Winegard HD7694 - User Manual

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VHF/UHF MODEL HD7694

High Definition (HD) Antenna

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

For help, email help@winegard.com

Winegard Company • 3000 Kirkwood Street • Burlington, IA 52601-2000

90 DAY LIMITED WARRANTY

Winegard Company warrants this Winegard product against any defects in materials or workmanship

within 90 (ninety) days from date of purchase. No warranty claim will be honored unless at the time the

claim is made, you present proof of purchase to an authorized Winegard dealer (if unknown, please

contact Winegard Company, 3000 Kirkwood Street, Burlington, IA 52601-2000, Telephone 800-288-8094).

Winegard Company (at its option) will either repair or replace the defective product at no charge to you.

This warranty covers parts, but does not cover any costs incurred in removal, shipping or reinstallation

of the product. This limited warranty does not apply if the product is damaged, deteriorates, malfunctions

or fails from: misuse, improper installation, abuse, neglect, accident, tampering, modication of the

product as originally manufactured by Winegard, usage not in accordance with product instructions

or acts of nature such as damage caused by wind, lightning, ice or corrosive environments such as

salt spray and acid rain.

The 90 Day Warranty is provided on the condition that the equipment is properly delivered with all

handling and freight charges prepaid to your Winegard dealer for return to our factory for repair or

replacement. Winegard dealers will arrange for the replacement or repair and return to you without

charge the product which failed due to defective material or workmanship.

WINEGARD COMPANY WILL NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITIES FOR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES,

EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, MADE BY ANY OTHER PERSON.

ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY INCLUDING

WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY ARE

LIMITED TO THE 90-DAY PERIOD OF THIS WARRANTY.

The foregoing shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of any person, whether in contract, tort or

otherwise, and Winegard shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damage or commercial

loss, or from any other loss or damage except as set forth above.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion of limitation

of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from

state to state.

Printed in U.S.A. © Winegard Company 2002 Rev5 3-21 1450290

WARNING

Installation of this antenna near power lines is dangerous!

For your safety, follow the installation instructions.

1450290

Rev. 2/08

Rev5 3-21

POINT THIS END

TOWARD STATIONS

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Summary

Antenna Assembly and Components

Parts List

List of components included with the antenna assembly for verification.

Antenna Element Unfolding

Instructions for unfolding antenna elements and reflector booms correctly for proper performance.

Antenna Mounting and Coax Connection

Steps for attaching the antenna to a mast and connecting the coaxial cable.

Lightning Protection for TV Antenna and Set

Grounding Procedures

Guidelines for installing lightning arrestor, grounding mast, and downlead for safety.

Summary

Antenna Assembly and Components

Parts List

List of components included with the antenna assembly for verification.

Antenna Element Unfolding

Instructions for unfolding antenna elements and reflector booms correctly for proper performance.

Antenna Mounting and Coax Connection

Steps for attaching the antenna to a mast and connecting the coaxial cable.

Lightning Protection for TV Antenna and Set

Grounding Procedures

Guidelines for installing lightning arrestor, grounding mast, and downlead for safety.

This document describes the Winegard VHF/UHF Model HD7694 High Definition (HD) Antenna, providing instructions for assembly, installation, and important warranty information.

Function Description

The Winegard HD7694 is an outdoor antenna designed to receive VHF and UHF high-definition television signals. Its primary function is to capture broadcast signals and deliver them to a television set, enabling viewers to access free over-the-air HD programming. The antenna is engineered to optimize signal reception, ensuring clear picture and sound quality for compatible televisions. It is built with elements that unfold and lock into place, indicating a design focused on signal capture efficiency. The inclusion of a cartridge housing and a rubber weather boot suggests a design that protects internal components and connections from environmental elements, contributing to its durability and consistent performance in various weather conditions. The antenna's design, with elements pointing towards stations, emphasizes its role in directional signal reception, allowing users to orient it for optimal performance based on the location of broadcast towers.

Usage Features

The usage of the Winegard HD7694 antenna involves several key steps, from initial assembly to final installation and signal optimization.

Assembly:

The assembly process is designed to be straightforward, with clear instructions provided to guide the user.

Unpacking and Part Verification: Users begin by removing the antenna assembly from its carton and comparing it against a parts list to ensure all components are present. This step helps familiarize the user with the various parts, including the antenna assembly itself, the cartridge housing, and the rubber weather boot.
Element Unfolding (Initial Side): The antenna is laid on the ground with the cartridge housing receptacle facing down and the long elements pointing towards the user. Starting with the element closest to the user, the first three elements are unfolded in the direction of arrows until they lock into black plastic blocks. The remaining elements on this side of the antenna are then unfolded to their lock position. This process ensures that the antenna's signal-receiving elements are correctly deployed for optimal performance.
Element Unfolding (Second Side): The antenna is then turned over so the cartridge housing receptacle faces up. The unfolding process from step 2 is repeated. Elements that were folded to the opposite side of the boom are lifted and rotated just enough to slide over the elements and the boom, ensuring all elements are properly extended.
Reflector Boom Unfolding: The reflector booms are slowly unfolded until they lock into place. Following this, the elements on the reflector booms are also unfolded. The instruction to unfold "slowly" suggests a need for care to prevent damage during this step. The element clip tip pointing away from the main boom is a specific detail to ensure correct orientation.

