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Extremely weak or no signal

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Model: 14000 Transmitter

Symptoms

All or some of the below symptoms may be present.

  • The signal from the Transmitter will only set a clock or show up on a signal meter up to 100 feet or less.

  • Red LED is flashing on the Transmitter front display.

Problem

This may be due to a power issue, a defective Transmitter, or antenna issues.

Analyze

  1. If the red LED is flashing on the Transmitter, fist complete all troubleshooting steps in Red LED flashing and Transmitter GPS communication symbol is not displayed on front display and work through all troubleshooting topics. Resolve any issues found.

  2. If the red LED is not flashing, complete steps in Transmitter continues to power cycle and does not stay synced

  3. Look for the letter “L” (Loop Lock Failure) behind the time on the Transmitter front display.

  4. Verify antenna connections and placement.

    Internal Antenna: verify antenna connection is not cross threaded and the base of the antenna is flat and secured to the top of the Transmitter case. Verify the antenna is straight up vertically and is not touching anything or extremely close to any metal.

    External Antenna: verify connections and inspect external antenna. Verify the antenna and cables running to it are in good shape, cables aren’t bent or kinked, and antenna is not mounted with the head of the antenna near other objects on the roof. Detailed inspection steps provided below.

    1. Verify the LMR 400 Coaxial Cable connections are secure both at the Transmitter and at the Omni Directional Antenna.

    2. Visually inspect the LMR 400 Coaxial Cable from the back of the Transmitter out to the Omni Directional Antenna - look for any damage (cuts, kinks compressions). If cable is damaged, replace the cable.

    3. Visually inspect the Omni Directional Antenna for a bent radiator (top of the antenna that looks like a trombone slide that wider at the top and tapers at the antenna base). There should be three radials attached to the antenna base at 30 degree angles. Make sure all three radials are attached and securely fastened. Replace any damaged or missing components.

    4. Verify a GelWrap splice closure is in use to protect connection from outdoor elements. Open and inspect the connection to ensure it's secure and has not been not compromised by moisture or corrosion. Dry connection if it’s wet.

    5. Verify the LMR 400 Coaxial Cable is routed and secured with a UV Resistant cable tied to the outside of the antenna mast. Be sure it is NOT routed to the inside of the mast, which may cause the connection to become wet due to condensation from ongoing seasonal climate changes.

    6. Inspect the area where the antenna is installed, make sure the antenna head is well above the roof line and not near obstacles on the roof that could cause the signal to return on the line.

    7. Verify the antenna has 15 ft. of clearance from other antennas and any metal.

Solution

  1. If power to the Transmitter power supply is bad, resolve the issue.

  2. If the UPS (surge protector/battery backup) is defective, bypass it until the UPS can be replaced.

  3. If power to the Transmitter power supply is good, replace the power supply as your first step.

  4. If there is an “L” behind the time, power cycle the Transmitter, watch it for at least 5 minutes to see if the “L” returns to the screen. If the "L" returns, the Transmitter will need to replaced. If the "L" does not return, advise facility staff to check on it periodically, watching for the “L”. Check the signal and determine how far its reaches.

  5. Internal antenna: relocate Transmitter if antenna issues.

  6. External antenna: replace damaged antennas or antenna cables. Relocate the antenna if there might be antenna issues.

If you have checked all the previous steps and there is still have no signal or it only reaches out less than 100 feet, the Transmitter, antenna or antenna cable may be required to be replaced.

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