[SEDXC] UHF Interference from RV TV amps update ALERT

[Dave]

>>
>>What a mess!!!  This could explain a lot.
>>
>>David, AC4JF
>>
>>
>>  Two representatives from Winegard Manufacturing came to Chattanooga
>>  Monday 06/19/2000. They came prepared with a spectrum analyzer, yagi
>>  antenna and about 35 replacement antennas, which had been modified for
>>  lower (15db) gain.  We went to one local R/V dealer and found and
>>  replaced eight antenna/amplifiers, which were transmitting from 438mhz
>>  to 483mhz and drifting up and down the band with spurs in the 900mhz
>>  range. Due to time limitations, I don't think we got them all. We then
>>  went to three other locations where we had found the amplifiers getting
>>  into our 440 repeaters (one was 11+ miles from my repeater) and replaced
>>  those.
>>
>>  Winegard has been more than cooperative about coming to Chattanooga and
>>  helping find and replace these antennas. The company rep. said the
>>  amplifiers were tested at 27db gain at UHF!
>>
>>  Chuck Roach N4WT
>>
>>  After talking with Chuck, there's some more news ...
>>
>>  The replacements worked perfectly with no spurs anywhere.  Obviously,
>>  they didn't oscillate.
>>
>>  Okay, now the bad news.  They have manufactured and distributed over 4
>>  million of these (according to the Wingard Rep) that are 27 DB since
>>  1991. The 11 replaced in Chattanooga has only scratched the surface.  We
>>  are still finding even more!
>>
>>  One of them was so bad, that you could modulate it by tapping on the body
>>  of the RV.
>>
>>  Anyway, we are still waiting on more information from Winegard and the
>>  FCC as to what is going to happen.
>>
>>  So if you are having UHF intereference problems, or 800-900 MHZ, think
>>  about RV dealerships or campgrounds.
>>
>>  Andy Zorca
>>  WJ9J