Installation:

Once assembled, the antenna is ready for installation on a mast.

Attaching Housing Cover: The cartridge housing cover is attached, ensuring all four snaps are locked in place. The direction of the housing does not matter, simplifying this step.
Mounting to Mast: Nuts on the mast clamp are loosened, and the antenna is slid over the mast. Crucially, the front of the antenna (the small end) must be pointed towards the broadcast stations. The mast clamp is then securely tightened using a crescent wrench (not included), ensuring the antenna is stable and properly oriented.
Coaxial Cable Connection: The rubber boot is slid over the end of the coaxial cable. The coaxial cable is then attached to the cartridge housing. The boot is slid over the boot collar on the housing, providing weather protection for the connection. The coaxial downlead can be secured to the mast using tape or plastic wire ties, helping to manage the cable and prevent strain.

Lightning Protection:

The manual emphasizes the importance of lightning protection for the TV antenna and set, outlining specific steps to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes.

Lightning Arrestor Placement: A lightning arrestor or 75 ohm coaxial grounding block should be mounted as close as possible to where the 75 ohm coaxial cable downlead enters the house. This placement minimizes the length of unprotected cable.
Ground Wire Specifications: The ground wires for both the mast and the downlead must be copper or aluminum wire, number eight or larger. This specification ensures adequate conductivity for safely dissipating electrical charges.
Securing Ground Wires: The downlead wire from the antenna to the lightning arrestor and the mast ground wire should be secured to the house using stand-off insulators, spaced four to six feet apart. This prevents the wires from flapping in the wind and maintains proper grounding.
"Ground Up" Installation Note: A special note clarifies that in a "ground up" antenna installation, it may not be necessary to ground the mast if it extends four or more feet into the earth. However, it advises consulting a TV serviceman for the proper depth in a specific location, highlighting the importance of professional advice for safety.

Maintenance Features

The Winegard HD7694 antenna manual provides limited explicit maintenance features, but several aspects imply a design for durability and ease of troubleshooting.

Durability and Weather Protection:

Rubber Weather Boot: The inclusion of a rubber weather boot for the coaxial cable connection is a key maintenance feature. It protects the critical connection point from moisture, dust, and other environmental elements, which are common causes of signal degradation and component failure in outdoor antennas. This proactive protection reduces the need for frequent maintenance related to corrosion or short circuits.
Cartridge Housing: The cartridge housing further encloses and protects the internal wiring and connections of the antenna, shielding them from harsh weather conditions, UV exposure, and physical damage. This design choice contributes to the antenna's longevity and consistent performance, minimizing the need for internal repairs.
Robust Construction: The instructions for unfolding elements until they "lock into place" suggest a sturdy design that, once assembled, is resistant to movement or damage from wind and other environmental factors. This robust construction reduces the likelihood of elements becoming misaligned or damaged, which would otherwise require corrective maintenance.

Warranty and Support:

90-Day Limited Warranty: The antenna comes with a 90-day limited warranty covering defects in materials or workmanship. While not a maintenance feature itself, it provides a safety net for users, ensuring that any manufacturing defects discovered within this period will be addressed by Winegard Company. This reduces the burden of early-life repairs on the user. The warranty explicitly states that it does not cover costs incurred in removal, shipping, or reinstallation, or damage from misuse, improper installation, abuse, neglect, accident, tampering, modification, or acts of nature. This emphasizes the importance of proper installation and care to maintain warranty validity.
Proof of Purchase Requirement: The requirement to present proof of purchase to an authorized Winegard dealer for warranty claims streamlines the process for both the customer and the company, ensuring legitimate claims are processed efficiently.
Repair or Replacement Option: Winegard Company's option to either repair or replace a defective product at no charge (excluding removal/shipping/reinstallation costs) offers a clear path for resolving issues, minimizing downtime for the user.
Dealer Assistance for Returns: The instruction that Winegard dealers will arrange for the replacement or repair and return of the product without charge (for defective material or workmanship) simplifies the logistics for the customer, making the warranty process more user-friendly.
Online Registration and Email Support: The invitation to "Register your product at winegard.com/myantenna" and "For help, email help@winegard.com" provides direct channels for customer support. These resources can be used for troubleshooting, obtaining advice on optimal antenna placement, or addressing any performance issues, effectively serving as a remote maintenance support system.

Installation Guidance for Longevity:

Lightning Protection Instructions: Detailed instructions for lightning protection are crucial for the antenna's longevity and the safety of the connected equipment. Proper grounding prevents damage from lightning strikes or static buildup, which can otherwise destroy the antenna and connected television. This preventative measure significantly reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements due to electrical damage.
Securing Coaxial Cable: The recommendation to secure the coaxial downlead to the mast with tape or plastic wire ties helps prevent cable strain and movement, which could otherwise lead to wear and tear, signal loss, or damage to the connection point over time. This simple step contributes to the long-term reliability of the installation.

In summary, while the manual doesn't list specific "maintenance tasks" for the user, it emphasizes robust construction, protective features, clear installation guidelines, and comprehensive warranty and support options, all of which contribute to the antenna's long-term reliability and minimize the need for active maintenance.