I bought a RCA TVPRAMP1R to try and improve my signal strength from some far off towers.
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wr...5b94be0b82ca8e First one I received from supplier had obviously been previously used, and when installed, there was absolutely no change at all on any channel. I called supplier and they immediately agreed to send another. Well, today I received two more of them, and they two showed signs of being previously opened boxes, and showed no difference to signals when plugged in, or unplugged.
I don't know if maybe signals cannot get any better, but there is no improvement at all across the board, and I wrote down signal strengths before and after trying. I suspect that possible supplier keeps sending out returned faulty/returned items, but I don't really know. Is there a way I can check these units out to see if they are actually working properly? I've checked/rechecked/and checked all connections multiple times, and when I remove the preamp stuff and run antenna coaxial direct to tv(s) signal is still the same. The transformer on the second unit I tried got very hot, so I removed and put that one to the side. Third unit is connected now, and signal strength has not improved anywhere, at all, and transformer is warm to the touch, but not hot like the other. The only thing that may be my fault is that instead of going up and down the tower to change out these various preamps, I have switched them in and out about 25ft down from antenna, by the connection to coaxial ground block. Would that far away from antenna stop all improvement to system?
What I'm trying to find out is if there is any way I can test these units before calling supplier again? I'm not sure what to do next, and appreciate any good advice on this.
