Winegard Boost XT - User Manual

FAQs
Q. Why do I need the Boost XT preamplifier?
A. The Boost XT preamplifier helps pick up channels that your non-amplified antenna alone may not be able to pick up.
Additionally, the preamplifier minimizes pixelization and drop-outs.
Q. Does the Boost XT preamplifier work with any antenna?
A. The Boost XT preamplifier works with any passive/non-amplified antenna.
Q. Does the Boost XT preamplifier work with VHF & UHF signals?
A. Yes. Typical gain for VHF is 20 dB (lo) and 15 dB (hi) and for UHF is 18 dB.
Q. Does the Boost XT preamplifier have an FM trap?
A. Yes. The Boost XT preamplifier has a built-in FM trap that attenuates FM signal so that it does not interfere with digital
TV channels.
Q. What parts are included with the Boost XT preamplifier?
A. Included are a preamplifier, power inserter, 3’ USB cable, 110 V wall adapter, two zip ties, and two weather boots.
Q. What is the noise figure of the Boost XT preamplifier?
A. The Boost XT preamplifier has a typical noise figure of 1 dB for UHF and 3 dB for VHF.
Q. How do I set up the Boost XT preamplifier?
A. 1. Using zip ties, mount the preamplifier to the mast with “winegard.com” facing up.
2. If using weatherproof connectors, it is not necessary to use the provided weather boots. If not using weatherproof
connectors, slide a boot on the coax cable running from the antenna and on the coax cable that will run to the power
inserter. To slide the boots onto coax cable, the connectors must not yet be installed on the cable, or an ‘X’ must be
cut in the bottom of the boots.
3. On the preamplifier, connect the cable running from the antenna to the “ANT” port and the cable that will run to the
power inserter to the “TV” port. Leave sufficient slack in the cable running from the antenna to form a drain loop. If
using weather boots, then push the boots over the boot collars of the preamplifier.
4. Route the coax cable running from the “TV” port of the preamplifier inside to the power inserter, and connect to the
“ANT/AMP” port of the power inserter. Do not connect a cable from the “ANT/AMP” port of the power inserter to the
TV. Incorrectly connecting the power inserter will overload & damage the power inserter.
5. Connect a coax cable from the “TV/TUNER” port of the power inserter to the “Antenna In” port on the TV. If
splitting the signal, it is recommended that the power inserter be installed between the preamplifier and splitter (not
provided).
6. Plug the mini USB into the “USB PWR” port of the power inserter.
7. Power the Boost XT preamplifier by plugging the regular USB into a USB port on the TV or 110 V adapter. If the light
on the power inserter does not turn on when plugging in to a USB port on the TV, try plugging in to the USB port of
the 110 V adapter, and plug the 110 V adapter into a 110 V outlet.
8. Run a channel scan.
Q. How do I run a channel scan?
A. Using the television remote, select “Menu” and then “Settings.” Then, select “Channel Setup.” Select “Antenna” or
“Air,” depending on your TV. Make sure you are not on “Cable.” Select “Channel Search” or “Channel Scan.” Keep in
mind that steps to perform a channel scan may vary. If the wording in your TV differs from the options shown, refer to
your TV user manual for help.
TIP: Running a channel scan is NOT the same as pressing Channel UP/DOWN on your remote.
Q. When do I need to run a channel scan?
A. To receive maximum programming, you have to run a channel scan after setting up the Boost XT preamplifier with your
antenna. To keep your channel line-up up-to-date, it is a good idea to run a channel scan monthly and anytime a
channel is lost.
Q. What should I do if the light on the power inserter does not turn on when plugging in to a USB port on the TV?
A. Try plugging in to the USB port on the 110 V adapter instead; the USB port on the TV may not be outputting power.

Summary

Purpose of the Boost XT Preamplifier

Benefits and Functionality

Helps pick up channels, minimizes pixelization and drop-outs for non-amplified antennas.

Antenna Compatibility

Compatible Antenna Types

Works with any passive/non-amplified antenna.

Signal Type and Gain

VHF and UHF Signal Gain

Provides typical gain of 20 dB (lo) & 15 dB (hi) for VHF, and 18 dB for UHF.

FM Trap Feature

Built-in FM Trap Function

Attenuates FM signal to prevent interference with digital TV channels.

Included Components

Package Contents

Includes preamplifier, power inserter, USB cable, wall adapter, zip ties, and weather boots.

Noise Figure Specifications

UHF and VHF Noise Figure

Typical noise figure is 1 dB for UHF and 3 dB for VHF.

Boost XT Preamplifier Setup Guide

Mast Mounting

Mount the preamplifier to the mast using zip ties, ensuring 'winegard.com' faces up.

Weather Boot Installation

Install weather boots on coax cables if not using weatherproof connectors.

Connecting Cables

Connect antenna cable to 'ANT' port and output cable to 'TV' port on preamplifier.

Power Inserter Connections

Connect preamplifier output to 'ANT/AMP' port, and TV to 'TV/TUNER' port of power inserter.

Powering the Device

Connect mini USB to 'USB PWR' port; power via TV USB or 110V adapter.

Channel Scanning Procedures

How to Run a Channel Scan

Navigate TV menu: Menu > Settings > Channel Setup > Antenna > Channel Search.

When to Run a Channel Scan

Run after setup, monthly, or when channels are lost for optimal programming.

Troubleshooting Power Issues

Power Inserter Light Not On

Try powering via the 110V adapter's USB port if TV's USB port is not providing power.

Distributing Signal to Multiple TVs

Using a Splitter

Yes, can distribute to multiple TVs. Install power inserter between preamplifier and splitter.

Connection Diagram for Multiple TVs

Connect preamplifier to power inserter, then to splitter input, and splitter outputs to TVs.

Usage and Safety Precautions

Recommended Mounting Location

Preamplifier designed for antenna mast; power inserter for indoor use only.

Power Inserter Moisture Hazard

Do not expose the power inserter to moisture to prevent fire or shock hazard.

Winegard Boost XT Specifications

General

Gain	20 dB
Noise Figure	3 dB
Power Supply	12V DC
Connector Type	F-Type
Weight	0.5 lbs
Dimensions	114.3 x 69.85 x 31.75 mm