Question: Do RF Amps need to be replaced on a schedule?

[ Jerry — MacSolutions]

Folks,

I have a Radio Shack RF Amplifier attached to my w800, receiving 310Mhz signals.  I’ve had it attached for  the better part of twenty years now and I’m suddenly having problems with some longer range motion sensors being received.

The things that I’ve considered thus far is the amount of noise that another device may be generating but I don’t believe that we’ve added anything recently to cause interference.  So my mind started thinking about the amplifier itself.  Could it have failed, causing the signal to be even further attenuated?  

Does an amplifier that isn’t powered, cause a drop in signal strength?  I have no lights on this amp to even show if it is “on.”  How often should an amp be replaced?  Etc, etc….

Should I just order another or is that a waste of cash?

Inquiring minds… That need an education!

Thx!

Jp