Which tv aerial kit should I purchase?

Bren83
Bren83 Forum Participant Posts: 7
edited April 2017 in Parts & Accessories #1

Been looking online but I am bemused by the variety of ariel and range in cost. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

Comments

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited April 2017 #2

    The most successful TV antenna  by far, in my opinion, is a standard cheap domestic one mounted on a pole (old awning/tent poles are ideal)....and pointed in the right direction.  Route the coax through a window and plug it directly into the TV.

  • SteveL
    SteveL Club Member Posts: 12,311 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2017 #3

    As Vic says a standard aerial will perform as good as any. Although you may need to pass the signal through a booster to pull in all the stations, in some areas. However, if you are going for a permanent caravan mounted version, in my opinion it has to be a directional type, like the status 570. Although retrofitting one would involve putting a 2cm diameter hole in the roof. ☹️ The omnidirectional type are only really of any use in strong signal areas, where any bit of bent wire will do. As soon as the signal weakens in more remote areas, you need a directional type. Plus of course the signal booster. 

  • Milothedog
    Milothedog Forum Participant Posts: 1,433
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2017 #4

    I have also found that a proper Co-ax cable with the ends you fit your self are far better than the pre made ones you buy. I proved this last year at a site with 3 different cables I had, none of them gave a good picture. I bought a 25mtr one at the site office that the warden gets made up and the problem was solved.

    I bought the 25mtr one to connect to the site Aerial but as above the ones I had, one was a 20mtr one, gave a poor picture on both my Vans Aerial and the site one.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,867 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2017 #5

    When we can't get a satellite signal we use an Avtex aerial which just sticks on the side of the van. It works surprisingly well! It has a built in signal booster. If used with an Avtex TV it takes its power via the co-ax cable but on a non Avtex TV there is a separate power lead provided.

    David

     

  • Bren83
    Bren83 Forum Participant Posts: 7
    edited April 2017 #6

    Thank you all very much, all this advice is really helpful. I now have a clear idea of the ariel purchase, looking forward to trying it out in a few weeks. Much appreciated 

  • Bren83
    Bren83 Forum Participant Posts: 7
    edited April 2017 #7

    Do you think i will need to buy a signal booster too?

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2017 #8

    Depending  where  you  go,  Bren83,  --  most  Club  sites  with  a  poor  signal  tend  to  have  a  booster  system  in  operation  any  way  excepting  that  tiny  number  who  tell  you  that  only  satellite  systems  will  get  you  any  form  of  picture  !!

     

    So  if  you  find  yourself  on  a  site  without  a  booster  system  but  still  a  very  poor  signal  you  can  then  buy  a  booster ( Amplifier)  but  I've  managed  for  years  until  this  van  came  along  with  a  'built in'  aerial  &  amplifier.

  • Simon100
    Simon100 Club Member Posts: 666 ✭
    500 Comments 100 Likes
    edited April 2017 #9

    Have a look at this site.

     http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/logperiodic.htm

    They recommend a 'Logperiodic' type ariel. 

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2017 #10

    Here is some very useful advice and info.

    http://www.aerialsandtv.com/touringaerials.html

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