It’s spring again. Or maybe it’s always been spring. I can’t really tell, I feel like I’ve been inside since March 2020. The calendar says it’s March 21, 2021, which could be true. I gotta tell ya, I’m really not sure. But let’s pretend we all know what day it is, and that this day is the first day of spring.
Time to take a look outside
If you’ve been spending time inside a lot — who hasn’t — you’ll probably be amazed at the condition of the electronic stuff outside. When was the last time you took an honest look at your antenna? What about your cable connections? More importantly, what about the grounding wire that’s keeping you safe?
It’s normal for these things to get corroded or broken during the winter months. As water freezes, it expands and creates cracks or loose connections in places where metal has contracted. Then when the water melts, it gets into all sorts of places it shouldn’t. The result is that things don’t look as good as they did when you took your last look.
Some things to check
Look at all your outside connectors. If you see any sign of green or rusty red, that indicates something that needs to be replaced. If you can see bare copper anywhere, it’s time to deal with that as well.
Look at the rubber sheaths on all your cables. These are usually most affected by extreme heat, but if they’ve cracked during the summer they may have let water in.
Look at your outdoor antenna. Are all the elements still straight and parallel? Is it still standing tall? Are you getting the reception you expect from it?
Finally, look at your satellite dish and/or cellular antenna. These things tend to be pretty stable but over time they can drift. If the white plastic radome on your outdoor antenna has started to discolor, it’s time to replace it. If your dish is showing any signs of rust, or if it looks wobbly, it’s time to get a new one.
Above all be safe
Depending on where you live, the first day of spring may be warm and dry. It could also be cold and icy. Be smart! Don’t go up on the roof if you see even the smallest patch of ice. Don’t climb a ladder if it’s slippery, and if you hear thunder GET DOWN NOW! It’s great to have your equipment in fine working order but it’s not worth losing your life over.
Solid Signal can help
Whether you need new grounding wire, new cables, or a whole new antenna or satellite system, Solid Signal is here for you! We have tens of thousands of the parts you need, ready for immediate delivery. We can also help schedule a service call from a technician if you would rather not do the work yourself. When you’re ready, browse the great selection at Solid Signal. If you need help, call us at 888-233-7563. Our call center is located outside of Detroit, so it’s available during East Coast business hours. If it’s after that, fill in the form below and we’ll get back to you, usually within one day.
