Great signal with a SignalReach Amplifier but no connection.

fatNINJA

I've been having issues with my connection for the past month or so. Way out here I've occasion had some issues but only for a day or two. But as of this past month my signal has gotten progressively worse. Finally, last week, my service became completely unusable.

I called up Sprint and went through all the standard things to sort out my issue with no success. Finally, on a lark, I disconnected my amplifier and sure enough I was able to connect no problem. All be it with rather reduced signal strength.

The amp itself doesn't show any outward signs of damage. Powers up, doesn't smell cooked, or anything. What I'm wondering is if anyone knows anyway to check and see if my amp is cooked. I'm also curious if there is anyway to check out my antenna and see if it's been damaged as well. It doesn't show any signs of damage but I just don't know much about radio technology. I've got a basic background in electronics but as I said I never messed around with radio.

Here's some details about my connection if they are necessary.

I'm using Sprint's Mobile Broadband service with a Merlin S720 modem running Windows XP. The amplifier is a Signal Reach SA1xx/SA2xx/TP2xx. As for the antenna... well I don't recall what brand I bought as I've had it for a while. But it is dual band.