Winegard Rayzar E2 error fix

[reilym]

After 9 years of reliable service, the Winegard Rayzar RZ-8535 automatic antenna on our RV stopped working with an E2 error code. During trouble shooting, I tested the voltage on the coax connector at the antenna as recommended by Winegard and saw the expected 4.5 volts, so I assumed the cable was good. A call into Wnegard tech pointed to a likely bad antenna.

I found a replacement on Amazon and while awaiting it's arrival, I removed my old antenna. Just for grins, I bench tested it and found that it worked fine. After this, I checked for continuity on the outer (shield) part of the RV's coax and found it was essentially on open circuit. I clipped off the old F-type connector on the coax that attaches to the antenna and a new connector solved the problem. I speculate that water entry into the unprotected coax connector on the roof eventually led to corrosion of the contact between the fitting and the coax shield wires. There was enough contact to show voltage when the control unit was turned on, but not enough to carry the current necessary to allow detection and operation of the antenna and hence the E2 error code. Dissection of the original fitting confirmed this. Post mortem, Ryan at Pleasure Way confirmed that the cable usually goes bad at the connector on the roof. I sealed the new connection with self-annealing electrical tape and heat shrink tubing to hopefully avoid future failures.

Fortunately, I figured all this out before the new unit was delivered and I was able to return it unopened. Turns out that a $1 connector almost cost me $400. I hope this helps anyone with a similar problem.