To be honest I don't remember the specs on the coax cables, but they were a bit spendy when I bought them a few years back. They have gold colored ends if that tells you anything.
I have not taken the equipment back to one of the places that it previously worked good at. For the next step, Hopefully I can get out there tonight to take the ATU down. I'll take it home and open it up to see if there is any moisture build up inside.
I'm still open to any thoughts anyone has, but moisture in the ATU seams like the most likely thing so far.
Thanks
Rob
I seem to recall from previous posts about the Talking House (TH) that, although it provides a purported 50-ohm output, 75-ohm cable is supplied with new units.
If this is correct, it is something to know, but I am not sure what more to say about it.
Gold connectors usually mean high-quality gold-plating for best electrical contact.
Our good radio friend Tha Dood in Poca, West Virginia has sent this possible advice:
"Aye Carl? That dude that has a problem with his Talking House ATU on Part15.us? There's a switch inside, AM band LOW / HIGH. It's a cheap switch, but then again everything in that ATU is a cheaply Chinese made job. Anyways, if that switch is in the wrong setting, or scratchy contacts, it will give a low reading on the ATU's peak meter and give a crappy range. I had to actually rip mine all apart and resolder up all the ATU's GND solder points. Passing thoughts. He might have to do the same with his GND points as well. Tha Dood"
"There's a switch inside, AM band LOW / HIGH. It's a cheap switch"
I was scrolling the frequency up and down on my talking house yesterday and I could hear the unit make a click everytime I passed through 1000 MHZ. I'm guessing I was hearing the low/high band switch relay.
I'm sure that after all the time the OP has operated his unit, he would be aware of the switch.
Remember, he never changed frequencies, just location.
Condensation could be built up in the switch..but that means the problem is in the ATU..as pointed out.
Why do people hide behind people behind computer screens and not come out of the dark and say it for themselves?
Come out come out wherever you are!!
:/
RFB
Yes, I am aware of the switch and I have used this unit for many years, I've never had any trouble with it until now. I really think it is going to be a moisture issue, it's just a matter of me getting down there in the day light and pulling off the ATU, and seeing what is up.
I truly appreciate all the advise everyone has offered me, as I am basically a stranger here, though I hope to become active here in the future. You have all been very kind to me and I will post a message when I get the ATU off and see what is wrong, if it is moisture or something else that has gone wrong, I'll post what I find.
Thanks again.
Rob
Well, if it isn't the ATU, then the Talking House transmitter itself could have an issue. Too bad you don't have a backup to swap in and further isolate the problem (that's why I always buy 2 of everything, once I make a decision to use something).
It would be nice to have two of everything. It would also be nice to broadcast my summer movies and holiday music in Stereo. Unfortunately it comes down to economics. I won't get into all the details but a second unit is simply not possible, just like getting a C-quam unit isn't going to happen nor is getting an stereo FM transmitter. The money isn't there period.
I do the best I can with what I have, if there turns out that my current issue is major failure there will be some serious considerations as to what happens next. So lets hope I find a moisture issue or something else I can fix.
Rob
I finally got sometime and took the ATU unit apart today. I see what some people have mentioned about it being cheaply built. I had to repair a couple of wires and dry out the unit. I can now get about 5 1/2 on the output meter. It still doesn't seem to have the range it did at home, but it is good enough to cover the parking area in front of the display now atleast.
Not that I would be likely to be able to afford it but does anyone have a suggestion, for a better built unit that could do the same job as the ATU?
Thanks again,
Rob
As far as I know, there is nothing off the shelf that will work with the TH other that the ATU that is designed specifically for it. Since you have already taken it apart, you could always make some improvements yourself with epoxy, duct tape and bailing wire!
That ATU has the huge advantage that it is FCC certified when used with the Talking House transmitter. I doubt that you could get past an FCC inspector with another ATU or similar tuning device (there's been lively discussion here about how the Talking House with the ATU EVER got certified). So if it's working at all and you get performance you can live with, I'd either leave it, or buy another one (but you've also indicated that money is tight, and they're expensive).
I think the bottom line is, that after new years is over and the ATU comes down until spring. I think I am going to try to patch up the unit I have a little bit better, and then try to save up the money for a new ATU. I should be able to come up with extra $100 a month and just put it away for a few month until I have enough save, provided that I don't end up need the money for something more essential.
I defiantly see your point about the FCC, and that is one of the big reasons I went with the talking house set up in the beginning.
Thanks,
Rob