Triax UFO 100, 120

[rpmerrill]

I have a Triax UFO TV antenna, I think. I found an installation manual in the pile of documents I got from the previous owner. I only tried the TV once, marginal reception, but I am kind of out in the boonies. Since I found the installation manual I have become much more curious. The manual talks about a "PSU" power supply and a "power indicating LED".

Can anyone tell me where that puppy might be located?

Or can you post an operating manual?

Thanks
rich

 

[knotflying]

The power source should be up in the starboard overhead storage compartment at the helm. To the left of the blower fan. It should be all set up and powered. Good luck trying to get to it. The reception is always marginal except when near major towns or cities. Brush up on your Spanish and you will be golden.

 

[rpmerrill]

Aha!
I can always count on knotflying to step up, first and the most!
We'll see what I can find.

Don't go away... I've got more postings with questions like this.

 

[rpmerrill]

Oh ya! I found it.
More inaccessible than I thought.
Didn't see any LED, but who knows where it might be. I may have to look at night.

 

[Scuffy]

Some of the amplifiers have an on an on /off button. If you can't see the little light slide your hand around over the top of theamplifier and if you feel a button give it a push that should turn it on.

 

[rpmerrill]

I determined the in and out for the signal and the third connection must be the power cord. Plugs in.
However it is so close to the windshield fan, I don't think I can pull it out to check if there is juice.
I may have to dismount the windshield fan first.

Not sure how the amplifier is secured in place but it doesn't seem to wanna move.
I had the number on the side label, but I left it on the boat.
Maybe tomorrow.

This is the end of my first season and a lot of the niggling little questions are re-surfacing.
You may be able to tell by looking at all my posts with odd-ball questions.

Stay tuned.
There's more.

 

[rpmerrill]

Well, this issue finally came back to the top (or upper parts) of my list. Rainy day and I decided to dig in. On a good day the reception is pretty much unwatchable. Digital break up and long sessions of "no signal". Today it was even worse ... I'm blaming the bad weather.

So I dismounted the defog fan. Easier than I expected.
The antenna splitter and power supply/amplifier is an IPF529. Anyone have a spec sheet or manual. It's not on the web anywhere. It snaps down onto a plastic base screwed to the floor of the overhead compartment. In the snapped down location it was impossible to unplug the power cord. I did that first and checked for voltage. Then on the side that was facing away from the helm position (and totally invisible) is the power indicator LED. It works. And as I recall there was an LED up on the antenna and I saw that last fall (only visible at night).

So, all is well except for the rotten TV reception. It has been a long time since I watched "antenna/broadcast" TV. I'd be interested in hearing about the experiences of others. What kind of reception ranges have you seen? Has anyone found a better antenna system or a magic bullet? Grandkids are visiting next month and I've gotta find ways to keep them occupied.
Ya, I know... DVD's.

 

[knotflying]

You are not alone. I replaced mine with a Glomex antenna. The reception is a little better. Relocating the antenna higher and on the mast will improve things. When near cities the reception and choices are better. If you Brush up on your Spanish there should be plenty of choices. The grand-kids should like QUOB I always get that.
All in all, DVD and internet Netflix and Amazon are what we watch. We got so used to not watching network TV we canceled our TV cable subscription in our summer home.

 

[rpmerrill]

With a name like Glomex... not surprised you get all the Spanish stations.