TV Aerials

nd5061
nd5061 Forum Participant Posts: 25
edited September 2018 in Parts & Accessories #1

We are fairly new to motor homing so please bear with me. 

We have a swift escape with a fitted aerial and a booster  At the end of this is an avtex TV. The signal is real hit and miss. I've spoken with avtex and they tell me it's more than likely the aerial. Tested it by taking it in house and picture is perfect  Anyway  I've just noticed that there's an aerial plug on the outside of the van. Any suggestions on a good aerial that isn't too big that will improve the picture ? Also, no need for people to write back and tell me I shouldn't be watching the TV but should be out walking etc  That's not helpful  

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,143 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2018 #2

    Well, I could have suggested an aerial but found your last sentence quite off putting. Why do you assume anyone would tell you those things?

    Check out the internet and you'll find something to suit.

     

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited September 2018 #3

    If the aerial is the round type then they are normally a waste of space,,but if the later type oblong type with a booster they tend to be quite good, if the signal is fair to good, any domestic directional aerial will normally be ok,if you are on a site with booster you need a 25mtre  tv lead which can plug into the outside socket to give a decent (normally)signal but you will need to do a retune on your tv as you would when in a different tv station area

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,864 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2018 #4

    We also have an Avtex TV which we find to be excellent. If you are getting a good signal on the TV at home it suggests with a problem with the aerial or the connections between the aerial and TV so that would be my first port of call. If you have a long enough spare TV co-ax lead I would try connecting direct from the amplifier to the TV to see if that improves things. If it does it suggests there is a problem with the built in connections. We have a roof top mounted satellite system but sometimes, due to location, we have to use an aerial. Might I suggest you have a look at this one. Being Avtex it uses the TV's power supply. It just sticks on the side of the van and you can run the cable to the external TV point or through a window and directly into the TV. Its pretty compact and light and we have found it works quite well.

    David

    PS I have moved your post here as the General Chat section is for off topic subjects.

     

  • nd5061
    nd5061 Forum Participant Posts: 25
    edited September 2018 #5

    I tell you why I put that last sentence  In the past I have asked what I consider to be quite open questions about several different things and have had some quite negative responses  There was no intention to offend you and if i did then I apologise

     

    Thanks for taking the time to respond anyway

  • nd5061
    nd5061 Forum Participant Posts: 25
    edited September 2018 #6

    Great thanks for that I'll give it a try .It's just annoying to get a good signal switch off the TV and lose them all when you switch back on. 

    Thanks for the tip

  • nd5061
    nd5061 Forum Participant Posts: 25
    edited September 2018 #7

    Thanks David for moving the discussion and also the advice  On the first subject I have decided I'm a little bit dense  I can't seem to get onto the site to just ask a question and have to go this other route  Any help on that would be good. 

    As for the aerial I will try direct to the amp and see what happens

    Thanks again for your help

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2018 #8
  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,143 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2018 #9

    OK, Nd, let’s move on.

    Generally, you can’t go far wrong with Status TV aerials. The directional 570/580 are very good fixed aerials. The round omni directional of any make are often iffy. 

    We have the Image 620 which is the free standing equivalent of the 570, without the cover, in kit form. You can probably get a cheaper domestic aerial but the Image is very compact and space in our van is at a premium. It works well.

     

    When you enter the CAMC website, select Club Together, then Discussions and it’ll take you to the forum front page. Hope that helps.

  • wallacebob
    wallacebob Forum Participant Posts: 89
    edited September 2018 #10

    I use this https://www.screwfix.com/p/labgear-mini-compact-log-periodic-aerial/67576. Cheap and very effective. It has a satellite connection, F, so needs a fly-lead and then connection to external van socket. I mount mine with a small pole onto my rear cycle rack.

  • nd5061
    nd5061 Forum Participant Posts: 25
    edited September 2018 #11

    It helped immensely  Many thanks

  • Onward
    Onward Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited September 2018 #12

    I'm having problems on some sites in the uk for tv picture quality.I have  Round digital roof aerial but on site in Norfolk  other campers were using free standing tv dishes and getting good results.

    What do I need to do this and any recommendations welcomw

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited September 2018 #13

    just bought a satgear with easyfind lnb and will be giving a try next week in the lake district. will let you know how i got on later.

  • hywelsycharth
    hywelsycharth Forum Participant Posts: 37
    edited September 2018 #14

    You will need a directional ariel -( the round ones are not very good) together with a booster that has a signal strength indicator. The new digital service does not give a blanket signal like the old analogue system and the masts give out a directional broadcast which can be checked on the internet. You would be surprised to find that some sites (being rural in nature) have signifcant gaps in coverage. Also usehul to have is an app providing aerial direction advice.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited September 2018 #15

    antenna aligner for iphones. good app.

  • old ludlovian
    old ludlovian Forum Participant Posts: 132
    edited September 2018 #16

    As you have avtex tv with sat receiver fitted .May be previous owner was using external point to plug in sat cable by using the converter  jack plugs that come  with the m/home .to save fiddling With screw on type .in what can be a tight position . On external point .did this with my mates caravan made it much easier to connect up .

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited September 2018 #17

    You will also need to know if the broadcast mast is horizontal or vertical polarised. Another reason why those omni directional or bee sting/stick aerials are less than useless in certain areas. 

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 550
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    edited September 2018 #18

    nd

    I haven't read all the previous posts,but on my Avtex television it has a facility to see the signal strength and quality information on a bar graphs.

    On my remote control it is one of the 4 bottom buttons.This will give you some indication of the signal strength coming in.

    Quick question though,are you actually setting the aerial up with a signal finder,these were readily available from places like Maplins but now on the internet.

  • ChrisRogers
    ChrisRogers Forum Participant Posts: 435
    edited September 2018 #19

    If it is a Avtex DRS TV with a free to air sat receiver built in, just get a sat. dish solves any problem with the caravan aerial and always a good picture.

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
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    edited September 2018 #20

    as long as there is nothing in the way like trees.

  • ChrisRogers
    ChrisRogers Forum Participant Posts: 435
    edited September 2018 #21

    Never had a problem, have 25mtr of sat. cable so can move the dish to get a good line of sight.