Tv antenna pilot light always on

[Tippetknot]

2021 R27OB. The disc shaped Majestic antenna has a pilot light that is always on, even when the TV is turned off. Seems like a parasitic drain on the house batteries to me. Any explanation?


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[Admiral S]

The antenna is powered by a separate 12 volt amplifier. That is why you see the blue light on. You could pull the power from the amplifier if you are concerned and only power it up when you plan to watch TV.

 

[Tippetknot]

Thanks Admiral S. I get that there is a low noise amplifier built into the antenna to improve signal/noise ratio at the TV. But why is it wired such that the LNA is on when the TV is not being used ( which is most of the time). Why not run it up the coax and use a dc block. Then it would shut off when the TV is off?


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[Tippetknot]

I took a few measurements this morning. The TV antenna amplifier is always on. It is wired into the 12v circuit for the V-berth just before the V-berth usb outlet near the TV. (The duplex usb jack here has an integral voltage regulator that reduces the voltage to 5 volts, like in a car adapter) The 5 amp fuse for this circuit is behind the wooden panel in the quarter berth. The bias tee for the antenna is in a small plastic box behind a small, carpeted panel at the back of the coat closet near the step.

The antenna draws a continuous 0.125 amperes even when the tv is not on. . That equates to 1.5 watts or 36 watt-hours per day. ( or 3 ampere-hours per day).

You could add a switch, or simply reach up in there and pull the power plug out of the bias tee box until you want to watch broadcast TV.

Something to think about if you’re on the hook for a few days.

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[Madisonwi]

hi tuggers..i just got a used 2021 27 LE ranger ..i found the fuse that will kill the antenna pilot light but i can not find the bias tee...or carpeted panel at back of the closet..any ideas or updated comments. thanks! pat

 

[mlanger]

I’m still trying to figure out why a boat this size has two televisions. 😀

 

[dougxn]

I just pulled the antenna as I never watch broadcast tv. I use the internet and my tablet these days. I was thinking about replacing the tv with one that would work with my phone- cast to the tv from my iPhone.

I have an2015 R27, so there is just the one tv and it gets used as a mirror from the Garmin. Anyone replaced the tv with anything spectacular [emoji2369]


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