If the light is steady, the antenna is receiving sufficient power. Proceed to the next step.
- Flickering Light: If the light is flickering, the antenna is not receiving enough power.
4. Troubleshooting Flickering Light:
- Try Factory Coax Cable: Connect the factory-provided coax cable directly from the receiver to the antenna, bypassing any RV wiring.
- Check Light Again: If the light is still flickering, proceed to a voltage test.
- Voltage Test: Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the end of the coax cable connected to the antenna and the voltage output from the receiver. The antenna requires 12VDC to operate properly.
- Voltage Test Video: How to Test Voltage on Winegard Products - YouTube
5. Resolving Voltage Issues:
- Insufficient Voltage at Antenna: If there's less than 12VDC at the antenna, but the receiver is outputting 12VDC, the coax cable is likely faulty and needs replacement.
- Insufficient Voltage from Receiver: If the receiver isn't outputting 12VDC, it might be defective and needs replacement. Contact Winegard or DISH, depending on where you purchased the receiver, for warranty assistance.
6. Troubleshooting Steady Light:
- Check Cable Wrap: If the light is steady but the noise persists, the cable wrap inside the antenna might be caught.
- Cable Wrap Video: https://youtu.be/dey1PsHq-oM
Further Assistance
If you've followed these troubleshooting steps and the noise issue persists, submit a Support Ticket for further assistance. Remember to include details about the steps you've taken and any observations you've made during the troubleshooting process.
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