[kach22i]

I unplugged the inserter preamp power unit in the basement, watched the little green light fade away.

I then went up the ladder to the preamp on the pole and using a male/male coupler tied the in and out together, thereby by-passing the preamp.

Still no signal.

There is a chance the replacement 300/75 balun from Radio Shack was burnt out according to Stereocraig's comment if used in the previous powered up by-pass attempt. I frankly don't recall if that new unit was in place during that test, or the old one, so I'm off to the store to spend another six dollars.

EDIT
New cable and transformer made no difference, by-pass with power down also still no signal.