Instruction manual

SM100 • 20
suspect a construction problem on the main board and inspect it for
incorrectly placed parts and bad solder joints.
Problem: “The antenna doesn't pick anything up, but signals are received
through the existing antenna.”
Solution: You probably have an faulty wire connection, or a problem on one
of the two boards. Be sure to inspect each part carefully. Using an
ohmmeter, make sure that there is a DC entering the antenna board from the
main board. Also, make sure that the aluminum foil antenna covering has
been cut as instructed, and there are no connections across the gap. Any
connections will allow the foil to act as a shield that will block out most
signals. This is best checked by visual inspection, as the foil will still conduct
around the other side of the PVC pipe.
Problem: “There is a large amount of static in the transmission.”
Solution: Did you connect the paperclip and aluminum foil to the braided
wire? This should eliminate most noise. Also, you can try turning or
relocating the antenna, attempting to tune it out using the tuning, or trying to
identify the source of noise.
Problem: “I don’t hear any signal from the SIGNAL MAGNET ANTENNA or
the antenna connected to the EXISTING ANTENNA jack.”
Solution: There is a bad connection between the Signal Magnet and your
radio, or it is not hooked up properly. Check in this area. Also, be sure that
there is a signal on that frequency. This can be accomplished by plugging in
the extra antenna directly to the receiver.
Problem: “I still get a bit of “powerline hum” from the Signal Magnet.”
Solution: Make sure that all leads are as short as possible, and that you are
using coaxial cable where indicated. Any leads longer than necessary, or
runs of straight wire are great for picking up powerline hum and static noise,
the very thing that we are trying to get rid of!
Problem: “The SIGNAL MAGNET seems to work, but it is not acting like a
directional antenna.”
Solution: Check the orientation of the coax leading from the SM100A circuit
board to the antenna coil. If the polarity has been switched by accident, the
unit will not give you satisfactory results will in operation.