I decided to do some debugging today. Last spring I rewired the TV cables in the trailer. I added a secondary amplifier to the outside antenna and used an RF switch to route the cable TV input to the bedroom. I did it in Tucson where we didn't have any broadcast channels available. So there was no way for me to test that part of the new configuration.
When we left last month I discovered that the antenna signal worked in the living room, but not in the bedroom (at least I thought it did - see below). I didn't take time to debug it until today. I ended up taking most of the install apart, switch, amplifier, and cables. Everything worked when hooked up to the living room TV. Finally I unbolted the bedroom TV from the wall and hooked it up in the living room. It still didn't work. This took two hours because the cables and components aren't readily accessible.
Finally it dawned on me. The TV has an "auto program" feature that searches for channels on the antenna input. The stupid thing only recognizes digital channels that have been discovered via this operation. If you simply choose a channel, and the channel is digital, the TV doesn't see it. This is an idiotic design. Once the TV programmed itself everything worked fine. A lot of needless effort.
I did accomplish one thing. I think that I've figured out a way to get the satellite TV signal to the bedroom TV. You won't be able to change the channel, but you would be able to view whatever has been selected. I'll probably check it out tomorrow. After what I'd done, I was sick of fooling with the TV stuff today.
I also finished another of those little improvement projects and got a good start on another. I'll need to got to Home Depot before I can finish it.
I finished the day by taking the dog to do some retrieves and making a trip to the grocery store.
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