FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The Marathon Plus is capable of receiving signals from up to 110 miles away from transmitter towers and receives signals from the front and back of the main antenna unit. Typical maximum reception range is between 50 and 70 miles and subject to natural and made-made obstructions, height of the antenna above ground (higher the better), aiming and connectivity (quality of coaxial cable, splitter type and power injector placement).
The Marathon Plus is designed to replace cable and satellite service by replacing those services at the point where they enter the home and/or connect to an existing splitter. By switching incoming service from cable or satellite and connecting the feed from the antenna in place of the prior service, the Marathon Plus delivers the captured antenna signals to all TVs that were previously utilizing the prior service. The only other connection required is placement of the provided power injector module in the coaxial cable line ahead of any splitter or TV to power the main antenna unit’s internal amplifier.
The Marathon Plus can be placed inside or outside and will deliver best reception when mounted as high as possible above ground. Attics, second story rooms or elevated exterior locations offer the best options for placement. However, inside mounting can also work well depending on proximity of transmission towers and line of sight obstructions. The main antenna unit does not need to be located near a window for reception, and can receive signals inside most concrete or wood framed structures. Under metal roofs and locations near any type of RF (radio frequency) transmission sources such as microwaves, FM transmitters or garage door openers should be avoided.
Free Signal TV offers expert advice for setting up the Marathon Plus by calling Tech Support at 859-250-9538. We also offer customers Nationwide expert in-home installation through our partnership with Geek Squad. Click on the Installation button on the main screen of www.FreeSignal.TV for more information on scheduling Geek Squad installation for your location.
Customers can return any Free Signal TV product within 30 days of purchase if they are not completely satisfied with their purchase. The Marathon Plus includes a lifetime replacement warranty for defects in workmanship and premature component failure. The Transit TV line includes a one-year free replacement warranty on all TV units. The remainder of the Free Signal TV product line includes a 90-day warranty for manufacturing defects.
The Marathon Plus is specifically designed for long distance reception and noise free signal delivery across the VHF Hi/Low and UHF bandwidths. The specific differences between the Marathon Plus and other consumer antennas includes a unique “instant amplification” of incoming signals by the main antenna unit. Most amplified antennas boost the captured signals down the coaxial line where signal loss has already occurred. The Marathon Plus is designed to instantly amplify signals and then deliver them down the coaxial line with 40 dBi gain. Signals are also “scrubbed” for interference by an innovative filtering system that cleans up cross talk static from cell phone towers, FM mid-band signals and other local electronic interference sources that cause pixelation. The aerodynamic shape, element configuration of the antenna and use of metal vs. plastic also sets the Marathon Plus apart from other look alike and off-the-shelf consumer antennas. Lastly, each Marathon Plus (and all other Free Signal TV products) are backed by expert Tech Support and Customer Care Assistance for worry free set up and ownership.
The Marathon Plus system includes all necessary hardware and components (including 25’ coaxial wiring) to connect the antenna to existing home coaxial wiring. The main antenna unit is designed to hang from any vertical surface or be attached to a pole or mast up to 2” in diameter via the integrated swivel bracket attached to the back of the antenna body. Free Signal TV does offer several options for placement of the antenna inside and outside including a J Pipe exterior mount, L bracket and vertical attic pole mounts.
Each Transit TV is supplied with a 12V Car Charger connection cord along with a pigtail direct wiring harness for connection into a 12V power circuit. Most mobile vehicles offer either a car charger connection (commonly called cigarette lighter outlet) and/or an available fuse box or connection point for using the pigtail harness. An available Power Brick adapter allows conversion of the TV to 110 Volt power use for in home or in vehicles with a 110V inverter.