Our DTV Converter Box Is Not Picking Up All Available Channels, What Is Wrong?

by Patti
(Meadow Vista ,Ca)

We bought our converter box (apex). We have a 2006 5th wheel. We have a video distribution center which controls tv, dvd, vcr and radio.

We hooked in the box and did setup. We got almost all the stations we had gotten with our antenna. Next time we went to watch, we had no picture and it said no signal. We redid setup but only get 2 stations. I have tried changing box to channel 4 but that didn't work. Any suggestions?

Answer Greetings Patti thanks for submitting your question on our Ask An RV Question Page.

I am going to assume that your 5th wheel is equipped with a crank up TV antenna. I am going to also have to assume that your antenna is the type that has a built in signal amplifier. The first thing you should do is confirm that the power to the antenna is on. Some antennas have a separate power switch that turns on the power, usually located in close proximity to the Video Distribution Center. Make sure that this switch is in the on position. Other amplified antennas get their power directly from the Video Distribution Center, so make sure that the Video Distribution Center is plugged in. If the power switch was off or the Video Distribution Center was unplugged, that is what was causing the lack of channels.

If everything listed above was OK, you need to take some more steps to determine what is causing the problem. The first thing I am going to suggest is that you read the answer I gave to the question below on how to properly install a Digital TV Converter Box in an RV. It never hurts to double-check that the box has been installed properly.

How Do I Install A Digital TV Converter Box In My RV?

If after you have followed all of the steps in the installation process and you are still not satisfied with the number of channels you are receiving, there are additional steps you can take to greatly improve the Digital TV Reception of your antenna whether you use a DTV Converter Box or have a TV equipped with a ATSC Digital Tuner. Please read the answer I gave to the question below. Don't let the title of the question fool you, whether you have a Winegard RV Antenna or not there are tips on how to improve digital TV reception in your RV or even your home.

Does A Winegard Crank Up RV Antenna Work With A Digital TV (DTV) Converter Box?

Hopefully all of the above information has been helpful in getting your TV woes corrected.

Happy RVing

RVing Al